Ok, it’s time for another round-up of all-time favorite design pieces. This time: mirrors. When I was compiling this list I realized that I lean toward more ornate, glamorous mirrors. Perhaps its because of their ability to transform an otherwise ‘safe’ scheme into something altogether more fanciful and exotic. Perhaps it’s because I believe a fabulous mirror doesn’t just reflect light and create the illusion of space, but can also be a work of art in its own right. All of the following have a magical quality to them that tells you something about their owners.
Coco stick mirrors conjure up images of beach huts, sandy feet and easy living. At least, that’s what this space below says to me (from House Beautiful, via Ill Seen, Ill Said).
Ever on-the-ball, West Elm has just brought out its own version. Not too bad, eh?
Now, the ultimate luxury mirror in my opinion is the peacock feather mirror – this one’s from Wisteria. You only have to check out my blog header to know how much I love this look. The mirrored circles sparkle like over-sized sequins, while the textured metal surface gives the whole piece that vintage appeal. What’s more, it works equally well in a modern space as a traditional interior. Whatever the space is like, this mirror lends both glamor and charisma.
Bone inlay (and mother of pearl inlay) mirrors are another favorite because of their spectacular craftsmanship. Many of them are made in India and bring the romantic aesthetic of that country to a space. Graham and Green has an amazing selection of bone inlay mirrors and furniture.
For something altogether simpler, I like a round mirror like these below. It pulls a room together so effortlessly. I’ve used the image below before and don’t recall the source unfortunately. But I love how the clean lines of this mirror offset the ornate fireplace. I used the same technique at home by adding a simple round mirror to balance out a display of photos and ceramics on our dining room sideboard.
Here’s the same technique used again: an ornate bed and stools (more bone inlay!) contrasted with the simple mirror. From Domino.
At the other end of the scale, Venetian glass mirrors are anything but simple and clean-lined. But these mirrors are so pretty, almost like lace, they add a luxe element to any room. And what is it with Venetian glass and pink bathrooms? Maybe it’s their sugar-plum quality, but this has to be the perfect pairing! The first image here is from Domino.
And this one’s via A Life More Fabulous.
A more homely, toned down version of this look is the shabby chic white-framed mirror. Just one stand-out piece works well in a mostly-white scheme (via The City Sage):
Or an entire wall of smaller ones (via Kika Reichart).
Finally, what better way to add polish to a space than with a starburst mirror? These have a more upscale look but are anything but staid. Their shape adds energy and movement to even the most tailored room.
Via Dwellings and Decor.
Now it’s your turn. Anyone got any other favorites that should be on this list?
Beautiful.
This is a cool post! It never occurred to me to really analyze different types of mirrors… very cool. I love the wall full of mirrors. I should get a decorative mirror like this.
Caroline
http://www.redglassesblog.com
Yummy. I love a grand mirror with personality. If you could source some of these, or copy cat versions, I’m sure your readers would appreciate it. Readers like me that is.
Good point Natalie. I forgot to include sources for some of these mirrors. Here you go (the first two, the coco stick and peacock feather ones, are covered in the post I think):
Bone Inlay mirrors – Apart from Graham and Green, Wisteria has some of these. Also, I got an email from Sang and Serena, which sells beautiful bone inlay mirrors and furniture from India on its web site: http://www.sangandserena.com/furniture.html
Round mirrors – I got a plain black round mirror from Lamps Plus very cheaply. They don’t have the exact one any more but this is similar: http://www.lampsplus.com/Products/Isola-Wall-Mirror__50896.html
Also, another option is these beautiful hide mirrors from Tonic Home (MUCH pricier unfortunately): http://www.tonichome.com/catalog.php?item=1205&catid=2&ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D2
Restoration Hardware has a slightly cheaper alternative: http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1671470&navAction=jump&navCount=2
Ballard Designs does some traditional-looking sunburst mirrors.
Wisteria has a vintage-look one: http://www.wisteria.com/Sunburst-On-The-Scene-Mirror/productinfo/W3539/
Wisteria also has a Venetian glass mirror: http://www.wisteria.com/Venetian-Glass-Mirror/productinfo/W1892/
There are also tons of Venetian glass mirrors on ebay, like this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/Venetian-Glass-Mirror-Mantle-Art-Deco-Chic-Paris-Shabby-/370371549964?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Mirrors&hash=item563bdd5b0c
For UK-based readers (no international shipping I’m afraid), Laura Ashley has sunburst, Venetian and white-framed mirrors: http://mto.lauraashley.com/upholstery-and-furniture/furniture/mirrors/search/36
Horchow (horchow.com) has tons of fancy mirrors, including a great range of Venetian glass ones and baroque styles.
Also, try Brocade Home for a more modern take on those white baroque mirrors: https://www.brocadehome.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1008_101001&products_id=102003&zenid=45jphjome8bl49l3pue1ml8555
Hope that helps!
Great collection, thank you. I had noticed that peacock mirror too and thought it was very striking (although at that price, I’d be afraid to hang it on the wall!).
I’m on the lookout for a bedroom mirror – round, probably – and thought Target have some that look good, for the price.