DDL: Everything You Need To Know About Decorating With Mirrors

They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend… Well, there’s another sparkly item that has just as many admirers. From ornate and oversized to minimal and petite, mirrors are one of few decorating elements that can work in every room of the house.

Mirrors are great for so many reasons—they reflect light, they open up spaces, and they just make rooms look better in general. But before you start hanging them left, right, and center there are some things to keep in mind. Here are a few tips on how to decorate with mirrors.

Just Your Type

Every room can have a mirror but it should never be the same one; it should be one to reflect the décor of the room. There are many different types of home mirrors that could complement a room or stand out as a bold statement piece. Here are all the different types of mirrors for your home:

Free-standing Full-Length Mirrors: Free-standing full-length mirrors reflect more light to help make a small room look bigger. They’re easily portable, leave no marks or holes on the wall and are quick and easy to set up.

Hanging Mirrors: While hanging mirrors aren’t too big, they will still reflect enough light to make a dark room seem brighter. They can be suspended from a chain, string or wire from a frame hook, making it easy to set up —even from a plasterboard wall.

Wall Mirrors: Wall mirrors are usually fitted to the walls with the D-ring hangers found on the back panel of the mirror. They come in heavier weights as they could be designed with thicker frames or elaborate styles with heavier materials.

Over-Mantle Mirrors: A magnificently designed over-mantle mirror can really add grandeur to a feature fireplace in your living room. By choosing the right over-mantle mirror piece, it can help to make the room bigger.

Over-the-Door Mirrors: Most of these mirrors are quite light in weight and come in a range of sizes. They’re versatile in that they can be hung over a door, a cupboard door or even a shower rail, making them perfect for small spaces.

Taking Shape

Although the traditional four-corner rectangle shape is the most popular, mirrors can be cut into any shape to provide a host of styles for décor purposes.

Round: A rounded mirror can help to soften the sharp look within a room which is usually caused by the corners. It can add more dimension to a wall, while still retaining a neo-classic look and feel.

Rectangular: From the traditional elegant designs to a rocking contemporary style, this shape mirror can be found in almost every home. It gives a full and wide reflection, brightening up any room instantly.

Square: Square mirrors are also quite versatile and come in a wide range of styles. However, this shape works best when the size is smaller and used for the hallway, bathroom or just for décor purposes.

Hexagonal: Hexagon shaped mirrors are not as readily available on the market as the other mirror shapes but when you can find them, they will quickly become the centre of attention in any home. It complements artistic and modern room themes nicely.

Reflective Style

Can you ever have too many mirrors? Not unless you have too many walls in your house, because mirrors belong everywhere. With different styles abound, you’ll find a style to suit any décor.

Vintage Mirrors: From faded styled frames to the traditional oak frames, vintage mirrors can add charm and elegance to a luxuriously stylish or contemporary home, depending on its design as it can

Industrial Style Mirrors: Traditionally designed for outdoor use, industrial style mirrors tend to be sturdier in construction and suits rooms with an industrial antique theme. Some designs can give a room a more masculine feel to it and add character too.

Rustic Mirrors: From plastic designs to an antiqued faded metal frame, rustic mirrors suit many décor styles from an old-world elegance to a glamourous chic room.

A Touch of Glamour

Large mirrors, small mirrors, square mirrors, round mirrors – all mirrors reflect light, making a room seem larger and adding a dimensional element to the space. However, that isn’t the only benefit you’ll get:

• They add texture by bouncing light around the room and providing a dazzling surface, especially when they reflect a lamp or window.
• They make a big artistic impact for less and don’t go out of style as quickly, so you can splurge on one without worrying that you will tire of it.
• They evoke curiosity in a room by reflecting interesting elements and connecting different areas of your home.

In the world of home décor, mirrors can be a magical design tool. Whether you want to add a polished touch to your interiors, make a statement with wall art or amplify light and space, the DDL interior décor specialists will help you find the right mirror to reflect your own personal style. You can also visit their showroom in Kramerville, Sandton for pre-designed mirrors and other home accessories.

For more information visit DDL.