{"id":40848,"date":"2025-07-05T13:28:11","date_gmt":"2025-07-05T13:28:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/40848\/"},"modified":"2025-07-05T13:28:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-05T13:28:11","slug":"the-updated-way-to-use-mirrors-in-home-decor-san-diego-union-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/40848\/","title":{"rendered":"The updated way to use mirrors in home decor \u2013 San Diego Union-Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"

For The Union-Tribune<\/p>\n

Mirrors can be a boon to decorating a room. They can reflect and expand light, and the size, shape and frame can make it a statement piece.<\/p>\n

They can define spaces in a large room. And they can be a way to give the eye a little breathing room in a space filled with art and other decorative pieces.<\/p>\n

But they can also be a tricky item to incorporate into home design. Like other home furnishings, they have their practical uses: in the bathroom, to help with applying makeup; in the bedroom, to determine an outfit or identify clothing flaws; and even in an entry hallway, to do one final check before leaving.<\/p>\n

But, oh, can the wrong choices lead to design mishaps \u2014 the wrong placement, the wrong size, the wrong style. And let\u2019s not even discuss the \u201970s trend of installing an entire wall with mirrors, especially gold-veined mirror tiles.<\/p>\n

\"MirrorsMirrors can go far beyond function: A distinctive piece In this room by Blythe Interiors makes a grand statement through texture and scale. (Natalia Robert Photography)<\/p>\n

But with a smart approach, mirrors can truly enhance a space.<\/p>\n

\u201cMirrors can absolutely be a real advantage in a space, both functionally and aesthetically,\u201d explained Vallerie Dalrymple of The Designers Firm<\/a>. \u201cThat said, the impact of a mirror really depends on the size, style and, most importantly, its specific use within a room. The type of mirror you choose should always support its purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s start with some basics around purpose, light, reflection and scale.<\/p>\n

Bathrooms and mirrors are forever intertwined. It seems pretty straightforward: Just place a large mirror over the sink and you\u2019re good, right? Well, not necessarily. The mirror should be proportional to the vanity, maybe two-thirds of the width, according to designer Lynn Siemer, director of design and operations at Blythe Interiors.<\/a> It should be tall enough for the tallest person in the household. Typically, you would want to hang it about four to five inches above the countertop but take into consideration the type of faucet you have. You may have to adjust if your faucet is built into the wall compared to a sink mounted faucet \u2014 or if you have a tall vessel sink.<\/p>\n

\"MirrorsA mirror with a rippled edge adds an organic feel in an entryway that features natural finishes. Design by South Harlow Interiors. (Nader Essa Photography)<\/p>\n

Because bathroom mirrors facilitate putting on makeup and shaving, light is hugely important. If you have a window that brings light to that part of the bathroom, perhaps a couple of dimmable sconces on either side or a pendant overhead are sufficient, especially if you also have recessed lighting. But a windowless bathroom or one where the window placement doesn\u2019t send much light to the mirror might require more help in the form of an LED frame around the mirror. But that also depends on the style of your space.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe LED mirror can tend to feel a bit more modern and contemporary,\u201d said Kendall Guertin, a designer with South Harlow Interiors<\/a>. \u201cIf the style of your home is pretty modern and sleek, then that would be a good choice. But if it\u2019s a more traditional space \u2014 something like a cottage, for instance \u2014 it can feel out of place. In that case we use sconces.\u201d<\/p>\n

In a bedroom, a mirror\u2019s primary function is to help you dress. Depending on the bedroom\u2019s size and layout, ideally, you\u2019ll have a full-size mirror either by or across from a window for the light. But there\u2019s one thing you should be aware of.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to make sure that if your bedroom is off a public space you don\u2019t place the mirror where it would reflect inside the bedroom, unless you keep your space really tidy or close the door,\u201d said Siemer.<\/p>\n

\"MirrorsA mirror above a fireplace matches the width of the firebox and echoes other curves in the room. Design by South Harlow Interiors. (Nader Essa Photography)<\/p>\n

Dalrymple frequently designs Airbnbs and in one she installed a large, thick-framed mirror on a wall next to the bed. It reflects light from the window in the opposite wall and is just far enough away from the bed for a guest to check their outfit before heading out.<\/p>\n

Entryways are a perfect place for a mirror. Especially, over a credenza or long bench.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe love to add mirrors in entryways,\u201d said Guertin. \u201cWe like to include them there because, of course, you want to take one last, final look before you leave the house. But it\u2019s also your entry and you want it to be a statement piece as you walk in. So it\u2019s also serving as an art piece at the same time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"MirrorsA small decorative mirror in a dining room ties into shapes in the cabinet design. Design by Blythe Interiors. (Natalia Robert Photography)<\/p>\n

For Guertin, placement is important. The mirror should be positioned so that the reflection is also something you want to see, like a piece of art across the room. It can also make the room feel larger.<\/p>\n

For years, a mirrored wall was a staple in a dining room. Before homes had open floor plans, dining rooms tended to be cut off from the kitchen and living room. A mirrored wall was thought to make the space feel larger. That\u2019s no longer a thing. But, if a dining room is cut off \u2014 and budget is a factor, said Dalrymple, a large statement mirror opposite a window is a cost-effective solution compared to installing electrical to add recessed lighting.<\/p>\n

Hanging a mirror over a bookcase or console is another option, especially if that wall faces a window to brighten and enlarge the space. In the dining room of a recent project, Guertin hung a large, organically shaped mirror over a simple black console holding books and a mushroom lamp.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s where a large mirror display can be helpful in an open floor space: to set off a bar. If you have a bar in your living room or by the dining room, designers agreed that setting off the wall behind the bar in mirrors can distinguish the space from the rest of a large room. Guertin is doing just that with bronzed mirror.<\/p>\n

\"MirrorsBoldly beaded mirror trim meets a boldly patterned countertop in this bathroom designed by South Harlow Interiors. (Nader Essa Photography)<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s for a coffee bar,\u201d she explained. \u201cThe bronze tint will be a little on the darker side, but it still reflect light and the space but with a little tweak on a typical mirror. There are glass mirror tiles, too, that you can use. We\u2019ve done that in another project at the bar.<\/p>\n

Living rooms offer a number of ways in which mirrors can enhance the space. It\u2019s common to see them over a fireplace, for example. But there are some tricks to doing this. Siemer had an example of an off-center fireplace on the far side of a living room. On the mantel is a beautifully carved wood-framed mirror leaning against the wall that is also off center but to the right of the firebox, overlapping with it by about a third. She layered the display by adding a couple of photos and small plants on one side, and a pair of tall, slender candlesticks, a small plant, and a sculpted bird on the other.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was about balance,\u201d explained Siemer.<\/p>\n

Have a tall fireplace? You probably don\u2019t want to add to the height with a mirror. It throws off the proportions.<\/p>\n

Siemer also designed a gallery space above a large chocolate leather sectional sofa that strategically incorporated mirrors. In this case, antique mirrors that play with the collection of art pieces. The frames of the art pieces are relatively simple. The two mirrors have more elaborate frames; one is actually a small candelabra.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were trying to fill up as much of the entire wall as we could,\u201d Siemer explained. \u201cWe found a lot of these pieces antiquing. The art was too small to put on the wall by itself, so we used the mirrors to fill the void. It was also a way to give the eye a break. Yes, the frames are really ornate. They\u2019re providing texture and pattern, but you\u2019re not seeing another image.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMirrors are an essential part of thoughtful design,\u201d said Dalrymple. \u201cNot just decorative but architectural in their ability to enhance atmosphere. No matter how trends shirt, a well-placed mirror is timeless and always has a role to play.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"MirrorsA mirror can cast light throughout a room, creating an illusion of even more space. In this look by The Designers Firm, a large mirror reflects one room into the next. (Rich Mino \/ Mino Pro Media)
\nTips for buying and placing mirrors<\/p>\n

\u2022 Look for quality in the glass itself. If you\u2019re buying online this can be harder to check, said Guertin, so look at price. She said even a couple hundred dollar mirror could be on the cheap side. It depends on the material and its thickness. Skip thin, flimsy mirrors or those with plastic. You want something sturdy and solid, nothing warped or wavy. Accuracy is everything in a mirror. You don\u2019t want to feel like you\u2019re in a funhouse.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Be adventurous in how you think about the shape of mirrors. What shapes are in your furniture or cabinet design or fabric prints? You can mimic or complement them with ovals, arches, suns and other shapes.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Spend time thinking about the style of the room and what kind of frame would make the best statement. You can find unique mirrors with frames by artisans on Etsy, for instance. You can also go to art fairs. Guertin suggested that you can find frames alone and take them to a glassmaker to install a mirror. Big box stores like Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, and furniture stores are also options. So are thrifting and swap meets, as well as Facebook Marketplace. Consider different textures, antiques, and mixed media of wood and metal.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Creating a collage of mirrors can be risky unless the grouping is more sculptural, with different sizes and shapes. \u201cDon\u2019t go with basic mirrors; make it feel more unique,\u201d Guertin advised. \u201cAlso odd numbers are great. It makes the collage feel more organic. It feels more intentional.\u201d Make sure your mirrors are spaced enough to give some breathing room to the look.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Add mirrors with unusual or dramatic frames to a collage of art on a wall, advised Siemer. It helps break up a collection of art pieces so attention can be paid to each unique piece. And it\u2019s a helpful way to fill a large space if there\u2019s not enough art.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Turn a full-length mirror in a bedroom into a statement piece with a dramatic frame, said Dalrymple. And place sconces on either side.<\/p>\n

\u2022 If you have a large walk-in closet, consider placing a full-length mirror in there, especially if your bedroom is small or the walls are taken up with furniture or windows and doors.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Depending on the room plan, try to place mirrors opposite a window to reflect light. Don\u2019t place it in a spot that reflects a space you don\u2019t want to draw attention to, like a dog crate or a TV or a space that\u2019s often messy.Whether you lean a full-size mirror in a bedroom, a living room, or anywhere else, be sure to secure it to the wall. You don\u2019t want it to crash during an earthquake or when kids or dogs are roughhousing.<\/p>\n

\"MirrorsSlim-profile mirrors add a touch of elegance in a bathroom by The Designers Firm. (Rich Mino \/ Mino Pro Media)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"For The Union-Tribune Mirrors can be a boon to decorating a room. They can reflect and expand light,…\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":40849,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5134],"tags":[5229,1582,276,20240,1370,3549,7264,1072,67,586,132,5230,68,2969],"class_list":{"0":"post-40848","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-san-diego","8":"tag-america","9":"tag-ca","10":"tag-california","11":"tag-home-and-garden","12":"tag-latest-headlines","13":"tag-san-diego","14":"tag-sandiego","15":"tag-things-to-do","16":"tag-united-states","17":"tag-united-states-of-america","18":"tag-unitedstates","19":"tag-unitedstatesofamerica","20":"tag-us","21":"tag-usa"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/114800866390739644","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40848","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40848"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40848\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40849"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40848"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40848"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40848"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}