What Is Your Mirror Reflecting?

Notice the mirror above the fireplace in the photo to the left?  It looks like it is reflecting a wall - because it is. There is nothing too interesting about seeing a reflection of a wall, ceiling fan, kitchen cabinets, toilet, (yep toilet) etc...  Do you have a mirror above your fireplace because it seems like the place to hang a mirror?  What is it reflecting?

In the after photo below, the mirror was replaced with a print that was found in the master bathroom, although it looked great in there, it was needed above the mantel.  We call this "for the greater good of decorating" and you will hear me say it a lot.

 

Normally, one should stick with odd numbers,when decorating, but this is one exception that didn't feel right with an odd number. Perhaps it was the big red vase in the print that was giving us our 5^th vase.  Also you can barely make it out, but there are twigs in the far right vase to help balance the entire look.  We'll talk about balance another time.  For now, let's just stick with making your mantel remarkable.

  Here's a thought, ask your husband, neighbor, or friends what is on your mantel the next time you see them.  Send an email and ask them.  This could be interesting to see if they remember.  I bet this homeowners friends will remember the big red vase. 

Notice where there is a mirror now placed?  Notice that it is reflecting art on the opposite wall?   Do you have a mirror above your mantel?  Run…don't walk… to see what it is reflecting. 

Do you have a challenging mantel?  Send us a photo.  Let's talk.  Remember, it's for the greater good of decorating.

Marleen

Comments

[JoAnne Lenart-Weary]

Great post Marleen. Mirror Placement is one of the most common mistakes I see. Itis what I often refer to as 'microscope decorating." Decorating an area without observing how it impacts on the overall space. The homeowner simply looks at the mirror over the mantel as a stand alone element. As you stated, Marleen, you need to look at what the mirror "connects" to. I often tell a story, about my client who ushered me into her home and pointed me to a chair. Immediately, she said, "what should I change first?" My reply, "move that mirror." I pointed to a mirror hanging on the wall next door to the foyer, which from my vantage point, reflected the blue toliet in the bathroom down the hall. She was shocked, particularly because I was sitting in the "company" chair. She herself had never set there to see what the mirror reflected. She also commented on the fact that her husband frequently used that bathroom and wasn't so good about closing the door. :) She wondered how many of her visitors over the years had observed her husband in the bathroom. So, move around the room, sit in each chair and really see what your mirror is reflecting.