Decorating with mirrors

THERE ARE SOME USEFUL TIPS ON CHOOSING A MIRROR
AND IDEAS ON HOW TO MAXIMISE THE BENEFITS
“...the design of a mirror and the placement of the mirror can add so much to a home.
For me a mirror helps add depth to any room, brings light into certain dark areas and adds a
touch of elegance”

01.

WHEN HANGING AN OVERMANTLE MIRROR ABOVE YOUR FIREPLACE

Choose a mirror that is narrower than the mantelshelf but wider than the heart of the fireplace. If the mirror is the same as the mantelshelf , it looks top heavy and appears to be tipping forward.

02.

HOW HIGH SHOULD
MY OVERMANTEL MIRROR BE

depends on the effect that is required. The taller the mirror the more open & spacious the room will feel, while a shorter mirror will create a more cosy and intimate feeling.

03.

COMPLIMENT THE REST OF THE DECOR

Select a frame which compliments the material used in the furniture of the room. The design of the frame should also match the style of the room.

TO GET THE BEST EFFECT YOU NEED TO HANG YOUR MIRROR
AT THE RIGHT HEIGHT & IN THE RIGHT PLACE

04.

A GOOD RULE OF THUMB IS...

When hanging a large mirror on an empty wall make sure the centre of the mirror is approximately 150cm off the floor.

05.

VERTICAL OR HORIZONTAL?

Tall rooms benefit from vertical mirrors, while long rooms do better with a horizontally-set mirror.

06.

WALL SIZE IS IMPORTANT

If a mirror has too much room around it on the wall, it creates a “too small” impression. Make sure the mirror takes up roughly on-half to three-quarters of the wall space.

YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED:
Panfili’s tips

A MIRROR AS LARGE AS POSSIBLE IN YOUR BATHROOM.
The smaller the bathroom, the bigger the mirror should be in proportion!
A MIRROR AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE TO YOUR FRONT DOOR.
Because you know you’ll want to take a quick look at yourself before going out in public or opening the door to a guest.
A FULL-LENGTH MIRROR IN YOUR BEDROOM.
This will help you greatly in the morning when you get dressed.

07.

ALWAYS MAKE A STATEMENT
WITH YOUR ENTRY HALL

It sets the tone for the entire house! It’s the first thing your guests see upon arrival and what they see should give them an idea of what to expect.

08.

MAKE THE WHOLE HALL SEEM WIDER

Hang a long mirror horizontally above a narrow console table or radiator.

09.

CREATE GOOD
FENG SHUI IN YOUR HALL

 

SMALL ROOM MIRRORS ARE THE SINGLE MOST ROOM-CHANGING PIECE YOU CAN BUY
AS THEY HAVE THE EFFECT OF MAKING A SPACE APPEAR LARGER

A mirror at the bottom of the stairs guarantees health, wealth and happiness!

10.

ILLUMINATE DARK CORNERS

Maximise the amount of light in a space by placing a mirror behind a switched-on-lamp. The mirror will reflect the light and bounce is in the room.

 

11.

WIDEN YOUR ROOM

Hang identical mirrors on either side of a fireplace. The effect can be very glamorous and it creates a sense of balance & harmony.

12.

MAXIMISE THE SPACE

Use a large floor length mirror behind a piece of furniture in tight spaces. Hall console tables are perfect places since in small homes they are usually tucked in wherever they’ll fit

13.

BRING THE OUTSIDE IN

Place a mirror which reflects your garden or a beautiful view.

14.

INTERESTING COMPOSITION

When you have a wall in a darker color than the rest of the room hang a mirror on it and a picture on the opposite paler wall. This will have the effect of giving the dark wall more depth as it appears to recede to contain the picture.
15.

MIRRORS DON’T NEED TO BE CONFINED TO THE HOUSE

A large mirror placed at the end of a garden is a designer trick to extend the space!

CLEANING TIPS
How to clean mirrors

DON’T VIGOUROUSLY RUB THE FRAME OF A MIRROR. GOLD & SILVER LEAF IS VERY THIN
AND YOU ONLY NEED TO USE A FEATHER DUSTER TO KEEP IT CLEAN.


Instead of glass cleaner add a splash of white vinegar to warm water, dip a soft cloth into the solution, wring it out and clean the surface of the glass while avoiding the frame. Finally polish with a kitchen towel.

16.

MIRROR IT

You can create a wow factor focal point using a statement piece positioned centrally on a wall. Choose the color and style to suit your scheme or to add a dash of contrast.

17.

CREATE A GALLERY

Collect small mirrors and hang them in your bathroom, hallway or even your bedroom above the headboard!