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Small Kitchen:
Small
Kitchens can be enhanced by the proper placement
of mirrors. Try placing a long mirror across the
kitchen window sill. Line this newly reflective
shelf with votive candles, glass frames or other
reflective objects. All of these will add
sparkle to the room as the natural light passes
through the window. Another option is to use
mirror for a backsplash in a dark kitchen to
open up the space between the cabinets and the
counter tops. The only place to recommend not
doing this is directly behind the cook surface.
That is a good place for a durable tile, solid
surface or laminate.
Built-In Desks:
Built in
Desks can be another excellent location for
using mirrors to add charm to a space. The blank
back wall between the desk surface and any
shelving you may have is a perfect place to add
depth by adding a mirror. Also you can place
mirrors on the back walls of bookshelves located
above the built-in desk adding depth to the
area. You may choose to replace the wood shelves
with glass ones to let light move vertically
across the space. Remember, when you go to have
new glass shelves made at the glass store, be
sure to allow in your measurements for the
amount of space the installed mirror will take
up and have your glass shelves cut with that
much less depth than the current shelves. Once
you have your new glass shelving and mirrored
bookshelf wall, then take it a step further and
have lighting installed at the top to illuminate
the collectibles and mementos you have added to
the shelves. If lighting from the top is not a
possible option, then you can purchase a small
glass lamp, which can achieve the same effect,
and put it in the shelves. All of these elements
can work together to create a cheerful and
visually enlarged space.
Resizing a Living
Room:
A small to medium
sized living room can become the center of
attention by locating a large, as tall as eight
feet and wide as five or six feet, beautifully
framed mirror on one of the walls. You can have
it installed or just lean it up against the
wall; this is your choice. The large mirror is a
sophisticated way to reflect and magnify the
light in the room coming from windows and light
fixtures. Again, with the magic of mirrors, you
can remedy problems in your home and visually
enlarge spaces.
Other Options:
Your entry
hall can be enhanced with the use of mirrors as
well. If you live in a home that has a narrow
hall for an entrance, such as can be found in
many mid-century forward ranch style homes, then
a mirror might be just the solution to a visual
space problem. By placing framed mirrors or
mirroring a wall in your entry, you can widen
the space and create the illusion of openness.
Another
mirror tip that really makes a difference is the
addition of an adhesive attached beveled edge
around your installed bathroom mirrors. This is
a simple thing to do and it really makes a
statement. You can purchase this beveled edge
application at a glass and mirror store. It is
available in a variety of widths. You will need
to measure your bathroom mirror precisely before
you order. The glass company can miter the
corners which is virtually like creating a
picture frame on top of your mirror, or they
have corner pieces which can be installed in
place of the mitered corner and add yet another
dimension to the look.
Be aware
that everything in a room will
reflect in a mirror from some angle. Be
conscious of this and check for bad vantage
points. Your furniture, accessories, and
lighting all will only be enhanced with mirrors,
but in kitchens and bathrooms, make sure that
you are not reflecting clothes hampers, trash
receptacles or anything unsightly. The beauty of
mirrors is an endless discussion. Just remember
to enjoy the creativity, use your imagination
and don’t forget about mirrors when you have a
decorating challenge.
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