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12 Creative Ways with Mirrors
Think Outside the Frame with These Gaze-Worthy Mirror Applications
Time to bust out the Windex! I swear I'm not (too) vain, but lately I've found myself gazing with glee at a multitude of mirrors. It's not my reflection I'm enamored of, but rather the material's myriad applications in and around the home. If you think a mirror belongs solely in a frame, think again. These spaces will have you imagining all sorts of places to gain a little reflection.
A mirrored fireplace surround looks so luxurious, and this fancy model even conceals the firebox when it's not in use.
| Mirrored closet doors usually get a bad rap, but let's not confuse this sleek system with those gold-trimmed sliding numbers from apartments past. The reflective storage unit also helps to visually enlarge this tiny studio. |
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This minimal bedroom also feels more expansive thanks to a wall of mirrors. And judging by the seams, I suspect this one harbors some storage space too.
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Mirrors work wonders as a backsplash for two reasons: one, they're easy to wipe down after a cooking mishap (remember what I said about that Windex?), and two, you can discretely check if there's anything in your teeth whilst entertaining.
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| Again, a wall of mirrors, like the tiled one here, does wonders to the room's perceived size. |
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| On a smaller scale, these little mirror-like tiles make for a beautifully shimmering backsplash. |
| Mirrors with an aged patina work well if you prefer a softer effect. |
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| While the closer wall shown here is plaster, the far wall behind the bed is actually a mirrored background with a wire mesh curtain in front. It kind of echoes the texture of the plaster, but provides much more reflected light. |
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Mirror-fronted cabinets look similar to glass, but with the added benefit of keeping unsightly contents concealed.
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Use a few mirror fronts to break up a large section of cabinets in the kitchen.
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Or go all-mirror for your overheads.
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| I've seen plenty of mirrored furniture, but this is the first four-poster bed I recall. I love how it shines from the glow of the nearby lights.
More Ways with Mirrors: Mirrors in the Home...What Do They Reflect? Venetian Glass Mirrors 16 Perfect Mirrors |
Comments
Rough Linen I love the wall of subway mirror tiles - wonder how it ages?
2 years ago · Like
Lily Gahagan That's a good question. Maybe it would eventually pick up that nice patina of the aged mirror in #7?
2 years ago · Like
Josh D Thanks for another great post, lily! I have to say I agree with tricia on the subway tiles - great stuff! My space is smaller and on a ground floor, so this has given me some great ideas to brighten it up.
2 years ago · Like
Lily Gahagan Thanks, jjdmtl! Glad it might help. :)
2 years ago · Like
elainems Did anyone happen to see West Elm just did the parson desk in mirror. Looks fantastic but I really use my desk and am wondering how practical this finish would be - really just windex?
2 years ago · Like
Veronica I have a large mirror that I accidently broke so I was going to have the glass shop cut what was left of it into strips to mix in with metallic tiles as a backsplash for the basement bar I built. This gave me some great ideas.
2 years ago · Like
dbomom Don't use Windex on mirrors! They will be smudgy by the end of the week. Simply "flick" water on the mirrors with your fingers and polish off with a dry lint-free cloth. All you will have to do is repeat on dirty or smudged areas. The rest can simply be dusted with a dry cloth or feather duster. I have taught this to many cleaning ladies, and they love it!
2 years ago · Like
A & D Glass Inc. Vinegar and water, or a mirror-approved glass cleaner like Spray-Away (Costco) are the two best ways to clean mirrors. Also, spray on a cloth first and then clean the mirror so that run-off does not sit in the bottom channel and cause premature black-edge.
2 years ago · Like
Ideabook published on Feb. 16, 2011.
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