Upon reflection: Add sparkle to each room with mirrors
Art Deco wall mirrors in varying sizes. Design: Time & Place Interiors
"Use your mirrors... and you will multiply the pleasures of your room," wrote the legendary design icon Elsie De Wolfe. Indeed, mirrors are fantastic decorating tools for nearly any space that could use sparkle and energy.
As functional elements for last-minute checks in the foyer, primping in the powder room, or once-overing an outfit in the dressing room, mirrors are essential. And as design tools, mirrors are equally indispensable. Positioning a mirror perpendicular to a window creates an extension of daylight to brighten a space. A large mirror gives depth to a room. And smaller mirrors offer intriguing glimpses of reflections from unexpected directions.
With their interesting frames, original shapes, and sparks of light, mirrors are also creative wall art alternatives. Use them as focal points in statement positions such as above a mantle or topping a credenza, or employ them in transitory spaces like hallways and stairwells to continue your style throughout your home.
As a keen proponent of mixing styles, I especially love to use mirrors for contrast. Try hanging an ornate antique mirror above a minimalist bathroom sink, or position a streamlined Mid Century mirror above a distressed cabinet for a striking, eclectic feel.
Here’s an inspirational room-by-room guide with considered designs featuring beautiful mirrors — mostly vintage and antique models — with smart, sophisticated style. Enjoy!
In the entry
A cluster of Art Deco mirrors from the 1930s-1940s fills a NYC Pre-War foyer with light. Design: Time & Place Interiors
Hanging a small vintage trifold mirror is a creative alternative to a tightly spaced entryway. Design: Allprace / Photo: Jessica Alexander
In the bedroom
A Venetian Mid Century etched mirror accompanies Danish Modern design in a bedroom. Design: Andre Mellone / Photo: Stephen Kent Johnson
Think beyond full-length and incorporate some small vintage mirrors in your bedroom. Design: Cecilie and Daniel Noer / Photo: Balder Skanstrom-Bo of Madman Factory
In the bath
Tasteful juxtaposition of styles: a distressed ornate mirror above a minimalist sink in a Georgetown home. Design: Lauren Wegel / Photo: Richard Barnes
Mirrors open opportunities for a bit of fun, like this mismatched pair above washbasins. Design & Photo: Bolon
In the kitchen
Why not add some character in the kitchen by displaying a vintage mirror above the sink, on a ledge, or even sitting on top of the counter? Design & photo: Entrance Makleri
An antique buffet mirror serves as an alternative kitchen backsplash for dramatic effect. Design c/o Archilovers
In the dining room
A gilded chinoiserie mirror is the perfect match to a vintage polished lacquer chinoiserie buffet. Design: Time & Place Interiors / Photo: Angela Newton Roy
An asymmetrical mirror in a small dining nook gives the illusion of a slightly larger space. Design: Time & Place Interiors
In the living room
Here’s a great example of eclectic design, where an antique mirror is juxtaposed with a sleek chrome lamp. Design: Carter Design / Photo: Laure Joliet
Irregular shape color-edged mirrors add whimsy in an insouciant Brooklyn living room. Design: Corinne Gilbert / Photo: Matthew Williams
Any room that needs it
To add daylight reflection to a first-floor New York apartment, a Mid Century Brasilia mirror was hung opposite a window. Design: Time & Place Interiors
A vintage Mid Century mirror finds a perfect vignette spot above a dresser. Design: Alyssa Kapito / Photo: Joshua McHugh
Need help reflecting your personality in your space?
Time & Place Interiors can help you restyle your space, using a combination of pieces you already own and new treasures that will become heirlooms for years to come. Check out the link below to find the right design service for you.
