Decorative Mirror: Choosing the Perfect Spot
Decorative mirrors are a versatile part of interior design. They serve both a practical and aesthetic purpose that is hard to do without. In fact, in addition to allowing users to see their reflection, a decorative mirror helps create bright spaces, enhances interior decor, and can visually enlarge a room with a low ceiling or a narrow hallway.
Decorative mirrors can be hung in various areas of the home: the bedroom, entryway, hallway, bathroom, or dining room. They also come in a variety of shapes and materials: round, oval, square, designer styles, wood, metal, wicker, and more. But are there any rules to follow when placing them? How do you choose where to put them? We’ll answer all these questions below.
What factors should you consider when placing a decorative mirror?
Before installing or mounting a decorative mirror, it’s important to assess the room or space where it will be placed. The goal is to position this decorative piece in such a way that it can showcase its full potential, as well as that of the rest of the decor and furniture around it.
Decorative mirror and light source
L'emplacement choisi pour un miroir décoratif doit être sélectionné de sorte à gagner en luminosité. Pour cela, il est possible de placer un miroir sur un meuble ou un mur faisant face à une fenêtre. Résultat ? La lumière est réfléchie par le miroir pour être diffusée partout : la pièce devient plus lumineuse. Par ailleurs, l'utilisation de plusieurs miroirs séparés, modulables, en patchwork, en verrière industrielle ou en tryptique permet de jouer avec la lumière. Ainsi, dans les pièces mal éclairées ou sombres, il peut être judicieux de placer deux miroirs décoratifs sur des murs opposés.
Decorative mirror and available space
The choice of where to place a mirror depends largely on the available space. Designer mirrors, wicker mirrors, or mirrors with unique shapes require more space so that their form can be fully appreciated and to avoid making the area feel cramped. Rectangular and vertical mirrors can be used and appreciated in all types of spaces. In a small space, they create an optical illusion that makes the room appear larger, while in larger rooms, they help add character and elegance to the overall decor.
It should also be noted that when it is not possible to drill into walls, it may be a good idea to opt for floor-standing mirrors or those that can be placed on a piece of furniture. If the mirror is round or oval and cannot be placed on the floor or on a piece of furniture, mirror stands or frames can help solve this problem.
Decorative Mirror and Mounting Instructions
Before purchasing a decorative mirror, it is important to check whether it is suitable for your intended use. If you plan to mount this decorative item on a wall, you need to make sure it comes with mounting brackets or, at the very least, has pre-drilled holes.
You should also check the quality of the mounting surface (such as a wall). A mirror that is too heavy cannot be installed on a drywall partition, for example. If you have any doubts about the reliability of the mounting surface, it may be a good idea to place a mattress or comforter under the mirror for the first few days after installation. This will protect the decorative item in case it falls if the fasteners or the wall cannot support its weight.
At what height should you hang a decorative mirror, depending on its shape?
Decorative mirrors come in a variety of shapes and serve a range of purposes. Here is an overview of the different setups you can create depending on the type of decorative mirror you choose.
Decorative floor-level mirror
Decorative floor-standing mirrors can be placed directly on the floor, especially if they have a built-in stand or a base. It’s also a good idea to mount them on a wall, while making sure you can still see your entire reflection. To do this, avoid installing the mirror more than 10 cm above the floor. However, this option is only feasible if the mirror isn’t too heavy. In fact, floor-standing mirrors often feature a heavy, ornate frame and/or a wooden frame, which gives them a majestic and luxurious look but makes hanging or mounting them on a wall a delicate task.
This type of mirror can be used in a bedroom, next to a door, or in the entryway.
Decorative mirror with shelf
Some decorative designer mirrors may come with accessories, as shown in the image:
- a keychain;
- a letter holder;
- from a shelf;
- etc.
In this scenario, the decorative mirror must be mounted or positioned in such a way that these secondary functions can be utilized. In other words, the components of the decorative mirror must be accessible. To achieve this, it is necessary to determine the height from the floor so that the shelf or component is accessible and within easy reach.
Decorative wall mirror
Decorative mirrors intended to be mounted on a wall can either cover the entire wall by themselves or be placed above a sideboard, a shelf, a sofa, or an armchair. In the first case, the center of the mirror should be positioned between 1.60 and 1.70 meters above the floor.
In small spaces, it’s possible to break the rules described above when you want to use mirrors to create an optical illusion. The goal? To create the illusion of a larger space. This effect can be achieved in a bathroom, a hallway, a room with a low ceiling, and so on. In this context, it may also be a good idea to opt for long, rectangular mirrors to add depth to the decorated spaces.
Ultimately, mounting or installing a decorative mirror involves considering many factors, especially if it also serves a functional purpose.
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