Mirrors in the Home...What Do They Reflect?

Between Naps on the Porch
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Mirrors…they are one of the most versatile accessories you could choose to use in your home décor. I may not always be able to find just the right painting to hang over a chest or a fireplace mantel, but I can virtually always find a mirror that makes my heart sing.

Years ago, as a newbie decorator, I always hung mirrors for just the sheer beauty of the mirror. I especially loved the old mirrors, imperfect and beautiful with their blackish, time-worn streaks. But one day I read something that stopped me dead in my tracks. I read that prior to hanging a mirror, one should stop to consider what the mirror will reflect. Ummm, how’s that for a concept? That sent me on little stroll through my home checking my mirrors to see if they passed the “mirror test.”

Now, if you’re anything like me, you take all decorating “tips” with a big grain of salt. This one intrigued me, though…wouldn’t it be cool if in addition to hanging a gorgeous mirror…a mirror that was beautiful in its own right…what if it also just happen to reflect a lovely scene or image in the room? Yeah, I liked this idea.

For the most part I was pleased to see that most of the mirrors in my home shared a lovely reflection. But there is one I’m thinking could use a bit of improvement…I’ll share it here and I’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject.
This mirror totally passes the mirror test. I love the mirror but check out the reflection...a gorgeous chandelier, pitcher of flowers and bottles in the loveliest shade of blue.
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This image was included in a recent Ideabook I created on silhouettes. Isn't it wonderful? The mirror reflects a beautiful vignette of the silhouette, a pretty lamp and sweet tulips.
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A mirror might reflect an interesting lamp or a well-designed room.
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contemporary family room Family room
by Jerry Jacobs Design, Inc.
by Jerry Jacobs Design, Inc.
Enjoy a stunning outdoor view no matter where you are in a room. This mirror is strategically placed to make the most of the spectacular outdoor setting.
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Enjoy your beautiful arrangements and accessories in stereo when they are placed upon a mirrored table.
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traditional family room by Between Naps on the Porch
by Between Naps on the Porch
by Between Naps on the Porch
Ok, here's my "not so inspiring" mirror reflection. I almost never use this fan, though it is a nice fan. Wouldn't a gorgeous lantern or perhaps an antler chandelier look great here since I have a bit of a "hunt" feel going on in this room. Only problem is the ceilings are just 8 feet so it couldn't hang very low. Suggestions?
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Here's a great example of catching a beautiful light fixture in a nearby mirror.
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traditional living room by Mandi Smith T
by Mandi Smith T
by Mandi Smith T
Notice how the mirror hanging above this fireplace reflects the lovely painting across the room.
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traditional entry by Kerrie L. Kelly
by Kerrie L. Kelly
by Kerrie L. Kelly
Dual mirrors reflect dual views of a beautiful room.
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Here's an idea to consider. If your mirror ends up in a spot that doesn't reflect anything in particular, create your own lovely reflection by placing a beloved collection in front of it.
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I wonder if this mirror was hung just-so to catch the lovely reflection across the room? It's almost as if it's doing double duty as a lovely "picture" full time and a mirror when required.
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These are just plain fun, in addition to their great reflections. I like seeing the birdies repeated in one mirror while the second mirror refects a pretty painting and a book collection.
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As a major bibliophile, I adore this reflection. The rich, warmth of the dark-stained shelving and the books make a nice contrast against the white fabric-covered chairs.
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This image needs no commentary. It's all beautiful...the mirror, the shutters, the plates, the reflection. ~~~sigh~~~

Do you have mirrors stategically placed in your home for the view they reflect?
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Comments

Could you tilt the mirror? Hanging the top a little farther from the wall could give you a more pleasing reflection.
21 months ago ·
Thanks, Notappealing...that's a good idea. I think my heart just wants a new fixture. :)
21 months ago ·
I have several mirrors that I just seem to find a way to display for a good reflection. These photos make me want to keep trying though! I love this mirror shown in the photo I attached but it's reflection is terrible. WE redid the electrical on this old house and the 60+ Wallpaper that was on the ceiling had to be taken off. Being in ministry between budget and time it has not been taken care of yet. I am hoping for Spring maybe. My Hubby made me promise I would be very patient with getting the house like I want it- I am trying!!!

Love your blog Susan!

bee Blessed
mary
21 months ago ·
Mary...that is a gorgeous mirror! Beautiful vignette down front, too. I totally understand about budget and time! :)
21 months ago ·
I've seen some really pretty fixtures recently that hug the ceiling (for those 8-ft. ceiling challenges). I have a tiny antler fixture with shades (4 lights I think) that probably would not hang too low. A client gave it to me when we replaced it with something more feminine. I've saved it thinking my son would love it someday!
21 months ago ·
Michelle says:
Nice Ideabook, Suzan!
Tilting your mirror appears to be one solution, but if you feel like having a new chandelier, this is what you should do.
Have you ever tried mirrors, facing each other, across a room on opposite walls? They provide infinite reflections of details in the room... It's sometimes interesting! Here is an example.
21 months ago ·
Karen your son is going to love it! I'm drawn more and more to those antler fixtures...even the faux ones are pretty realistic.
21 months ago ·
Frenchflair...what a neat idea! I saw that done once in a restaurant...it is sooo intriguing!
21 months ago ·
Hey Susan,
Yes mirrors are my fav too! I don't know if you can have too many bouncing light around now can you? I would kill for that mirror in the first pic, it is truly stunning.I'm in the process of painting/hanging an almost 4 foot wide antique mirror (came off an antique empire style dresser I bought) complete with it's patina and spots, over our mudroom sink and it will reflect the backyard through the windows on the opposite side.
The twig chandy sounds so fun but I can also picture an incredible lantern in that gorgeous room of yours. Maybe the lantern would be better than the chandelier as it can be hung almost flush if you are worried about clearance below it so no one bumps their head.
21 months ago ·
Sandra...your mirror sounds beautiful...wow...that's a big mirror! Thanks for your thoughts on my fan delima. :)
21 months ago ·
http://www.outdoorescapesnewhampshire.com/camp_store.htm they have deer and moose antler chandeliers that aren't too big. They start around $500. but they would bring the interest needed.
21 months ago ·
Not needed but wanted. Sorry
21 months ago ·
Thanks, Lissie...I'll check out that link. :)
21 months ago ·
diningroom mirror - i need to transform this garden though...;-)
20 months ago ·
Karen...pretty mirror and great view!
20 months ago ·
same tip from me - tilt the mirror forward at the top.I had a simialr problem and I just put a piece of foam from a packing box behind the mirror at the top - andhey presto - instead of the flourescent light, I got picture perfect reflection out the window of apple blossom and greenery and autumnal foliage (depending on the season).
20 months ago ·
Thanks, Fleurbie...I'm going to check that out because I have a pretty painting on the other side of the room. :) Be nice to see it reflected...
20 months ago ·
I use mirrors throughout my house to reflect light...the front of my house faces north so mirrors on the walls opposite the windows are critical to keep the front rooms from seeming too cavelike. Yesterday I picked up some smaller beveled mirrors from Goodwill and lined the back of a bookcase shelf...the bookcase is recessed in the corner of the living room next to the fireplace and needed a little light to bring it out a bit. I also have strategically placed mirrors in my sunroom on the south side of the house to reflect the gorgeous view of the woods behind us.
20 months ago ·
Love how mirrors are used in this bedroom (image source: http://betterafter.blogspot.com/2010/08/mirror-mirror.html)
20 months ago ·
D.Jae says:
What about a flush or semi-flush ceiliing fixture, like one of these? Of course, these are pricey, but maybe they will help inspire you and lead you to just the perfect thing....? Or this smaller-scale antler ceiling fixture from LampsPlus?

http://www.horchow.com/store/catalog/templates/HP4.jhtml?itemId=cat7930732&parentId=cat1590731&masterId=cat000000&cmCat=&view=&page=1&filter1Type=&filter1Value=&filter2Type=&filter2Value=&filterOverride=&sort=&altFilter=
20 months ago ·
Danielle says:
Hi Susan, great ideabook, I love mirrors also. My suggestion for your mirror is if you can't tilt it and don't want the expense of a new fixture why not put up a really nice, large ceiling medallion (about $40) and paint it a really bold colour that will compliment your decor. I did this in my dining room because the ceiling just looked bare and I wanted some drama without painting the whole ceiling (open-concept kitchen dining and living). I like that it sets off the fixture and kind of "finishes it". I painted it a dark chocolate with a little gold and silver dry-brush and hang an oiled bronze chandeleir with crystals.
16 months ago ·
I inherited a mirror that covers an entire wall in my diningroom. I like how it makes the room look so much larger but would like to embellish it. Any suggestions.
5 months ago ·
I have 4 mirrors with no frames, they are very heavy the measurements or 32 x 48 I need suggestions on how to use them I don't want to glue them to the wall. I have looked at the ideals that have been posted. I kind of like the ones on each side of the bed in frames, but I am interested in more ideals on how best to use them...........
12 days ago ·
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