Polly Wreford- A Collection of Mirrors

Guest Post

On the surface, putting up a wall mirror should be a piece of cake. But we all know that it can be a real pain when your mirror gives way and smashes into small pieces on your floor, so it’s probably a good idea to [...]]]>

Polly Wreford- A Collection of Mirrors

Guest Post

On the surface, putting up a wall mirror should be a piece of cake. But we all know that it can be a real pain when your mirror gives way and smashes into small pieces on your floor, so it’s probably a good idea to do it right the first time. That means you’re going to need the right equipment, including the correct nails, screws or fasteners, as well a small hammer, and a pencil.

In addition to these items, I would include a laser level and a cable detector. Although the latter two pieces of equipment aren’t necessarily essential, they will certainly make your life easier. Once you have the skills required to put up your own mirrors you can change them around as often as you like. Check out our previous feature on different types of mirrors for your home. 

So if you’re looking to put up some wall mirrors, just follow our simple guide:

Step 1: Identifying the Location

You might have a vague idea of where you want to put your mirror, but the key to making it look good is actually finding the perfect spot.

It should be perfectly centred within a section of wall and at a good height. Your best policy here is to get someone to hold the mirror against the wall and move it around until you're absolutely content with it. With a pencil, mark off the bottom corner points and then put the picture to one side for a moment.

Step 2: Finding Wiring

Most wiring in modern houses is safely out of the way. However, if you're going to put a nail into a wall it's best to be absolutely sure what's behind it, because you don't want to catch a cable or (worse) a water pipe. There are hundreds of devices out there that will check for you, so make sure that you use one so you can put up your mirror without having to worry about the lights suddenly going out.

A Passion For Collection Book Available on Amazon

Step 3: The Right Fixing

Sometimes a nail is the perfect solution, but often it's not. This is particularly true if you're hanging up something big or heavy.

For instance, if you're drilling into brick, you're probably going to need a screw. But if you're hanging something heavy on a plaster board wall you'll need to spread the weight, preferably with several 'four pin' hooks. A quick search on Google will tell you how to identify the nature of your wall, and make sure that you've got the right fitting to stick in (and not damage) the wall.

Step 4: Preparation

To prepare, just put a sheet down underneath where you're going to work, or at the very least have a vacuum cleaner handy as it'll save time in the long run. Use your laser level to make sure that your lines are completely perfect and mark them off with a pencil (you can always rub it out later).

Step 5: Put In the Hangings

This bit should be the quickest and easiest part of the process. All you need to do is simply knock in the correct fixings into the wall at the right spot.

Step 6: Double Check

Finally, use the laser level to make sure that your mirror is level.

So you bought an antique or used mirror at an affordable price. The only problem is that the mirror is damaged. You love the frame and the glass; you just want the mirror not to have black marks or scratches. What do you do? Here are some tips that can help [...]]]> Venetian Styled Mirrors

So you bought an antique or used mirror at an affordable price. The only problem is that the mirror is damaged. You love the frame and the glass; you just want the mirror not to have black marks or scratches. What do you do? Here are some tips that can help you to repair your mirror without a large investment:

1. Aluminum Foil

If you have small black holes in your mirror it is probably because the backing is scratched. The backing on a mirror is very delicate and if scratched it can show up clearly. To repair this easily and cheaply simply tape a small piece of aluminum foil over the hole. Make sure the shiny side is towards the glass and that it is not wrinkled. Be careful with the tape as removal of it will damage the mirror further.

2. Hand Polishing

If you have scratches on the glass you can remove them with a bit of hand polishing. However if you can feel the scratch with your fingernail it is too deep to hand polish. You can get it machine polished by a professional but that will warp the glass and thus the reflection.

3. Silver Paint

Another option for repairing damage to the back of your mirror is silver paint. Most hardware stores sell mirror paint to fix spots. Just dab a little on to cover up bad spots. Keep in mind this reduces their appearance, but it does not remove them. They may still be visible.

4. Re-Silvering

Re-silvering your mirrors is another possibility. It is very expensive and needs to be done by a professional. Old glass will show all the damage if re-silvered, so it may not look like new. It might be a more affordable option to just swap out the mirror with a new one cut to size.

There is a certain charm to old mirrors, even if they are damaged. If you like the antique look then it is probably better to just leave your mirror alone and enjoy the uniqueness of your piece.

Author Bio:

Roxanne Porter is a freelancer & a regular contributor for www.nannyjobs.org. She helps in providing knowledge about nanny services & love writing on nanny related articles. She helps in giving a fair knowledge about nanny Jobs to the community. You can be in touch with her at “r.poter08ATgmail.com”.

Venetian Styled Mirrors

Domino Magazine Venetian Styled Mirrors

Venetian Styled Mirrors

Lonny Magazine January February 2013 Issue,
Jessika Goranson

Colorful Interiors From Domino

Domino Magazine

Ruthie Sommers

Trumeau Mirror From Lonny Magazine

Lonny Magazine March April 2012 Mirrors Which look like doors

 Chippendale Wall Mirror Paired With Black and White Dog Wallpaper

Gold Wall Mirror Paired With Black and White Dog Wallpaper

Framed Cork Made From An Old Mirror Domino

Oval Gilt Mirror with Eagles- R. Jorgensen Antiques

We all use mirrors practically every day. When we groom ourselves we want to be able to see how we will look to others. But few of us realize that mirrors can be useful for far more than just that. They can be used [...]]]>

Oval Gilt Mirror with Eagles- R. Jorgensen Antiques

We all use mirrors practically every day. When we groom ourselves we want to be able to see how we will look to others. But few of us realize that mirrors can be useful for far more than just that. They can be used to make a small building or room look bigger—which is great news for the homeowner who has the misfortune to be claustrophobic. Let us look more closely at how this is the case.

1) How it works

The precise effect that a mirror or combination of mirrors will have on the appearance of the room depend on two factors—how large they are and where they are placed in relation to each other. Using mirrors to create the illusion of wide open spaces in a small room is therefore a science that takes a good deal of experience in order to get it right. The way mirrors make a room look large is by reflecting the light, so a mirror placed just above a fireplace will serve that purpose well. You can put up a series of mirrors lining both sides of your hallway to make it look larger, which you might want to do as hallways can be among the most notoriously confining of all the spaces in a house. Another way of arranging things is to have a mirror between two windows on the same or adjacent walls, which can also add depth. In the kitchen, a mirror can create a more cheerful atmosphere if it is placed behind a stove, which is one of the darkest parts of the house.

How many mirrors you include in a given room will depend on the overall effect that you are aiming to achieve. In a bedroom you can never have “too many“ mirrors and if it is small and crowded you will have an incentive to include as many as you can fit in. An appearance of spaciousness can be created with the mirrors on the doors of an armoire-style wardrobe.

There are also a few tricks that you can try. For instance you can place a long mirror on its longer side to make a wall look longer than it is. Other great places to put mirrors include:

·Near the table in your dining room—This arrangement can keep the lights soft and bright at the same time. You can see this effect in many restaurants.

·On the front of a cabinet—Mirrored tiles can be placed here, either at the top or the bottom or both. The effects will be marvelous however you arrange them.

·Behind a group of furnishings—This is a technique that will work especially well with a floor length mirror, which has a way of leading the eye all over the room as well as of providing light.

2) Utilizing the proportions of a room

The ratios between a room’s length, width and height can be taken into consideration to produce a variety of effects. If the room is “boxy” and has white walls, for instance, you can place a mirror in a place where it will reflect those walls, adding light and creating an impression of roominess. This arrangement also plays down the angular appearance of the room.

3) Other spacial effects that can be produced with mirrors

Mirrors can have other effects in addition to increasing the apparent size of a room. They can be used to accentuate certain key features in it. If a mirror is placed opposite a prominent object such as a sculpture or a painting, that object will be “shown off” a second time. Similarly the light from a beautiful ceiling lamp or chandelier can be multiplied by its reflection. Smaller mirrors can be placed near large ones to create space without weighing things down.

Mirrors can really do a great deal to improve the overall appearance of the rooms in which they are placed. It can make a world of difference in how both you and your guests feel when they enter. Besides they can themselves be a form of decoration, as you can see by the often elaborate borders they have around the glass.

Author Bio

Katelyn Roberts is a frequent contributor for NetQin, helping couples explore ne woptions for their new lives.

George II Mahogany and Parcel-gilt Mirror

When you walk into someone’s home, you get a feeling of how the whole home is just from the hallway. Halls can be wonderful spaces, whatever size they are. Here’s how to make yours more inviting.

If you have a large hallway you can use it like [...]]]>

George II Mahogany and Parcel-gilt Mirror

When you walk into someone’s home, you get a feeling of how the whole home is just from the hallway. Halls can be wonderful spaces, whatever size they are. Here’s how to make yours more inviting.

If you have a large hallway you can use it like an extra reception room. You may decide to have some seating in there, and perhaps you could include one of the many sideboards that are now available. A console table is a handy occasional piece of furniture for a hall – and many people have a phone located on one of these in the hall.

With a small hall, the most important thing is to avoid a cluttered feel. You can do this by choosing appropriate décor and furnishings to make it warm and welcoming.

Domino Magazine

You’ll need some great storage solutions. Most important is a shoe rack that you can put a decent number of shoes in and that doesn’t take up too much space. Wall mounted shoe racks are good as they are usually quite narrow in depth. You’ll also need somewhere to store the family’s coats in or near the hallway. If you have an under stairs cupboard, this can be ideal. If you need to put the coat rack on the wall, make sure it’s not immediately inside the door, as this reduces the amount of space you have for people to come in and out without having to squeeze past a bundle of coats.

Halls can be a little dark due to the lack of natural daylight. Choosing some good lighting to have fixed to the wall will work wonders for a dark hallway, as does the addition of a beautiful framed mirror, which will not only provide you with somewhere to check your look as you leave the house, but also will reflect the light you have in the hall.

It doesn’t take much expenditure to kit out your hallway, especially if you shop in furniture sales. You can great clearance furniture at Furnishing Homes, and the company has a huge choice of different furniture collections.

Italian Floral Carved Oval Mirror Seller Jayne Thompson Antiques

18TH C GILTWOOD MIRROR Seller Kevin Stone Antiques & Interiors

Neo-Classical Mirror Seller Jeffrey Tillou Antiques

Carved Giltwood Chippendal​e style Mirror, 19th century- The Stanley Weiss Collection

When you come home from a long day at work, the last thing you need is to feel stressed out in your own home.  We show you a couple ways that you will be able to transform your home into a place that makes you feel happy, comfortable, and a [...]]]> Pamela Pierce Veranda Magazine

When you come home from a long day at work, the last thing you need is to feel stressed out in your own home.  We show you a couple ways that you will be able to transform your home into a place that makes you feel happy, comfortable, and a place that you'll enjoy spending more time in. If you don't want to wait another moment to begin experiencing the benefits of living in a peaceful home. Here are 7 simple ways to add a calmness to your home today.

Eliminate the Clutter

One of the most important things you need to do if you want to de-stress in your home is to de-clutter. Go through your house, room by room and get rid of the things you no longer want or use. If you have a hard time parting with certain items, ask yourself why this is. Perhaps there is a deeply-rooted reason why you hang on to things you don't need or even really care about, for that matter. If you have gifts, photographs, or any type of memorabilia that links you to a negative time in your life or a failed relationship from your past, consider getting rid of those items and look ahead to a more positive future. Once you've de-cluttered your home, you will be able to focus on more important things than what is happening with the things in your home.

Use Soft, Natural Lighting

Harsh, fluorescent lighting doesn't make for a very pleasant atmosphere--instead use softer or natural lights to brighten your home. Utilize the sunshine as much as possible by keeping blinds or drapes open. Consider adding skylights to your home--eliminating the need for so many artificial overhead lights. In the evenings, use lamps with low-wattage bulbs to light up your rooms.

Introduce Crystals into Your Décor

Crystals are a nice, simple way to bring light into your living space. In the bedroom, opt for stones like rose quartz, watermelon tourmaline, or rhodocrosite to encourage love and romance. If you have a home office or library, place stones like clear quartz, citrine, yellow calcite, jade, or tiger eye around your desk.  Crystal clusters are ideal in rooms where family members gather, while points and tumbled stones are better suited for bedrooms, bathrooms, and home offices. Trust your intuition when selecting crystals for your home--you can't go wrong when it comes to choosing and placing them.

Antique English Lacquer Mirror Seller The Paisley Shop Ltd

INDIAN COVE LODGE CARVED MIRROR From Ralph Lauren $6,825

Neoclassical Italian Burled Walnut & Parcel Gilt Mirror Seller Assemblage

CONSERVATORY GARDEN MIRROR By Ralph Lauren $4,365

Make the Entryway Welcoming

Since the entryway to your home is usually the first thing that you see when you get there, make it warm, inviting, and visually appealing. Keep shrubs, and trees neatly trimmed if they're near your front door, and make sure your door is in good working order. Consider painting the main entry to your home in a color and shade that makes you feel welcome and comfortable--and adorn the space with a nice piece of artwork, a plant, or vase of flowers set atop a small table.

Create Magic with Mirrors

Mirrors are an excellent way to add more space into your home because they reflect the light and they can make a space look much bigger than it actually is. Mirrors can be used to illuminate a dark space, open up a cramped room, or fill in the "gap" of an oddly-shaped room--an "L" shaped room, for example.

Pay Attention to Furniture Placement

Furniture placement can promote quiet time for yourself, or conversation with others, so pay special attention to the way your furniture is situated and decide whether or not you need to make some changes. No matter what room you are in your home, your back should never face the door if you're seated or lying down. Place your bed on the opposite side of the room from the door, not across from it--and be sure that when you're lying down that you're facing the door and not looking away. The same rule applies to the living room, family room, and home office. Sofas, chairs, and desks should be positioned so that their facing the entryway of a room. Having your back towards the door may make you feel insecure and uneasy--and it doesn't make other family members and guests feel welcome when they enter.

Transform Your Space with Color

Color has the ability to invoke certain emotions and feelings in people. Choose colors for the rooms in your home that induce the kinds of emotions you want to have when you're in them. Red, for example, is a very stimulating and sometimes over-bearing color, while blue is soothing, gentle, and relaxing.

Creating a home that reduces stress will make a big impact in the long.  Changes to your home will make the entire family feel peaceful, relaxed, and at home in their surroundings.

Guest post from Bailey Harris. Bailey writes for AreaRugs.com.

Mirrors provide more than just the means to determine if we’re the fairest of them all – or at least presentable enough to leave the house in the morning. One simple piece can change the entire feel of a room, provide a centerpiece for décor, or even completely alter the perception of a room’s size [...]]]>

Mirrors provide more than just the means to determine if we’re the fairest of them all – or at least presentable enough to leave the house in the morning. One simple piece can change the entire feel of a room, provide a centerpiece for décor, or even completely alter the perception of a room’s size and space. A simple “check your look” mirror can be designed to have multiple uses, whether fun and funky or practical. Before starting the search for just the right piece to suit your space, ask yourself a few questions:

Do you want something to simply perform a plain and practical function, something to serve only as a decoration, or some combination of both?

Take stock of your home’s décor, and the place you want your new mirror to take in it. Be certain to keep that in mind when you shopping for your piece. This includes size, shape, how it will be presented, and exactly how much you want the eye to be drawn to it.

Do you want something truly off the beaten path, or a piece that’s more akin to the traditional but with a touch creative flair to help it better suit your personality? There are mirrors that run the gambit from the most basic to the wildest, offering something for every taste and need with a little effort.

Take a look at these interesting examples of available mirrors, offering an example of pieces for a wide range of preferences, from the conventional to the truly wild:

1. Reflect Non-fogging Shave Mirror & Shower head – If you’re one of those guys that just never seems to have enough time in the morning, the Reflect Shower Head offers a great way to “shave” a few minutes off your routine. The special reflective surface resists fogging, and the shower head is slightly below it so you can shower and shave at the same time.

2. Fascinating Melting Water-Themed Mirrors by Rikako Nagashimi & Hideto Hyoudou – These pieces are definitely art as much as a way to check your lipstick. Try a single one on the wall that looks like a splat, or add a few different pieces as illustrated in the photos to build an unforgettable theme for your home.

3. Garden Gate Mirror – There are endless possibilities for a mirror that is both decorative and practical, and Horchow’s catalog has a wide selection that provides a lot of great ideas. This one is reminiscent of the door to a New Orleans French Quarter Garden, giving your room the feeling that it might open into a magical world.

4. Sculpted-Edge Mirrors – These rugged, unique designs would fit beautifully in a granite-themed or rustic home. Take a look at the selection offered by Creative Mirror & Shower

5. Hide your Flat-Screen TV – This one is amazing. You can camouflage your flatscreen TV in any room in your home behind a 2-way mirror.

Author bio:

Cassandra Challas is a professional interior designer who writes for USA Reports Daily.

Elle Czech January 2012 Cover - Denisa Dvorakova

A unique work of art can spice up any room in your home--especially when it's functional in addition to being beautiful. So instead of adding another painting, photograph, or sculpture, opt for a new piece of artwork--a decorative wall mirror. Mirrors add light, give the illusion [...]]]>

Elle Czech January 2012 Cover - Denisa Dvorakova

A unique work of art can spice up any room in your home--especially when it's functional in addition to being beautiful. So instead of adding another painting, photograph, or sculpture, opt for a new piece of artwork--a decorative wall mirror. Mirrors add light, give the illusion of more space, and can be interesting conversational pieces--especially when they're one-of-a-kind, handmade creations. If you're looking for a fun DIY project that will add some flair to your home, try making your own decorative wall mirror inspired by one of the following suggestions.

Embellished Wall Mirror

You can be as creative as you want to be when making an embellished wall mirror because you can use any number of different embellishments to decorate the frame. You can start out with a new frame that you plan to build upon, or use an old one that you want to reinvent. Begin by sanding the frame to remove any paint or shine from it, and then repaint it using quality acrylic paints found at your local craft supplier. You can paint it one solid color, paint a pattern on it, or give it a vintage or antique look using a variety of special painting techniques. Once you've painted the frame to your liking, use a hot glue gun to affix embellishments to it. Beads, buttons, sequins, seashells, silk flowers, old game pieces, or small metal trinkets are just some of the things you can use to make your decorative wall mirror really stand out. After you've embellished your mirror, allow it to dry and then use your hot glue gun to attach a mirror to the back of the frame. Once the glue has set, hang your new mirror and enjoy!

Mosaic Wall Mirror

Mosaic tiles can really turn a wall mirror into a magnificent work of art--and the project itself isn't as difficult as you might think. The frame that you will be tiling should be flat and smooth so that the glass tiles lay flat when you begin to attach them, so be sure you have one that will work before you start your project. If necessary, remove any paint or stain from the frame, and then place painter's tape around the edges so that you don't accidentally get grout anywhere but on the area you plan to tile. You can purchase tiles for a mosaic project at a craft supply store already broken into pieces or in sheets that you will need to break on your own. If you end up using sheets that you need to break or you want to use recycled ceramic, carefully wrap the ceramic in a towel and break it on a hard service using a mallet or hammer. Once the tiles are broken, you can start placing them on the frame. Spread an even layer of grout onto one area of the frame at a time, smoothing it with a palate knife as needed. Lay the tiles as desired, making sure to leave approximately two millimeters of space in-between them. After you've placed your design, use a tiny spatula to fill in the cracks between the tiles with grout. If you get grout on the surface of the ceramic tiles, you can easily wipe it away with a damp cloth when you're all finished. Allow your tiled frame to dry, and then use a hot glue gun to attach the mirror to it just as you would do with an embellished decorative wall mirror project.

Etched Wall Mirror

If you'd like to decorate the mirror itself and not just the frame, try etching it. An etched border, corner designs, or even an etching as a focal point are all lovely ways to accent a wall mirror, giving it new life for all to admire. To etch a mirror, wipe the mirror clean using glass cleaner, making sure to remove all fingerprints and surface dirt or markings. When the mirror is completely dry, place an adhesive stencil of the design you've chosen to etch face-down, paper side up on the surface. Use a squeegee, credit card, or driver's license to burnish the stencil to the mirror, utilizing the hard edge to make sure the stencil is smoothly applied. Slowly peel the paper away from the stencil and place masking or painter's tape on the exposed parts of the mirror that you won't be etching to prevent any unwanted markings. Also, because the etching cream you will be using to etch your mirror is highly caustic, wear vinyl gloves to protect your hands and safety goggles to protect your eyes. Working in a ventilated area, gloves and goggles in place, use a paint brush to spread a thick layer of etching cream to the stencil-covered area of your mirror. Take care around the edges of your stencil to make the entire design is filled-in. Allow the cream to sit for fifteen to twenty minutes, or according to the directions found on the etching cream label. Replace your vinyl gloves and use paper toweling to remove the cream, and then use warm water to wash away and excess cream still left on the mirror. Gently remove the stencil and wash your newly etched mirror with glass cleaner before handling or hanging it.

There are many different ways to make your own decorative wall mirror, and the project ideas featured here are just a sampling. Don't be afraid to mix and match projects when making your own wall mirror. The end result will be a stunning work of art unlike any other--one that you'll be proud to hang on your wall.

Guest post from Jean Clark. Jean writes for BackgroundCheck.org.

The May issue of House Beautiful shows a home bathed in white with absolutely drop dead gorgeous French antiques. Antique gilt wood mirrors line the stairway, and are grouped together to make a statement.

1. Like Annie Brahler did, consider layering two mirrors that are like one another together above a fireplace, or on [...]]]>

The May issue of House Beautiful shows a home bathed in white with absolutely drop dead gorgeous French antiques. Antique gilt wood mirrors line the stairway, and are grouped together to make a statement.

1. Like Annie Brahler did, consider layering two mirrors that are like one another together above a fireplace, or on the wall behind a sideboard.

2. It has been fashionable to paint mirrors white, although the original giltwood often looks quite rich. 17th and 18 century gilt wood was fashionable, and stately. Gold is still rich today when paired with muted tones such as gray and beige. Gold is also the perfect accessory for bold colors such as Kelly green, and lemon. Gold is the perfect accessory in any interior.

3. A gilt wood mirror in the kitchen or bathroom automatically dresses things up. Consider putting gilt mirrors anywhere that you need a punch of design.

4. Mirrors open the room up, like nothing else. The perfect way of adding light into a dark painted room is to add lots of mirrors and fresh vibrant oil paintings.

Designer Annie Brahler creates an old-world feeling in her Jacksonville house with a creamy palette, chandeliers and gilt wood mirrors in every room

Annie Brahler's home in House Beautiful May 2012

A French parlor's daybed sits in the living room with a gilt table with a white marble top used as a coffee table. On a mantel two gilt wood mirrors and an over sized empire chandelier are paired together to make a big impact. A massive empty picture frame, propped against the mirror, along with antlers her children collected on hikes. Glass domes shelter antique taxidermy.

Annie Brahler's home in House Beautiful May 2012

Here she grouped linen-covered Belgian bergères and a Louis XVI side table with a 19th-century French gilt settee and Dutch footstools. A gilt neoclassical mirror hangs above a mantle with white washed antlers. A Belgian crystal chandelier and sconces sparkle against walls. A beautiful magnolia flower sits on Annie Brahler's coffee table adding to the white palette that her house is based around.

See more of Annie Brahler's home in House Beautiful.

Jane and Michael deFlorio don’t do anything by half measures. The couple,researched 45 homes before purchasing their five-story fixer-upper on the Upper East Side. Before bringing in the expert renovators and designers, the couple spent numerous weekends meticulously planning their gut renovation. “We’re the obsessive couple,” Jane admits. “We both get into it.”

Decorator [...]]]>

Jane and Michael deFlorio don’t do anything by half measures. The couple,researched 45 homes before purchasing their five-story fixer-upper on the Upper East Side. Before bringing in the expert renovators and designers, the couple spent numerous weekends meticulously planning their gut renovation. “We’re the obsessive couple,” Jane admits. “We both get into it.”

Decorator Celerie Kemble, architect Marina Lanina, and contractor Felix Flit—came on board, the DeFlorios had assembled a 50-page presentation outlining their plans. Their details even included how many handbags that Jane owns, the heights of her boots, and the hanging measurements of their clothing. They also had collected 500 inspirational images of interiors, furniture, and art, to gather ideas.

The renovation was extensive. The interior was completely rebuilt into a home that combined classical architectural elements with modern amenities such as air-conditioning and an elevator. The renovation easily could have taken two to three years, but was completed in just 15 months.

See The Orginal Article Featured on Elle Decor At Celerie Kemble Interiors

Jane and Michael deFlorio's Home Decorated By Celerie Kemble Interiors

Jane and Michael deFlorio's Home Decorated By Celerie Kemble Interiors

Having small rooms can be very confining, especially when those rooms look as small as they feel. While there are some methods you can use to make the room look bigger, perhaps one of the most effective is using mirrors. By properly placing one or several mirrors in key areas, you can make [...]]]>

Having small rooms can be very confining, especially when those rooms look as small as they feel. While there are some methods you can use to make the room look bigger, perhaps one of the most effective is using mirrors. By properly placing one or several mirrors in key areas, you can make a room look much brighter and larger. Here are eight of the best ways to use mirrors to increase the size of a room.

Group Them
By grouping several mirrors on one wall, you can create an organized look that increases the size of the room. The group of mirrors tend to look large, especially if you get mirrors that have somewhat thick frames. For this to work, you need to get mirrors that have the same frame color. If one or more mirrors are a different color, then the eye will be drawn only to the frame, and not the entire group. This can make the room look smaller, especially if the two colors are opposites. You just need about three to five mirrors for this to work.

Kitchen Mirror
By making the kitchen a brighter place, you can easily make the room much larger. One of the darker places is behind the stove. While the mirror may collect a residue from cooking, you just need to clean the mirror once or twice a day to keep it looking good.

Cabinets
By gluing some mirrors to the front or top of cabinets, you will make the room much brighter. This can be achieved by using mirrored tiles. This is best for those extra small rooms that really need a boost.

Corners
You will need a long and skinny mirror to pull this off. Put the mirror in one of the corners of the room, but turn it on its side. This will take the reflection of the wall, and it will lengthen this. This causes the entire room to look lengthened. For the best effect, do this to two or more sides of the room, as this will create a uniform lengthening that the eye will catch.

Floor Length Mirrors
These are very long mirrors, but they definitely work to increase the size of a room. While you can place a floor length mirror on any wall, it is best to place it behind either a grouping of furniture or objects. This will cause the entire room to feel taller by increasing the size of the wall, and it will bring in a lot of extra light, so beware of windows. You don’t want too much light to come into the room.

Fake Windows
Windows are capable of making a room look larger, but getting windows installed in a room without any windows is more trouble than it’s worth. However, you can take four small or two medium mirror tiles and group them like a common window. This will cause the room to take on extra light, as if there was a window, and the room will increase in size.

Designer Miles Redd- Mirrored Backsplash

Dark Walls
Some rooms have one darker wall, and this often create a sense of depth within the room. This can be augmented by just placing a mirror on that darker wall. It will work with the color, and it will greatly augment this feeling of depth. Placing it towards the middle often does this the best, but you can use the sides, too.

Cover the Wall
This method may be a little drastic and expensive, but you can cover one wall entirely in mirrors to increase the size of the room. Since you will be seeing the other side of the room when looking at the mirrors, it will appear as if the room has doubly increased in size. Unlike the grouping section at the top, this is best with mirrors that don’t have frames.

Conclusion
Mirrors can be used to great effect to help improve the size of a room. By properly placing just a few mirrors, you can improve the light coming into the room and you can artificially increase the size of the room. Try one of the eight methods above, and your room should be looking much better in no time.

Author bio:

Becky Tracy is an avid interior designing blogger and writes for 1 Business Guide.

Decorating With Wall Mirrors, Kelly Wearstler Interior Design, Miles Redd Design - Featured on From Designista Blog

Decorating With Wall Mirrors, Kelly Wearstler Interior Design, Miles Redd Design - Featured on From Designista Blog

Unique Ideas For Hanging Wall Mirrors- Unknown Designer

Decorating With Wall Mirrors, Janklow's Townhouse, Bunny Williams's Living room

Decorating With Wall Mirrors, Janklow's Townhouse, Featured on From Designista Blog, Bunny Williams's Living room

Wall Mirrors -Roberto Peregalli and Laura Rimini

Wall Mirrors In The Kitchen -Stephanie Stokes

Stephanie Stokes Featured In House Beautiful

Maitland Smith Hand Painted Wall Red Mirrors Set of Three Hand Painted Red and Gold Chinoiserie Mirrors, Beveled Mirror Glass - Nobel Rugs On Ebay is selling this set of three wall mirrors for $1095

Maitland-Smith has been in the business of creating exquisite and unique decorative accessories, and accent furniture for over 30 [...]]]>

Maitland Smith Hand Painted Wall Red Mirrors Set of Three Hand Painted Red and Gold Chinoiserie Mirrors, Beveled Mirror Glass - Nobel Rugs On Ebay is selling this set of three wall mirrors for $1095

Maitland-Smith has been in the business of creating exquisite and unique decorative accessories, and accent furniture for over 30 years.  They are widely known in the industry  as a leader in world-class quality furniture and distinctively skilled in fine porcelains, sophisticated furniture finishing techniques, beautiful hand painted furniture, inlaid marquetry and the finest hand carved woodwork. Leather, penshell and eggshell are just a few of unique finishes they offer.  Maitland-Smith is widely known for inspirational 17th and 18th English pieces.  Maitland-Smith is one of the very best furniture companies.  You simply cannot go wrong with any of their beautiful pieces.

Maitland-Smith Mirror at Consign At 5th, Surfside Beach

Maitland-Smith Mirror at Consign At 5th, Surfside Beach

Maitland-Smith Pair of Chippendale Mirrors with Candle Cups

Maitland-Smith Pair of Old World Antique Gold Finished Chippendale Mirrors with Candle Cups, Rococo Motif -Aryn Richards

Italian Baroque Gilt Mirror

Many people find refuge in the Italian style because it so down to earth, comfortable and yet so rich.  From Italy we find so many design elements that we love; arched columns, timeworn antiques, and wrought-iron fixtures.  The vast amount of marble can be found in Italy.  Marble floors [...]]]>

Italian Baroque Gilt Mirror

Many people find refuge in the Italian style because it so down to earth, comfortable and yet so rich.  From Italy we find so many design elements that we love; arched columns, timeworn antiques, and wrought-iron fixtures.  The vast amount of marble can be found in Italy.  Marble floors can be a very lavish expenditure that many people cannot afford here in the US, although in Italy they are common in most homes, because marble is found in the region.

Many people are flocking towards the old world styles and abandoning modern furnishings for a taste of the past.  Earth tones are predominant in the Italian decorating colors, as local landscapes have always served as inspiration in the past.

Consider working with the shades of red and brown along with with the natural colors found in marble or granite, with highlights of color of blue-green taken from the shades of sea.

Terracotta Tiling

The terracotta tiling in shades of orange and brown has always been an integral part of the Italian interior design style.  Terracotta is seen everywhere in Italy, from the floors, roofs, walls, and pottery, this is the ideal choice to make if you want an overall look of Italy.

Anything But Carpet

Would it surprise you to know that carpets are rarely seen in Italy?  Marble flooring may be out of your price range, however choosing hardwood flooring or tile flooring may just be the single greatest decision for high impact in your home.  Parquet or planked types of hardware flooring are great choices for a rustic interior.  Layering in rugs can give you a cozy feeling rather than having the modern wall to wall carpets we see in modern homes here in the US.

Venetian Plastered Walls

Highly beautiful plaster walls are seen all over Europe.  In the old days, color pigment was mixed in with linseed oil which is what they used for the walls.  Today we can buy paint and primer mixed into one container, and cover an entire wall with one or two coats.  In the past, I am sure they would need multiple layers of paint for the same coverage.  Also, you couldn't just order the same color of paint like we can do today at our local hardware store.  Pigment and oil needed to be mixed new each time a person wanted to paint.  In Europe we see plaster walls everywhere, and they are far more striking to look at than any of our modern painted walls we see in America.  Consider investing in a faux paint finisher to give you the old world charm on your interior walls.

Decorative stucco and Venetian plaster are two of the single most popular faux finishes today and can be produced just with paint, plaster and a trowel.  Faux painting techniques can produce artificial marble, stones, columns, sculptures, and fireplaces.

Picking The Right Furniture & Accessories

Hardwood floors, arched doorways, iron railing are all architectural elements you can employ to get the look of Italy.  Although, editing out your old furniture for some Italian antiques is another simple way of gaining the style quickly without any laborious commitment.  Persian rugs, marble-topped tables, statues dominate Italian decorating.  Arched mirrors, bookshelves, and iron furniture can all give a presence of Italy.

ANTIQUE ITALIAN FLORENTINE ORNATE WOOD CARVED MIRROR

Italian Style Decorating

Decorating In Old World Italian Style

Decorating In Old World Italian Style

Decorating In Old World Italian Style Photo Credit Style Diary

]]> http://thewallmirrors.com/archives/striking-old-world-italian-wall-mirrors/feed 0 http://thewallmirrors.com/archives/shockingly-beautiful-leather-strap-adnet-wall-mirrors http://thewallmirrors.com/archives/shockingly-beautiful-leather-strap-adnet-wall-mirrors#comments Tue, 13 Mar 2012 21:12:15 +0000 Mer http://thewallmirrors.com/?p=652

Jacques Adnet is a furniture designer best known for his avant-garde designs, Adnet was one of the first to integrate metal and glass in the structure and decoration of furniture. His style is the epitome of luxury.In 1950, Adnet formed a partnership with the French fashion house, Hermes, where he developed a collection [...]]]>

Jacques Adnet is a furniture designer best known for his avant-garde designs, Adnet was one of the first to integrate metal and glass in the structure and decoration of furniture. His style is the epitome of luxury.In 1950, Adnet formed a partnership with the French fashion house, Hermes, where he developed a collection of leather-covered furniture and interior accessories. Accordingly, he made a round leather mirror with brass hinges. Besides the remarkable leather and brass details, the mirror is also unique as the strap that holds the mirror is in direct proportion to the dimension of the mirror.

Early 19th Century over mantle mirror- O'Sullivan Antiques

Antique mantle wall mirrors can be some of the most extravagant mirrors on the market.  This mirror's wear and tear adds to the charm and beauty of this piece.

A fireplace mantle can be a great place to add a wall mirror.  Wall mirrors positioned higher [...]]]>  

Early 19th Century over mantle mirror- O'Sullivan Antiques

Antique mantle wall mirrors can be some of the most extravagant mirrors on the market.  This mirror's wear and tear adds to the charm and beauty of this piece.

A fireplace mantle can be a great place to add a wall mirror.  Wall mirrors positioned higher up a wall can add additional height and make a room appear much larger.  Placing a mirror high up on the wall can look funny without some sort of wainscoting to frame in the mirror, which are why mantles are ideal when it comes to featuring a mirror.

There are various types of mirrors you can use to decorate a fireplace mantle; you can choose different shapes, finishes, period styles and sizes. The most commonly shaped mirror above a mantle is a rectangular or square one.  Many people choose this shape because it matches the mantle itself.  If the wall space is quite tall, finding a rectangular mirror that can fill the space well would work best. A round mirror provides a contrasting shape to the overall shape of the fireplace.  Finding the just right wall mirror for your fireplace mantle will go a far way of opening up your living area.

Thomas Chippendale 1754-1770 is probably the most famous cabinet-maker of the Eighteenth Century. His fame is based on the designs he published in ‘The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director’, 1754. The period is typified by the use of fine Cuban mahogany and the finest pieces are beautifully carved.

American furniture made in the Chippendale style [...]]]>

Thomas Chippendale 1754-1770 is probably the most famous cabinet-maker of the Eighteenth Century. His fame is based on the designs he published in ‘The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director’, 1754. The period is typified by the use of fine Cuban mahogany and the finest pieces are beautifully carved.

American furniture made in the Chippendale style was streamlined in comparison to English designs from the same time. Many Chippendale pieces have cabriole legs and furniture made from Newport, Rhode Island region often used classically styled fluted legs. Furniture makers in Philadelphia slanted toward Rococo influence resulting in more elaborately carved pieces. One of the more common styles associated with Chippendale furniture are the claw-and-ball foot, which was already popular in England. Shell motifs are also very commonly associated with Chippendale styles.

Painted Chinese Chippendale Vintage Mirror

ASIAN CHIPPANDALE MIRROR Seller Penny Long Antiques

Pair George III Style Mirrors Seller Savid Neligan Antiques

Gilt Carved Mirror With Ho Ho Bird

Chinoiserie Wallpaper Oversized Gilt Mirror From Luxe Magazine- Designer Unknown

Layering a gilt wall mirror with an outrageous wallpaper can really make a fabulous mirror stand out as a feature in your home.   This Hollywood Regency frame looks terrific on this really dark wallpaper.  A bathroom is one of the best places to use bright or dark wall colors.  The room is often very small, and [...]]]>

Layering a gilt wall mirror with an outrageous wallpaper can really make a fabulous mirror stand out as a feature in your home.   This Hollywood Regency frame looks terrific on this really dark wallpaper.  A bathroom is one of the best places to use bright or dark wall colors.  The room is often very small, and an over sized wall mirror can make a room appear so much larger even while using dark wall colors.  Consider a bold pattern such as the picture above and layer in the brass details.

Vicki from French Essence showed a picture of her home as she was decorating for the holidays.  I couldn't think of a better statement piece than the over-sized ornate gilt mirror that hangs on her wall at the bottom of her staircase.  Not only does it make that area an extra special focal feature, [...]]]>

Vicki from French Essence showed a picture of her home as she was decorating for the holidays.  I couldn't think of a better statement piece than the over-sized ornate gilt mirror that hangs on her wall at the bottom of her staircase.  Not only does it make that area an extra special focal feature, but the mirror is large enough to give a larger view as one is walking down the staircase.  Gilt mirrors are masterpieces all on their own.