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Modern Mirrors
Mirrors offer us the ability to see ourselves in real time and are essential home accessories in bathrooms, bedrooms, entryways – anywhere it might be helpful to straighten your tie, perfect your makeup, or check your outfit. But beyond their utility, decorative mirrors can be compelling parts of a well-decorated home. Not only can modern mirrors from Design Within Reach add dimension and light to a space, but they can also act as compelling pieces of decor all on their own, with unique frames and shapes that set them apart from traditional mirrors.
Types of Modern Mirrors
Wall Mirrors
Made to mount to the wall, wall mirrors are almost windowlike in appearance, opening portholes that can deliver bright light and dimension to any space. Wall mirrors are some of the most versatile mirrors available because they come in a wide range of shapes and sizes and can suit a multitude of functions. Small wall mirrors, including rectangular, oval, and round mirrors, are perfect for entryways, hallways, or gallery walls. Large wall mirrors are ideal above mantels or dressers or spanning across entire walls, especially in small spaces – large mirrors can give a room the illusion of being bigger than it really is. Wall mirrors make excellent decorative mirrors, as their frames come in countless materials and finishes ranging from minimal to ornate. Some wall mirrors and mirrored medicine cabinets even have built-in shelves or hooks for enhanced functionality.
Floor Mirrors
Floor mirrors are freestanding mirrors designed to stand on the floor. Some floor mirrors are made to lean against the wall, while others are suspended on a frame or stand. Floor mirrors with stands can typically be tilted forward or backward. Fold-out floor mirrors feature three or more mirrored surfaces. The two outer mirrors fold inwards to stabilize the mirror and offer a more panoramic reflection of their subject. Floor mirrors are often full-length mirrors, also called body mirrors, because they are designed to reflect one’s whole body from head to toe. This makes a floor mirror the ideal bedroom mirror for crafting outfits. Because they take up floor space, floor mirrors are ideal for larger bedrooms that can spare the square footage.
How to Choose & Place Modern Mirrors
Naturally, wall mirrors are ideal as bathroom mirrors hung above a bathroom sink or vanity. In a small bathroom, consider a decorative mirror that will add a little style to the space. In a shared bathroom with multiple sinks, consider a large wall mirror spanning across the entire bathroom countertop, or place individual wall mirrors above each sink for a more private, personalized feel. For a bedroom vanity mirror, consider hanging a round mirror or arch mirror above a dresser or desk. Or make use of unused space and hang a full-length over-the-door mirror on the back of a bedroom door, for the perfect place to check an outfit.
In small spaces, consider the impact a large wall mirror or floor mirror might have on the room. Against a blank wall in your living room, think about leaning a large arch floor mirror, which will resemble an arched entryway into a whole new space and make your living room feel much larger than it really is. Or replace a whole wall in your apartment kitchen or bathroom with a large, frameless mirror to visually double the space. Also, don’t forget to consider the position of your real windows when placing mirrors throughout your home. Place a mirror opposite a window or opposite the sun at certain points in the day to fill your space with light.