Reflections on Mirrors

I’ll admit it, I am a decorating fanatic. I love to talk decorating—anytime with most anyone. But most especially, I love browsing for inspiration in magazines and on websites. There’s just a special thrill I get when I see a look I want to recreate or a piece of furniture or fabric I need. (Yes, I said “need,” not “want,” that just illustrates my obsession!) My current fave? The Antonella floor mirror. But wait, I’m getting ahead of myself.

Antonella floor mirror

What’s not to love about the classically inspired Antonella mirror? Its shapely form is reminiscent of palace doors and windows, while its rubbed finish appears time-worn.

Over the years as I work with friends, family, and clients on their homes, I find myself sharing one important insight about these fabulous inspiration photos we all covet: they’re not reality for most of us. Don’t get me wrong, they offer plenty of ideas—but there’s one big problem: the structure they’re starting with is rarely like the typical neighborhood home where the majority of us dreamers reside.

You see, the rooms most often photographed in magazines like Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Living, House Beautiful, Traditional Home, and even on Pinterest are usually very unique. With the exception of the occasional room makeover article, most of the spaces we see featured are stunning before they’re even decorated. These are not typical homes—no, they’re custom builds with huge rooms, a bevy of architectural detailing, and light pouring in through every window. It kind of stacks the deck in their favor from the beginning.

So what’s a typical homeowner with big decorating ambitions to do? Start with light. While you can’t easily make your rooms larger or replicate built-in architecture, you can maximize the light in a room using mirrors. Mirrors are a simple solution that can instantly transform a room and create the feeling of warmth that distinguishes a designer space.

There’s just something about natural light. It’s no coincidence that photographers love it—it warms everything up and casts a flattering glow. Look at your favorite home decor inspiration photos and you’re sure to see lots of natural light. To replicate this look in your own space, strategically place mirrors across from windows—and other mirrors—to bounce the light around the room. If you have the space, go big with a floor mirror like the Vera floor mirror or the Encircle floor mirror.

Vera floor mirror

The Vera mirror is finished in antique gold leaf and will complement any style from traditional to transitional. As an added bonus, it features hidden jewelry storage.

Encircle floor mirror

Modern and full of character, the Encircle floor mirror makes a statement wherever it sits.

Wall mirrors work just as well at scattering and diffusing sunshine. Try the Visage shaped mirror in a bedroom or the Rafferty mirror in an entryway to reflect the light from outdoors.

The Visage mirror

Hung vertically or horizontally, the Visage shaped mirror brings sparkle to a room while giving back light.

Rafferty mirror

Modern and sophisticated, the Rafferty mirror is perfect for bouncing and diffusing light. Its one-of-a-kind design lends an artistic aesthetic to a space.

While our rooms may never look exactly like they do in our favorite magazines, mirrors can help us achieve the same feeling of warmth and light. And how a room feels is what’s most important anyway, right?