A working mirror
The mirror is a very special decorative accessory thanks to its reflective aspect. It is therefore used primarily for practical reasons.
Above the basin in the bathroom, at the foot of the bedroom or in the dressing room, on the dressing table… certain locations are naturally necessary.
In a studio or in a small apartment, you sometimes have to know how to improvise. Rather than an XL model which occupies a large surface, we adopt the small mirror to be placed, which finds its place perfectly on the chest of drawers or on a shelf, as long as it is in a bright location.
A mirror to boost the brightness
One of the main assets of the mirror is its ability to reflect light in order to multiply it. It has been used without moderation for centuries to illuminate dark corners, and it is still relevant today.
The hallway and the stairwell are generally dark passageways. Depending on the configuration of the premises, we put on a mirror, on a row or on a mirror wall to boost the brightness.
Generally used to circulate natural light, the mirror proves to be just as effective at nightfall, by multiplying the points of light. It is therefore wise to place a mirror so that it reflects the light of a table lamp or a suspension. To succeed, simply make sure that the light does not produce too powerful a light – in the bedroom or in the living room, favor a warm light, which is more relaxing than white light. Also make sure that the reflections do not bother you when you sit in the room.
The mirror brings brightness and a particularly appreciable feeling of openness in a space without a window.
A mirror to visually enlarge the room
The mirror effectively helps to visually enlarge a small room. This is also a trick that has been used for centuries. The simplest technique is to install the mirror facing an opening, in order to create a trompe-l’oeil effect of depth.
The mirror facing the window is a classic for giving depth to a cramped space, whether it’s a small hallway or a small bedroom. It is usually placed above a piece of furniture – dresser, console or bed – so that it is at eye level. Facing the door, we prefer to shift it a little, otherwise we will be regularly surprised by our own reflection when entering the room!
To accentuate the trompe-l’oeil effect, we love the window mirror. To succeed, we adapt the dimensions of the mirror to those of the room and the wall available. And if the mirror is frequently used to “open up” a small space, it is just as valuable for sublimating XL volumes.
If you want to visually enlarge your interior, dare the mirror in a corner of the room – this atypical arrangement creates a feeling of greater openness.
A mirror to enhance the decor
The mirror is considered a decorative accessory in its own right. And while it is self-sufficient, it also knows how to discreetly underline another element, when skilfully used.
Create an urban jungle: good idea! Provided, however, that there is enough space to multiply the green plants… And when this is not the case? Simply place a mirror behind your plants: it will increase their foliage.
Placed on the chest of drawers or on the fireplace, the mirror also brings a particular relief to a soliflore, a sculpture or a candlestick.
Round, square, rectangular, hexagonal, organic, in very small or very large format… the mirror is available indefinitely. If you have an empty corner of the wall, don’t hesitate to see: install a mirror there! It is always interesting that it is placed in front of a moving element, like a vase likely to accommodate different bouquets throughout the year: your mirror then turns into a real living picture.
The mirror: an essential for the practice of Feng Shui
The ancient art of Feng Shui comes from China. It aims to circulate the chi (energy) harmoniously, in order to promote the health of the occupants of the house. The mirror is an essential element, because according to the principles of Feng Shui, it allows to accelerate the chi.
The full-length mirror located in the entrance is undeniably practical for ensuring that you are spotless before going out. From the point of view of Feng Shui, however, it should be avoided to install it directly facing the front door, because it repels the chi. The house will then lack energy.
In Feng Shui, the convex mirror – or fish eye mirror – is however recommended in the entrance, because it facilitates the distribution of chi throughout the whole house.
The mirror accelerating the chi, it creates a very energizing atmosphere, inappropriate in the bedroom. Feng Shui therefore advocates a single mirror in this room dedicated to rest, avoiding very large formats. To reduce its energizing effect, you can place the mirror near the window and turn it slightly outwards.