Who doesn’t love a mirror? Like cockatiels, we like to stare at our reflection and ponder over the wonder that humans are. But mirrors need not be limited to your bedroom or bathroom or your dressing room. Allow a mirror to reflect the spaces around your home, and like humans, your home too will be happier for it.
A mirror is a glass that is made just a little more magical by spraying a delicate layer of silver or aluminium behind it, so it is no wonder that mirrors and glass together can work wonders for design. Incorporating mirrors strategically in your home interiors can completely transform the space.
©Max Vakhtboych on Pexels
Mirrors can help amplify the natural light filtering into your house. If your living room window faces north or west, or a newly-built skyscraper is blocking the sun, you might not get enough sunlight throughout the day. One option is to have larger windows to let in more light. But if that is not possible, or is not enough, don’t turn to artificial lighting just yet!
Place a mirror on the wall in a way that reflects the sunlight coming in, to make the room look brighter. You can also use glossy laminates and mirrors on showpieces, etc, to achieve a similar effect. Just be careful not to place a mirror reflecting harsh, direct sunlight, or you’ll end up with a burn hole in your carpet.
©Saint-Gobain
Small rooms need not look small. A mirror will reflect the space, thus creating a visual illusion of a bigger space. Use light colours and soft textures for the furniture and furnishings to create a brighter and cosier space.
©Polina Kovaleva on Pexels
Mirrors can take on many forms, further enhancing the magic of the reflective glass. As explored in Saint-Gobain’s mirror art line, mirrors can completely change the experience of your space by acting as accent pieces in different forms and shapes. These modular elements can also be composed in a unique manner to create a one-of-a-kind accent for your home.
©Saint-Gobain Mirror Art -The Silhouette
Nothing screams contemporary, elegant and modern, like mirror finishes on furniture. Give your room a sleek look by cladding your sofa sides, or table fronts with mirrors, supported by either wood for a warmer feel, or steel for a more modern aesthetic. While this is more prominently seen in office or commercial interiors, the same logic will enliven residential interiors as well.
©nellavetrina.com
While you’re usually on the receiving end of compliments from the mirror, be on the other side for once. Using mirrors in residential interiors is always a good idea, but the rest of the design has to complement it. Don’t go overboard with the shiny surfaces, and have enough matte surfaces to create a balance.
Be careful with the placement of mirrors, and always ensure that they are also giving enough privacy to the reflected spaces.
Use softer furnishings for a more homely feel, and glossier furnishings for a livelier, contemporary feel. Use mirrors to accentuate the existing decor.
With advancement in technology, even mirrors are becoming smart mirrors.
Products like those from the Saint-Gobain Aspira line combine aesthetics and functionality beautifully to provide the perfect reflection of your persona in your home. Play around with glass and mirrors to create an ethereal experience for your house, and your home will surely be the brightest, and fairest of them all.
How can mirrors be used to brighten up a home?
Mirrors can brighten up a home by reflecting natural light, making spaces feel larger and more open. Placing mirrors opposite windows or light sources can amplify the amount of light in a room, creating a brighter and more inviting atmosphere.
What are some strategic places to use mirrors in a home?
Strategic places to use mirrors in a home include hallways to make them feel wider, living rooms to enhance natural light, and bedrooms to add a touch of elegance while creating a sense of space. Mirrors can also be used in entryways to create a welcoming first impression.
How do mirrors enhance the visual appeal of a space?
Mirrors enhance the visual appeal of a space by adding depth, reflecting surrounding decor, and creating interesting light patterns. They can serve as focal points or accent pieces, contributing to the overall aesthetic and making the room feel more dynamic and layered.
What are the benefits of using large mirrors in home decor?
The benefits of using large mirrors in home decor include the ability to make small rooms appear larger, improve light distribution, and create a bold design statement. Large mirrors can also serve as functional art pieces that enhance the overall design and ambiance of a space.
How can mirrors be incorporated into different rooms to maximize their effect?
Mirrors can be incorporated into different rooms by placing them in areas where they can reflect light or views, such as opposite windows in living rooms, above dressers in bedrooms, or as back panels for crockery display in dining and kitchens. These placements help maximize the effect of mirrors, making spaces feel brighter, larger, and more cohesive.
Isha is a graduate of architecture from PVPCOA, Pune. Ever curious about people and places, she daylights as an architect and moonlights as a writer and musician. Read More
