Mirrors in the interior. Photos, types of mirrors, how to choose

It's hard to imagine how people used to live without mirrors. After all, when we wake up in the morning, we go to the bathroom to brush our teeth and look at ourselves in the mirror. When getting ready for work, we put on makeup in the mirror and get dressed. And how many times will we look in the mirror during the day?

Mirrors in the apartment expand the space. They perform a design and visual task. When purchasing a mirror, consider its size, shape and the room where the mirror will hang.

Types of mirrors for the home

1. Traditional. Colorless mirrors, which are made using aluminum or silver plating.
2. Colored. They have a reflective color layer: blue, gold, silver. Also mirrors that change color depending on the angle of view, smoothly transitioning from one to another - chameleons.
3. Matte. They are more often used in the interior. They engrave, use silk-screen printing, matting, giving interesting shapes and elements.
4. Spyware. Used for work. On one side there is ordinary glass, on the other there is a mirror.

MODELS WITH LIGHTING

This is a very popular solution for the interior of a dark room. Often in the hallway nothing can be done to overcome dim lighting and lack of sunlight, since there is almost never a window facing here. As a result, the reflection, even when the lighting is on, resembles a vague shadow.

An alternative to lighting is to place several sconces or compact wall lamps next to the mirror, but it is not always possible to supply electricity; it is also quite difficult to buy products that match the style; difficulties also lie in placing the light source so that it illuminates the person looking well, but does not blind him.

Special spotlights on the reflective surface are designed from spotlights; their light is quite bright, but does not hurt the eyes when a person admires himself. Such lamps are hung along the top, on both sides of the glass or slightly above its upper corner, this is clearly visible in the photo. The mirror also corrects the irregular shape of the room, if it is narrow and long. In this case, it should be on a narrow wall, and the lamp opposite.

Criteria for choosing mirrors

Mirrors are not certified, so when choosing, consider important details.

What you should pay attention to when purchasing:

1. Mirror thickness. The thicker the mirror, the more reliable it is. When buying a mirror for home, choose a thickness of more than 5 mm. It will not distort and will last a long time.
2. The quality of the mirror coating. The coating must be uniform, without scratches or specks. The coating consists of three layers that reflect, protect the mirror from corrosion, and protect the layers from damage. Using a layer of silver in the mirror makes the reflection clear and the mirror durable.
3. Smoothness level. The surface of the mirror on both sides should be smooth, without chips, scratches or swelling.
4. Mirror size. When choosing a mirror, consider the size and design of the room.

MODELS WITH SHELF

If you hang a mirror with a shelf at waist level in the hallway, it will allow you to store little things that you should not forget when leaving the house. These models are most often installed in a baguette or wooden frame, the shelf is securely attached to it, it will withstand the weight of all things piled on it.

Such mirrors do not come in such a size that you can see yourself from head to toe; this should be taken into account when choosing a point for installation, since you will have to move a sufficient distance to obtain the desired angle of reflection. The lighting is also not dim. It can be placed vertically or horizontally, depending on where exactly the shelf is attached to it. The first option, which is shown in the photograph, is more practical, as it gives you the opportunity to see your whole self.

How to choose a quality mirror for your home

1. Production technology. Previously, mirrors were made by sputtering glass with tin and mercury. This procedure was dangerous, as it entailed vapor poisoning. Nowadays, silver plating technology is used to make mirrors. The glass sheet has Gost markings M1, M2, M3. Marking M1 is premium glass. M2 is basic for mass production. M3 mirrors mounted in furniture.
2. Coating. A silver solution is applied to the glass sheet, then a layer of copper is applied and secured with several layers of paint. A cheaper way to make mirrors is to coat polished glass with aluminum and paint on top. This method is suitable for small mirrors. They are susceptible to corrosion, have a lower reflectivity and moisture resistance.
3. Extreme sides. The wider the edge, the better the quality of the mirror. Edge treatment is needed to protect the coating layers. The mirror will last a long time if the processing process was done correctly. When making a mirror, the edges are cleaned, thereby removing irregularities and roughness that can cause injury. The edge of the edge is rounded, which ensures a safe grip of the mirror during transportation. Then polished, ground and beveled.
4. Appearance. The mirror should be free of ripples and distortions. Look in the mirror. Your display should be realistic and clear.

Features of installing mirrors

If you like to rearrange your furniture, choose a mirror with a hanging mount included. You can rehang such a mirror or buy another one instead.

The mirror, for better air circulation, is hung at a distance of 5 mm from the wall.

To glue a mirror to a wall, use a special glue, the instructions for which say “for gluing mirrors to the wall.” Before the procedure, you should clean the flat surface. It should be smooth and dry. To mount a large mirror to the floor, use the services of a specialist.

Location of mirrors in the room

An important criterion is the correct location of the mirror in the apartment. Follow the designers' advice.

1. If you place mirrors opposite each other, you will get a corridor of mirrors. This arrangement is considered unlucky, as it can lead a person to disorientation.
2. If the room is not large and you want to expand it and make it bright, use floor-length mirrors.
3. The mirror design involves two or more mirrors. Hang them end to end. Thanks to this, there will be more space.
4. For a room with low ceilings, long narrow mirrors are suitable. They will visually elongate the space.

How to choose the right mirror shape for the bathroom, hallway and bedroom

Tips for choosing mirrors for different rooms

When choosing furniture and interior items for their apartment or country house, many people linger for a long time on mirrors. The reason for this is the huge variety of models of different shapes: from classic rectangular and round to unusual polygonal, asymmetrical and other mirrors with non-standard silhouettes.

From this article you can learn how to choose the right mirror for each room in your home, as well as learn some useful techniques that can be used in interior design.

Why is the shape of the mirror so important?

Mirror Alba Plus in the Sky Fort residential complex

Each room, be it a bathroom, bedroom, living room or hallway, has characteristics that are different from other rooms and need to be taken into account when choosing a mirror. For example, for a classic bathroom interior without flashy, bright accents, a strict rectangular or square mirror is suitable, which will fit into the overall style and will not look provocative. And for a bright bedroom with a lot of unusual, stylish decorative items, a product of an original shape would be an excellent option: in the form of a polygon, diamond or asymmetrical drop. It is worth taking into account the fact that in any room, no matter what style it is designed in, a mirror will be one of the central elements of the decor, and its shape will influence the overall perception of the room.

The right mirror changes a room

Antique mirror in Vander Park residential complex

In addition to interior features, it is important to consider that the silhouette of a mirror can visually change the size of the room. It is for this reason that narrow, vertically elongated mirrors are often used in rooms with low ceilings: this technique helps eliminate the effect of a “pressing” ceiling and make the space brighter. The same rule is used in small rooms, only in this case the width of the mirror should significantly exceed its height, thereby visually expanding the room, making it more spacious and brighter. These techniques are especially relevant in small apartments: with the right selection of mirrors, even the cramped rooms can be made light, spacious and airy. It is important to remember that if you select this piece of furniture incorrectly, you can achieve the opposite effect: for example, you should not hang a small horizontal mirror in a small room.

Choosing a mirror for the bathroom

Eclipse mirrors in the Barrin House residential complex

Most often, mirrors are selected specifically for bathrooms: this is the only room that under no circumstances can do without them. Classic options for this room are round, rectangular and square mirrors. When choosing a shape, you should take into account the features of your interior: for example, for a small space, you can opt for a vertical rectangular mirror, which will provide the maximum usable area of ​​the reflective surface; and for a spacious classic bathroom, you can purchase a large rectangular or square product. Round mirrors are also an excellent option, but they need to be in harmony with something: for example, a duet of a round sink and the same mirror always looks advantageous.

Mirror Astera in Metropolia residential complex

Also in modern design, asymmetrical interior items are often used: lamps, sinks, etc., and a mirror of the same shape will be perfectly combined with them; If desired, such a product can even be made to order.

Choosing a mirror for the hallway

Opal Double mirror in Heritage residential complex

In the vast majority of cases, full-length mirrors are used in hallways and dressing rooms. This does not necessarily mean that the height of the product should be enormous - as a rule, to reflect a full-length person, a height of about 150 cm is quite sufficient. In shape, such mirrors are most often rectangular (including with rounded corners) and oval (in the form classic oval or “capsule” with straight side edges). When choosing between strict rectangular and smoother, rounded outlines, you should first of all focus on the silhouettes that predominate in your interior.

Despite the relevance of full-length mirrors, in hallways there is also quite often a need for a small mirror above a cabinet or table, and in such a situation the choice of shape is limited only by the imagination of the apartment owner or designer: round, square, oval, octagonal and other products can become the highlight of your interior .

Choosing a mirror for the bedroom

Oasis Plus mirror in Only residential complex

The design of modern bedrooms, as a rule, is dominated by straight lines and calm tones, so classic shapes are usually suitable for this room: circle, oval, square and rectangle. If you are planning to install a mirror above a table or chest of drawers, then first of all pay attention to round and oval models. To decorate an entire wall, elongated rectangular products are more suitable. When choosing a mirror, also consider what exactly will be reflected in a product of one shape or another: for example, fewer objects will be reflected in a round mirror than in the same square one, due to the difference in their area. If you want to focus attention on a specific detail of the interior, then you should pay attention to those forms of mirrors that will allow this object to be reflected in them entirely, without capturing the surrounding details. For example, if there is a large painting, a collage of photographs or a mosaic on one of the walls, a rectangular mirror on the opposite wall would be a good solution.

When selecting mirrors for bedrooms, the interior of which uses bold design solutions, original shapes and non-standard palettes, you can not limit yourself to ordinary models and consider various rare shapes: triangles, petals, semicircles and so on. Try to choose a mirror so that its silhouette matches other decorative items in the room.

Differences in the operation of mirrors of different shapes

Ampir Extra mirror in Sky Fort residential complex

Regardless of the mirror shape you choose, the rules for operating this product will be the same in almost all cases. The only difference may be that models with more angles and details are a little more difficult to care for: for example, cleaning a sun-shaped mirror with many rays takes much longer than cleaning the same product in the shape of a regular circle. Otherwise, the silhouette of the product you choose will not affect its operation.

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Choosing mirrors for different rooms

Depending on what room you are buying a mirror for, there are secrets to choosing.

1. Mirror in the hallway. When buying a mirror for the hallway, take into account the small size of the room. Therefore, to increase space, use long rectangular mirrors. To see yourself in full height, a mirror 150 cm high is enough.
2. Mirror in the living room. When placing mirrors in the living room, consider light sources. To make your living room feel larger and brighter, place mirrors opposite the light. In this case, the light should be artificial, not sunlight. Having placed some expensive item in the living room, for example, an antique vase, you can highlight it by placing a mirror opposite it. Remove small items from the living room that could be reflected in the mirror and create a cluttered effect. You should not hang mirrors in the living room opposite an empty wall.
3. Bathroom mirror. When buying a mirror for your bathroom, pay attention to moisture resistance. Only special treatment of the mirror will withstand corrosion that can form due to moisture and steam. Often bathroom mirrors are small round, square or oval shaped. They have additional shelves, lighting and protection against fogging. When hanging a mirror in the bathroom, take into account the height of all household members. The ideal height from the sink is 30–40 cm. The best frame for a bathroom mirror would be plastic or steel. Wood can quickly collapse from moisture.
4. What should a mirror be like in a bedroom? When buying a mirror for the bedroom, it is worth considering that the bedroom is a place of relaxation. It is not recommended to hang mirrors opposite the bed. If there is a wardrobe in the bedroom, the ideal place for mirrors will be the wardrobe doors, closing which will keep the mirrors inside. If you still love mirrors and are planning to place them in the bedroom, know that mirrors expand the space and add light.
5. Do you need a mirror in the nursery? Psychologists advise: regardless of the child’s age, a mirror must be in the children’s room. After all, seeing his reflection, a child gets to know himself. The main criterion for choosing a mirror for a nursery is safety. Buy a mirror in a round plastic frame and fix it at the top and bottom. The fastening must be reliable and fit tightly to the wall. The mirror must be positioned so that the child can see himself in full height. Do not hang a mirror next to or opposite the bed.

Mirrors are an important interior item. When buying it, take into account all the subtleties of the choice. Using a mirror you can visually increase the space and light in the room. Only by following these tips will you buy a high-quality mirror that will last a long time.

Which mirror design to choose for the hallway

A small hallway in an apartment of a standard multi-apartment panel building is most common.
The area of ​​this room is usually so small that its design possibilities are extremely limited. To make a room larger, at least only visually, you need to hang a mirror in it; it will add light and space. This item is also necessary so that you can evaluate your appearance when leaving the house. You can choose a mirror for the hallway equipped with a special shelf, on which it is convenient to put various small things - lipstick, combs, keys, wallets, and so on. If there is a mirror with a dressing table, then larger things, such as scarves, hats or bags, will be placed on it. But often this room does not have enough space to place a pouf or cabinet in it; you have to be content with just a mirror. If you choose the right piece of furniture and a place for it, it will turn a boring design into a very interesting and stylish one.

SELECTION RULES

Choosing the right mirror is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. It is necessary to take into account the general direction in the design of the apartment, the area, light, colors used, and the style of the furniture already placed in it.

If you have doubts about your ability to create a good composition, it is better to choose ready-made headsets. For example, you can make a set of a wall shelf with a number of hooks, a clothes hanger, a shoe cabinet and an ottoman. This set of furniture is suitable for almost any interior.

If the set has already been assembled and only a mirror is needed, then here are a few simple rules for selecting it:

1. A product on a stand would be perfect for a small hallway, because if you need to free up space, it can be easily removed, and also serves as a dressing table.
2. Mirrors are always beautiful, but you shouldn’t have too many of them either. Many reflections in a limited area, especially if they are from different angles, have a negative and depressing impression. Therefore, one large mirror is better than many small ones.
3. If you need the smallest size in which you can simply see your face, then it is 25 by 35 cm, if you want to see yourself from the waist up, then 45 by 70 cm, and if you want to admire the whole figure, then 65 by 130 cm.
4. If there is a window or a doorway directly leading from it to the window of another room, then the mirror should be placed on the opposite wall, but so that the window is not reflected in its surface. This is not a feng shui requirement, but constant exposure to sunlight will quickly deteriorate it.
5. The frame is selected to match the shape of the canvas; if it is non-standard, then the frame should be as simple and concise as possible, but if the mirror is in the shape of a standard rectangle, then it can be enclosed in an intricate frame.
6. In any room, a reflective surface expands the space, emphasizes the color scheme, and even helps to visually eliminate all their shortcomings. If one wall in the corridor is very bright, then the mirror should be hung on it; it will make the shade less bright, muffle and balance the design.