Mirrors

Smart Design : Episode SDN-304 -- More Projects »
Mirrors are a great design accessory and when strategically placed, they can liven up a room, making it appear brighter and larger. Sarah Zorochin describes the potential that mirrors on the wall have while Gary Calderwood shows off mirrored furniture:

  • French King Louis XIV was the first to see the mirror's potential to enhance the design of a room. He wanted everything to be multiplied and that's what mirrors are still used for today.

  • We know what mirrors can do for a room, but what can they do for furniture? Designers have been putting mirrors on furniture for over 100 years. Practically anything except seating can have mirror on it--side tables, coffee tables, cabinets, consoles, etc.
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Mirrors are a great alternative to a traditional painting or print. Use them to enhance the natural light in a room by hanging one across from a window so it reflects the landscape outside.
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Use a mirror to enhance the length of a space like an entryway or hallway.

  • The best way to clean a mirror is with newspaper instead of a cloth. Protect the frame from discoloration by spraying the glass cleaner directly onto the newspaper rather than the mirror.

  • If you love the look of mirrored furniture, try changing a piece yourself by replacing a glass-topped table or glass shelves with pieces of mirror cut to size. If the glass edge is over 3/8 inch thick, have a factory finish edge. If it's less than 3/8 inch, you can have a glass shop cut it for you. If necessary, use construction adhesive to apply mirror pieces to furniture. It doesn't set up right away, allowing you time to position the piece(s) before it dries.
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Mirrored furniture gives a sense of light and can open a space because of the reflection in it.
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Turn an old door into a coat rack by attaching pieces of mirror within the panels and securing a row of decorative hooks to it for a functional entry piece.
Guests
Sarah Zorochin, Designer
Dane Decor
315 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: 215-922-2104
E-mail: info@danedecor.com
Website: www.danedecor.com

Gary Calderwood, Owner
Calderwood Gallery
1622 Spruce St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: 215-546-5357
Fax: 215-546-5234
E-mail: jc@calderwoodgallery.com
Website: www.calderwoodgallery.com
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