The beauty and significance of mirrors

Yoliswa Dube

MOST people use mirrors every day without thinking about their beauty or significance.

A mirror is intrinsically neutral, neither traditional nor contemporary, and blends well in any interior. It can give the illusion of depth to a flat wall or even make the wall seem to disappear.

Mirrors are simply the most elegant, useful, and under-appreciated decorating tool.

In the public rooms of a house, a mirror is about definition and decoration rather than checking one’s reflection.

In bedrooms and bathrooms, it’s a practical necessity.

In a foyer and in selected areas throughout the house, it’s useful for checking hair and makeup.

When trying to decide whether to hang a mirror or a piece of art, the choice should always come down to the one that is most aesthetically appealing. But in many cases a mirror just works better. With a beautiful frame and decorative details, it is art.

A well-placed mirror can open up a room, alter a view, or reflect a little personality. Here are a few tips on where to place your mirrors.

Full-length mirror as table centrepiece
Place an inexpensive full-length mirror (the kind you attach to a closet door) atop the dining-room table. Set vases of various heights and forms — some with, some without flowers — on the mirror.

Make a room seem larger
Tight spaces expand and rooms seem roomier when you prop up a large mirror (at least three-fourths as tall as the wall). It’s a classic interior decorator’s trick to create instant — if not real — square footage.

Go for a reflective grouping
Randomly group mirrors of various shapes and sizes featuring different frames or borders for a collector’s look.

Let it glow
Fireplaces, like mittens and sleds, go unused during the summer. But the space is perfect for positioning a mirror behind pillar candles to reflect their soft, flickering light.

Reflect the outdoors
A mirror hung to reflect a window gives the illusion of another window in the room. The space will look bigger and, depending on the weather report, brighter. — realsimple.com