Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Using Mirrors Effectively

Sig Bergamin - Elle Decor

I think all designers love using mirrors to get extra depth out of a room and to create some deception in a space.  Careful placement of a mirror can bring much needed light into a dark space, can double the size of the room, or make a hallway seem like it goes on forever. I'm always on the look out for mirrors used in creative and unusual ways that achieve a purpose other than the obvious.  Here are some great examples.

Jonathan Berger - House Beautiful


Traditional Home


Michael S. Smith - Architectural Digest





Kit and Tim Kemp - Elle Decor


Jean-Louis Denoit - Elle Decor


Faye Cone - House Beautiful


Shari Markbreiter - Traditional Home


Steven Gambrel - Elle Decor


Roger Higgins - Traditional Home


Elle Decor



 
Courtney Coleman, Bill Brockschmidt - House Beautiful

 
Stephanie Stokes - House Beautiful


 
When used effectively, mirrors are a great trick to get extra visual square footage, open up a window in a space, and of course, direct focus on the inhabitant.  Who doesn't pause to glance at themselves in a well-placed mirror! 


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15 comments:

  1. Splendid SassDecember 14, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    Wow- these are some beautiful images, Carla. I'm with you on mirrors. The only bad mirror I've seen are the ones that reflect something not so pretty! The second image is my favorite.
    Happy Wednesday.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  2. My Notting HillDecember 14, 2011 at 8:43 AM

    I've never seen mirrors used on the exterior of a kitchen cabinet the way it's shown in your second pic. I accidentally discovered what a difference a mirror can make when I propped one in a corner of my living room. After seeing the change, I hung it with a demilune table underneath and it made such a wonderful difference.

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  3. Concrete JungleDecember 14, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    One of the best design tools in the book....in Thailand I have had great fun with mirrors outside and even on the edge of the pool! My dining table with a little trough for floating flowers or fish in is all mirrored!
    I now am into bevelling edges of pieces for even more
    drama. As splendid sass says you do have to be careful what you 'catch' in your mirror!

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  4. Mona Thompson Providence Ltd.December 14, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    Beautiful images, Carla. Love that gorgeous mirror in the game room. XO, Mona

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  5. UnknownDecember 14, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    I totally agree. I have to say I saw one of the most horrible design mistakes EVER at the World's Fair in New Orleans in the 80's. In one of the women's restrooms in a public building on the grounds, there was a linear reflective ceiling installed (at an angle no less!) above the toilets. Not only could everyone see down into the stalls to the tops of the heads of the women sitting on the toilets, but you could literally see everything going into the toilet and everything that was deposited!!!!
    Major design mistake!

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  6. Taylor GreenwaltDecember 14, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    Carla, So many wonderful images. Wow,I cant imagine that happening. sitting on the toilet in a public restroom and everyone watching your business! Man o man your right, design mistake!

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  7. AnonymousDecember 14, 2011 at 9:00 PM

    I love when mirrors are used in designs but of course, they have to make sense and be used appropriately... love all these examples..
    ...and I am laughing (sorry) at your comment above....exactly my point only more extreme when good mirrors go bad!!!
    best,
    maureen

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  8. HeatherDecember 15, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    I love these examples you've chosen to illustrate how mirrors can be creatively used in a space. My personal favorite is the kitchen cabinets with mirrored doors.

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  9. DonnaDecember 15, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    I always loved the use of mirror and on the entire wall to! My parents had the entire LR wall mirrored with large squares and it literally doubled the size of the room. It also reflected our beautiful Christmas tree!

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  10. Interior Design MusingsDecember 16, 2011 at 5:57 AM

    Hey Carla!
    OK, I know I've said this before, but I love every single post you write, so thoughtful and the mirrors are always stunning. Another great post and lesson on mirrors! M.

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  11. An Urban CottageDecember 16, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    Still not getting your posts in my Reader. I'm missing some good stuff. There are some really beautiful rooms here.

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  12. Carol@6WilsonBlog.comDecember 16, 2011 at 3:57 PM

    Hi Carla! That image from House Beautiful with the mirror backsplash has been a favorite of mine for a long time. I think it is a great concept for a small kitchen. I have a mirror in every room, I think, I can never get enough. Great images, thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend.

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  13. Kellie CollisDecember 17, 2011 at 4:53 AM

    Stunning images! I'm loving those closet doors! Have a fabulous weekend, Kellie xx

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  14. Mary Ann PickettDecember 17, 2011 at 12:09 PM

    You are sooo right! Such great and inspiring examples here.

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  15. JessieDecember 19, 2011 at 2:12 AM

    Beautiful and inspiring images, Carla! I love mirrors as accents mostly and they are especially wonderful when they also serve another purpose, like creating depth and more light in a space, etc.

    Jessie
    www.mixandchic.com

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