How to choose a mirror and find its place in the interior of a room

Since childhood, we have heard many mystical stories about mirrors: supposedly they can bring misfortune, take away the soul or mind. We do not undertake to judge how true these stories are, but mirrors in the interior of various premises are used to this day, and have not brought any misfortunes yet. On the contrary, it is a valuable accessory and a good tool for working with interior design..

Obviously, a mirror can be the most magical piece of furniture.

What are they needed for

A natural question arises: is it worth using mirrors in the interior of a living room or another room??

Playing with space is the main function of a mirror

We are accustomed to perceiving this object only from a practical point of view, which regularly performs its functions in the bathroom and hallway. But we are not used to seeing it as a design element. However, this element performs important functions in the design of the room:

Visually expands the space. This item is often used to visually enlarge the space, so this option is perfect for a small room..
Improves lighting. If placed correctly in the room, it will evenly distribute the penetrating light, and illuminate even the remote and dark corners of the room..
Adjusts the proportions. With its help, it is possible to adjust the proportions of a room or furniture, or, conversely, it is beneficial to emphasize an irregular shape.
Sets accents. If you want to direct attention to an object in the room, set up the reflective element so that it reflects it or directs light at it..

The decorating possibilities of mirror surfaces are enormous.

Thus, a mirror is useful not only in the bathroom or hallway. It can be a good tool for creating designs and correcting space imperfections in any room..

Variety of models

The modern market offers a large selection of different models. Now everyone can find what they like. However, here it is also necessary to choose a product that will be in harmony with the general mood of the room..

A mirror in a beautiful frame will easily transform the interior of even the most modest room

We propose to consider the available options for using various models and style directions to which they are well suited:

Model	Suitable style
Framed	Provence, Baroque, English, Gzhel
Unframed	Minimalism, techno
Compositions	Vintage, boho
Mosaic	Empire, Gothic
Instead of floor	Art deco, modern
Instead of a ceiling	Hi-tech, contemporary, neoclassic
Instead of a wall	Bionics, classic
Built into furniture	Bauhaus, constructivism

Such an unusual mirror will become a highlight of a modern interior.

So, based on what mood you want to create, choose the appropriate design. Let’s consider their advantages, disadvantages and ways of using in more detail..

Framed

In modern design, there are many options for using mirrors in the interior, but the most popular is still the traditional one – in a frame. But can it be called traditional, given all the available variety of models?.

Large mirrors look good in the living room

Here, the greatest attention is paid to the choice of the frame: its shape, color, material, texture. The choice of frame determines in what style you can use the purchased item.

So, for antique styles, a frame with stucco molding, heavy plaster decor is suitable. English, Renaissance, Mannerism accepts heavy carved frames from natural wood. Natural material can be replaced with artificial wood, use wood stain, giving it a natural look.

Two round mirrors in a frame, placed side by side, look like portholes

The new styles also accept the use of frames, but their appearance is already changing somewhat. Here we have simpler options, as well as other materials. Simplicity and practicality are the main tenets of the current style. Accordingly, they were adopted by the accessories. Circle and square are the most common shapes. Simple, plain, unadorned frames are the way to go for new directions.

Unframed

Modern trends accept the previous version, but some of them went further, completely obeying the concept of minimalism, and completely removed the frames.

When choosing models without a frame, pay attention to the edges – they must be processed with high quality

It should be noted that such models do not seem empty and uncomfortable. They bring a touch of novelty and futurism to the room. Often such models have an unusual shape, but a round or rectangular mirror without a frame is also found.

Compositions

Another interesting solution to modern design is the creation of compositions. Here you can use both models of an interesting shape and ordinary ones..

The original composition of mirrors of various shapes will be an excellent wall decoration

Mirrors can be with additional functions, for example, with hooks for clothes

You can create an interesting installation using ordinary glasses of different shapes. You can add family photos to it, which also diversifies the picture. In this case, you have the right to pick up any models and connect them with a common history. The main thing is that they match each other and the general style of the room..

Mosaic

The next unusual idea is a mosaic. This technique has been around for a long time. She is associated with colored glass, church and old style. With the help of mirror mosaics, you can create both antique styles in the interior and modern.

Mirror mosaics can be used to lay out a small area or use to decorate the entire wall

The mosaic can be completely different. With its help, it will be possible to create various “broken figures”, patterns and compositions from small details. A good solution would be to decorate an ordinary mirror with a mosaic..

You can make such a frame for a mirror with your own hands.

Combine this technique with others, and also add various materials (colored glass, metal, wood) to it. Please note that the mosaic elements are not only broken and sharp, as we are used to seeing. In modern style, they can be round or other interesting shapes. Depending on the chosen design theme, this technique is suitable for any style..

Instead of floor

This unusual solution is suitable only for daredevils, as there are many nuances here:

the model is suitable only for certain parts of the room;
the decor should be thought out to the smallest detail;
to make a one-piece panel for flooring will only have to be made to order;
special care and gentle operation are required here;
the cost of such an idea is quite high.

How to implement this solution? There are several options for such an unusual design..

You can install mirrors completely around the entire perimeter of the floor, covered with a protective material. So you will be able to maximize the space, create the illusion of a transparent floor. This idea is interesting only for some non-residential rooms, since being in such a room every day may not be comfortable..

Mirror floor – a very extraordinary and expensive solution

The second option is focusing attention. With the help of a mirrored floor, you can easily highlight any area or object in the room. Just trim a certain area of the floor in this way and place the desired item on top.

Instead of a ceiling

Let’s move on to the opposite – the ceiling. This option is more common. This idea is perfect for rooms with low ceilings, and supports minimalist styles with a futuristic focus..

Mirror ceiling tiles will make the hallway visually higher

On a note! To apply this idea, the floors in the room must be light..

A panel for the entire ceiling will create a feeling of fullness in the room, visually increase the space, and with the skillful use of ceiling lamps, it will play an important role in shaping lighting. With the correct placement of the lights, the mirrors will diffuse the light and also reflect the lights, creating even more light..

Instead of a wall

This is an even more common idea than the previous two. Mirrored walls are used in dance classes and aerobics halls. This helps the student to carry out self-correction of all elements and monitor the correctness of their implementation. A mirror in the interior of the living room on the whole wall does not have such practical significance, but it will be a useful and good design.

Floor-to-ceiling mirror – ideal for narrow corridors

Mirrored walls will help expand the space and bring more light into the room. In addition, they will be useful for self-correction of posture..

This idea allows you to use not only a solid panel, but to combine mirrors with other elements, apply sandblasting drawings, or use partitions of various types, breaking a solid structure.

Models built into furniture

This option is suitable for those who love large models, but cannot afford a mirrored wall, floor or ceiling. Most often, sliding wardrobes with such a door are used. They can be installed in a bedroom, living room or hallway. An interesting effect will be created by such floor stands or a table..

The most common option is a mirror as part of a headset

Do you want your bed to float in the air? Line its perimeter with a mirrored strip.

When using such furniture, take care of the elements that it will display. Place an interesting vase or other element that looks unusual in the reflection against the sideboard or table.

A few words about styles

It is worth briefly outlining the main postulates of the styles most used in modern interior design. This will help you choose the right model, choose the right colors and create a harmonious look. In the most general sense, we can divide the available styles into modern and old..

Neutral thin-frame mirrors fit almost any style

Modern directions

We include futuristic styles in this category. These include minimalism, chalets, art deco, loft, techno, contemporary, bionics, hi-tech. We are talking about those directions that profess the postulate of minimalism, use modern technologies in design.

Marble wall covering with mirror inserts – real modern

For lovers of non-standard solutions, there are unusual mirrors.

The preferred materials for modern styles are metal, glass, plastic and wood. The color range covers all shades, both light and dark. The color of the surfaces is predominantly monochromatic. A frame for a mirror in such styles should be chosen as simple as possible, not cumbersome. There is no room for ornate decor. Simplicity and practicality are the basic rules of all elements of modern trends.

Ancient directions

We refer to the old directions as those styles that do not use innovations in design. This includes classics, antique styles, Provence, English, all national trends. They are not old and irrelevant. They just take us back in time and give us old-fashioned luxury..

A gold-plated mirror for a classic look

Here you will not find an abundance of glossy surfaces, cold light, strict lines and minimalism. Simple and tasteful – this is not from this opera. The destinations of this group are luxurious and gorgeous. Perhaps, for modern life, some of them are overloaded. However, there are also lovers of luxury and old chic today.

In Scandinavian interiors, mirrors are often on the floor.

Mirrors in this case should match the style and be truly luxurious. Most of them are in beautiful massive frames. They can be carved or with stucco elements. Large floor models work well.

Important aspects of the installation

Before finally coming to the decision to use mirrors as room decor, you need to familiarize yourself with the principles of installation and operation of this element:

When installing, take care of the correct location of the light sources. It should become an assistant in the formation of the correct lighting, and not interfere with it..
When installing multiple products with a mirror surface, it is better to position them so that they do not appear in each other..
If there are children in the apartment, install the product out of the reach of children..
It is better to use the proposed ideas in bright rooms..

The larger the size of the mirror, the stronger the effect of increasing the space

It is also worth taking care of proper care. This is especially necessary when the product is in constant use (furniture, walls, floor). Purchase a special cleaner for cleaning these surfaces and keep them clean on a regular basis. Select the correct operating mode. The most acceptable will be the gentle mode, where such surfaces are located away from frequently used places..

Large mirrors should be hung by professionals

As you can see, the use of a mirror in the interior is not limited to the traditional way. This element can be a real salvation for a small room, and also serve as an excellent decor..