Purposes of Mirrors

There are many benefits to owning mirrors, even if the only real intention the owner has for them is to reflect his or her image on the way out the door. They are used purposefully in interior decorating because of the beauty and drama they can add to a room and, in extension, a home. Following are some of the purposes of mirrors:

 

-         They reflect. This may seem like a “duh” statement; but this is the primary purposes for mirrors in American homes. Most mirrors reside in the bedrooms, bathrooms, and front halls of homes in Western civilization. Why? Because one of their primary uses is to show us how we look.  Does your hair look ok; did you get that broccoli out of your teeth? Mirrors help us see ourselves, and for that reason, we use them.

 

-         They magnify. This quality of some mirrors is greatly appreciated by those who need to pay attention to detail. Women applying makeup to their faces may use magnification mirrors that help them see what they’re doing without having to lean into the sink. Hand-held magnification mirrors are also used in the home to help those working in hard-to-see places.

 

-         They enhance light. This can be very effective not only in rooms with little lighting but also for the use of decorative candles and such. By reflecting the light, mirrors magnify the amount of light in a room and help enhance the visibility in a delicate yet dramatic fashion.

 

-         They give the illusion of space. Believe it or not, mirrors can nearly double a room in perceived size when properly used. Some houses use floor-to-ceiling mirrors on their walls, which makes the rooms look and feel much bigger. This is a great option for little houses or particularly small rooms.

 

-         They direct attention. Whether you want to direct attention to something (a lovely arrangement of candles) or away from something (holes in the paint), a mirror can do it. People walking by mirrors naturally look into the mirror and at what it’s reflecting, conveniently (for you) diverting their eyes from other things. A very simple decorating technique.

 

-         They decorate.  Even aside from directing attention to something, mirrors are great decorations throughout the house. For some, they are pieces are art, coming in every shape and size, even those of living things. You can choose colors – of the glass and the frame – to match your other décor and whether or not you’d like it to be lighted. Grouping mirrors together, placing a mirror amidst pictures, or simply hanging a mirror unaccompanied works very well.