Get more light with a mirror
House of Fraser
Create extra light with mirrors. They're experiencing a renaissance - not just for vanity purposes, but as decorative devices in themselves. Here's how to use them to best effect in your home. Shop the UK's largest selection of mirrors
1. Old-Fashioned charm
There's no better way of adding a bit of old-school glamour to a room than with a traditional, gilt mirror. The timeless classic works equally well in a gentleman's study, a family drawing room or a vampy boudoir. Position a moderate sized one above a mantelpiece or for maximum impact, lean a massive, floor-standing one against the wall. We adore this
Gold Finished Overmantle Mirror (£99.99) from Argos.
2. Know no limits
Who says mirrors are just for walls? Reflective furniture can add a whole new dimension to a room, creating light and a sense of space. This Barcelona Console and Stool (£650) by Graham and Green is girlishly pretty and simultaneously unobtrusive. 'Do be aware of what you are reflecting though, and where you placing a mirror,' warns Jamie Green, partner at Graham and Green. 'Reflect something beautiful such as a chandelier rather than huge piles of clutter!'
4. Frou frou
For a super-girlie theme, start with a really extravagant mirror. This Oval Venetian Mirror (£185) from Graham & Green
is not for minimalist fans but will certainly set the tone for frills and flounces. Boudoir chic is back with a bang.
3. Lighten up
'In narrow or dark spaces, mirrors are an ideal way to maximise available light and increase a sense of space,' says Bailess. Position cleverly, such as opposite windows for best effect. This water hyacinth mirror (£125) from Lombok is large enough to reflect even the most imposing of indoor spaces.
5. Bold is beautiful
When it comes to choosing that perfect mirror, don't shy away from eye-catching designs. Treat it like a work of art which is decorative as well as functional. Opt for opulence with this stunning Ornate framed mirror (£89) from M&S. Collections of mirrors make an interesting alternative to art. Start with a large mirror and place smaller ones around it for an eclectic mosaic effect.
6. Into the green
Strategically placed mirrors in the garden create an impression of space and transform a bland area into something quirky and magical. Suspend from trees for twinkly interest, place under planters and pots for depth or hang on garden walls to draw the eye to an illusory secret garden beyond. Have fun with this Illusion window mirror with shutters (now £29.99, was £49.99) from Crocus.
7. Spacially savvy
'Used to fully clad a wall in a small room, mirrors immediately double the space visually. This is especially effective if you put half-moon or narrow console tables against it - they become full circles or larger tables in the mirror,' says Adrienne Chinn, of Adrienne Chinn Design Company. We love this dark oak mirror shelf, (£70) from Heal's. Double up your ornaments for a spectacular spacial illusion.
9. Vamp up with vintage
According to Jane Bailess from John Lewis, 'The key trends for 2008 are plain or smoked glass mirrors, with a move away from formal or elaborate frames.' This Art Deco mirror (£316) from Wallace Sacks is an unusual yet super stylish take on a timeless classic. Just as à la mode today as it was in the 1920s.
Annie Deakin is a journalist, fashion and furniture expert and editor at mydeco.com who is currently interested in
table lamps,
diy and
roman blinds.
