| Want to make your living space even more appealing | | | | effectively to increase visual space, bring light and |
| and appear larger in a really easy way? Add the | | | | desirable views inside and visually correct architectural |
| magic of mirrors! | | | | design flaws. Here are a few ways of using mirrors |
| Mirrors have been a strong design element ever since | | | | you might want to consider: |
| they were first invented. Consider the Hall of Mirrors at | | | | • To make a hallway or stairway appear wider |
| the Palace of Versailles, for example, or the huge | | | | than it is, hang mirrors in a staggered sequence on |
| mirrors hung in the palaces of Florentine princes. See | | | | both sides of the walls; |
| them once and you'll remember them always! | | | | • To make the same hallway appear longer, hang |
| More recently, the great American decorator Billy | | | | mirrors at its ends instead of on its sides; |
| Baldwin created stunning rooms using mirrors to | | | | • Place a mirror across from a source of light such |
| bounce light off of already shiny, dark brown lacquered | | | | as a window or under a skylight to bring more light into |
| walls - an interior both dramatic and comfortable at the | | | | the room; |
| same time. | | | | • Multiply the decorative value of accessories such |
| The fact is that beautiful mirrors can be used | | | | as candles, flowers and plants by hanging a gorgeous |
| creatively to make a small room seem larger, to make | | | | wall mirror to reflect them; |
| a space more light filled by reflecting sunlight around a | | | | • Hanging a mirror on the wall adjacent to a great |
| room. Beyond these functional purposes, mirrors also | | | | piece of artwork will both reflect the image of the art |
| add beauty and elegance to home décor. | | | | and increase the feeling of space; |
| Mirrors can make any room appear larger, and placing | | | | • Painting one wall of a room in a dark color and |
| them judiciously not only increases visual space but | | | | hanging a decorative mirror on the dark wall will |
| can make them an integral part of your décor as | | | | increase the visual depth of the room; |
| well. Baldwin, for example, always hung mirrors so they | | | | • Top a large wall mirror with a floral swag in your |
| would bring wonderful exterior views into a room | | | | foyer. The floral swag will lend a charming note when |
| whenever possible. When outdoor views weren't | | | | checking your appearance on your way in or out of |
| worth bringing inside, Baldwin positioned mirrors to | | | | the front door; |
| reflect art on other interior walls. | | | | • Create a grouping of different sized mirrors for an |
| Hanging mirrors is an important part of the Chinese | | | | interesting wall arrangement. They will bounce light off |
| design system known as Feng Shui, too. For example, | | | | the opposite walls as well! |
| many Feng Shui consultants advise affixing a strip of | | | | Mirrors were originally intended for cosmetic and vanity |
| mirror above the working level of the sink and stove to | | | | purposes to allow us to see ourselves, fix our makeup |
| avoid being taken by surprise when people enter the | | | | and back up a car. Now you know that mirrors in your |
| room behind you. | | | | home are one of the best kept secrets used by |
| Regardless of whether the space you call home is a | | | | interior designers to add impact, illusion and light into a |
| small apartment or a huge loft, you can use mirrors | | | | home. Try it and see! |