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October 13, 2009
Creative Uses for Mirrors

By Caroline Inge

Who doesn't like mirrors? They can be elegant, classic, or eclectic, as well as a cheap way to add some personality to a room. I love traditional mirrors hung on an empty wall, mirrored furniture, and even mirrored coasters for a coffee table or side table! They bring big impact with a small price -- try using some of these ideas in your home.


Versailles-hall-of-mirrors

Even Louis XIV knew good style when he saw it -- this is the breathtaking Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles, the legendary home of three French kings. The Hall of Mirrors was built in the 1670s as proof of the economic and political power of France. Three hundred and fifty-seven mirrors are arranged in the shape of seventeen arches in this hallway. Each mirrored arch is paired with a window on the opposite side of the hall, which creates the illusion of thirty-four windows in all!

Try out Louis XIV's style for yourself with these arched mirrors from Pottery Barn

Pottery-barn-arched-mirror

If Louis XIV isn't your thing, find a wall mounted mirror that suits your taste at Shopstyle.com which has hundreds of mirrors, in all shapes and sizes. But even if you're not a fan of the traditional wall mounted mirror, you can still incorporate mirrors in an unconventional way. Mirrored furniture is a great way to bring some unexpected style to an often mundane but important piece in a room, like a coffee table.


Mirrored-coffee-table
  Photo: Jeremy Samuelson

If you don't want the entire piece of furniture mirrored, try using mirrors selectively, like on the doors of a console table.

Mirrored-console-table
Photo: Tria Giovan

Or on a bedside table

Mirrored-bedside-table

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

This New York designer covered one wall of her living room in an oversized mirror, making the small space seem twice as large!

Mirred-wall

Photo: Quentin Bacon

In this bathroom, glued-on mirrors add a punch of personality to boring white cabinet doors.

Bathroom-cabinets

Photo: Dominique Vorillon

They can even make a cool headboard using these mirror tiles from Ikea!

Mirror-headboard

Photo: Thomas J. Story

Don't be afraid to be creative, and remember that risks usually pay off!

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Comments

Love the mirrored cabinet doors!

Posted by:Donna | October 13, 2009 at 01:02 PM

Where do I get slipcovers?
What I have found cost as much as a new sofa or chair.

Posted by:Karen | October 13, 2009 at 06:26 PM

A collage of mirrors in an entrance way or on a bedroom not only adds light and some razzle dazzle but also makes a unique display especially with all the numerous styles and sizes to choose from.

Try grouping of three or four mirrors. They make a fantastic and eye-catching display to any room in your home.

Posted by:Joan | October 30, 2009 at 12:39 PM
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