Feature mirrors for contemporary spaces

Last week’s post was all about small changes to the home that can make a big difference, and one of the tried and tested tips was to use mirrors strategically to brighten up a dark area and/or to create an illusion of more space.

A large, well-placed mirror will create that almost surreal ‘hall of mirrors’ effect where you have trouble figuring out what is real space and what is reflection. A tiny Paris apartment in this month’s Elle Decoration uses this trick to stunning effect, I noticed, where they’ve lined alcoves within shelves with mirror glass. The room instantly appears double the size – in fact I thought it was a large room until I read the caption below the picture.

More usually, though, we’re looking for a mirror to hang on the wall in which case striking feature mirrors are the way to go. Why settle for plain and ordinary when we can make a virtue out of a necessity and create all out splendour? And mirrors don’t have to be huge to have real wow factor – just look at how gorgeous those metallic doily mirrors look against the inky blue wall above.

As well as the benefits already mentioned, feature mirrors are an incredibly useful way to introduce warmth, detail and texture into a room. They come in all shapes, sizes, materials and styles – the choice is endless, from rococo extravagance via mid century modern to minimal and ultra-contemporary. And, of course, unlike the built-in variety, you can move them around the house as much as you like and then take them with you when you move.

Here’s my line up of my favourite feature mirrors to brighten up the dullest of rooms.

Gio Ponti for Gubi: Brass F.A.33 Mirror, above, designed in 1933 and the Randaccio Circular Mirror, below, designed in 1925 – Clippings