Think of a grand mirror as your secret design weapon – not only adding aesthetic interest to a room but helping you move light and play with space.
As far back as the late 17th century, mirrors have been used to play with a room’s proportions and light. Look no further than Louis XIV’s Hall of Mirrors in Versailles for proof. Today, they continue their double life as architectural features and clever room enhancers, as well as a way to check one’s reflection, in every room of the house.
For Meaghan Hunter, Neptune art director and stylist, the introduction of mirrors into a living space provides opportunity to reflect a building’s history or even create a striking contrast. ‘If a room features lots of hard angles, such as square coffee tables and rectangular door frames, I find the introduction of a curved mirror creates a softness and a point of difference. Equally, with a period property that has arched doors and windows and exposed oak beams, I love mirroring (excuse the pun) the architecture with a striking arched oak floor-length mirror too,’ she says.
One of the first considerations when choosing mirrors in a room is how the light filters in during the day. ‘Ask yourself whether light is coming through a window or diffused from another room as this will determine where to place your mirrors to best optimise it,’ says Meaghan. By placing a floor-length mirror opposite French doors or a large window, you will bounce the daylight around the room, creating a sense of space and brightness. The mirror can even be tilted to reflect the light up onto the ceiling, making the room feel taller and more spacious. Mirrors are great at emphasising the output from other light sources too: ‘A mirror opposite a bright hallway creates the same effect by bouncing the light into a darker room, and positioning a lamp in front of a mirror will double its effect,’ adds Meaghan.
Our new Edinburgh curved mirror is a floor-length design with a distinctive arched silhouette that introduces architectural grandeur to any space. Designed to lean against walls, large mirrors mean you can play with scale and add a focal point to a room with height and natural texture. The larger a mirror, the larger it will make a room feel by amplifying the proportions.
Mirrors can also add interest in unexpected spaces. Just as portable lamps have been seen dressing garden tables, why not add an arched mirror to a garden room or orangery as a considered choice for making the space feel larger, and as an alternative to artwork. As Meaghan explains, ‘When plants are placed in front of a mirror, the reflection provides the effect of doubling the display for a fuller look. You’re reflecting the beautiful things in your room.’
Whether you are using mirrors as purposeful room enhancers, as decorative touches, or simply to check your appearance, choose a style that will play a starring role in the whole home.
