A mirror is one of life’s essentials. You’ll find them dotted around every home and many of us can’t leave the house without one, either! Aside from helping us to ensure we’re presentable at the start of every day, a well-chosen mirror can offer plenty to admire beyond the confines of our own reflection. It can be a focal point for a room in the same way as striking canvas print or a beautifully framed piece of art.
For centuries mirrors have been as much about the aesthetic as the functional. Nowadays there a more styles than ever, offering something for every taste. With so many options, finding the right design can be as disorientating as a hall of mirrors, so we’ve picked out some key trends and ideas to lead you in the right direction…
Bevelled is back
Bevelled furniture is a long-established style at the traditional end of the design spectrum. It’s back in a big way in 2019, so it’s worth your consideration for a lounge, dining room or bedroom. If you want to add a contemporary feel, choose a bevelled frame with a mirrored finish (above) rather than wood.
Make a unique statement
Choosing a unique or distinctive shape can make your mirror a statement piece. Something a little free-form, asymmetrical and unburdened by geometric rules. It’s often an ideal feature to punctuate the straight lines of doorways, fireplaces and coffee tables.
Scandi chic seems to be an ever-present amongst décor trends and one of its most popular styles in 2019 is the classic simplicity of circular mirrors with minimal frames. Oversize versions are particularly bold and eye-catching if you have the space to make it work.
When picturing a mirror’s place in any given room, your first thought is probably a single item dominating the wallspace. However, a more subtle and creative approach is the use of several small mirrors. Multiple mirrors can accentuate a theme or shape. For example, see how the round mirrors in the lounge of our showhome at The Poplars (below) are nested in matching circular shelving units, echoed by other choices of furniture such as the lampshade and side table. Sometimes the little details can make a big difference.
Many people prefer full-length mirrors in the bedroom. There are plenty of free-standing and ‘floor leaner’ options out there, but you could get really expansive with mirrors built into fitted wardrobes. Reflective panels extending the width of a room can add to the sense of space. Their integral design also frees up floor space. Orion Homes provide fitted wardrobes as a specification upgrade, so we can help if this option fits your taste.
Hanging mirrors offer ample scope to get creative. They can make a style statement which is less about the mirror itself and more about how it’s hung. Beads, satchel-style leather straps, industrial chains – all sorts of ideas can be deployed to suspend your mirror with an aesthetic motif that fits the overall scheme of your room. Why not try a rope-hung mirror in the bathroom to follow a nautical or rustic theme? If you prefer a silkier look, you could opt for a simple ribbon tie.
Hopefully we’ve offered some inspiration and prompted a few thoughts, but with interior design you should never be afraid to try your own ideas and follow your instincts. Like most aspects of your home, your mirrors should provide a true reflection of you.
