We all know the importance of mirrors and how they can open up a space and make a room seem larger. The tricky bit however, is how to achieve it. It’s not simply about hanging a mirror on a wall and you’re done.
First of all, make sure you keep the mirror flat against the surface you hang it to, otherwise you risk altering the image it’s reflecting. Height is another aspect to think about. Consider what you need to reflect, i.e. yourself and the room. In a dining room, the mirror should reflect the table and create an ambiance, it shouldn’t reflect the ceiling.
If the mirror is the key piece in your room, in other words, a decorative mirror, you should hang it high. Free standing mirrors that you lean against a wall are ideal to create the illusion of space, just bear in mind that the mirror should be 3/4 as tall as the wall it’s leaning against. Mirrors double what they’re placed opposite so heads up if you’re placing a mirror in front of a cluttered space.
Mirrors are great for dark spaces and can light up corners, therefore they’re perfect for dim-lit hallways. Beware of placing a mirror at the end of a hallway however, as in feng shui it’s believed to prevent good energy flow. As mirrors can act as a spare window, bringing more light in, they need to reflect already natural light or light from lamps.
Mirrors needn’t necessarily be traditional, in the sense of square and framed, they can serve different purposes too. For example, heated mirror pads in the bathroom mirror will clear off any shower steam immediately, and you don’t have to wait for the ventilation to kick in or open any windows or doors.
The pads will set you back around £60, and can be fitted for a total cost of around £100. If you’re refurbishing your bathroom, this is a gadget you definitely should invest in.
If you need help renovating and improving your house, post your job for free on RatedPeople.com. Quality, local tradespeople will contact you to give you a quote. Make sure you read their previous customer reviews and look at their project photos to get a good feel for the person you’re about to employ. When the job’s been finished, don’t forget to leave a rating so other homeowners can find a trusted tradesperson too.
