Rules for decorating a mirror in the hallway and how to create a design, where is it better to hang
A mirror is a traditional entry element. In interior decoration, it is used as a decorative element. Reflective panels and cabinet doors, curly panels look original, and in combination with lighting, they expand the space. When choosing a mirror in the hallway, take into account the design of the room and the frame. Framing varies in materials and shapes. Exclusive homemade products give individuality to the interior.
The need for a mirror in the hallway
The mirror has three purposes:
- helps to tidy up the appearance;
- decorates the interior;
- adds light and space.
The accessory is necessary for hosts and house guests to correct their hair or clothes. Superstitious people who have to come back for forgotten things will have time to take a look at their reflection before leaving.
The curly design of reflective surfaces will brighten up a dark hallway in an apartment. The light will be doubled thanks to the reflection of the chandelier and the wall lamp.
A long, narrow hallway will expand if you place a wardrobe with mirrored doors against a wall. The reflection will create the illusion of a large hall, if you decorate the mirror surface in the form of an arch. Large and small mirrors decorate the room due to its unusual shape, surface pattern or relief frame. The original decoration consists of reflective hexagonal inserts on the walls and mirrored panels.
Varieties
Mirror surfaces are divided into types:
- functional - ordinary glass in a frame, with a clear reflection;
- decorative - to decorate and ennoble the room;
- multifunctional - a clockwork is hidden under the reflective surface, LED backlight.
Also, mirrors differ in the method of placement, size and type of frame.
Stage
With both framed and unframed models leaning against the wall, the room's vibe takes on a bohemian vibe. Floor mirrors in frames with legs are more stable, they are easy to move, store in a closet. A narrow vertical mirror will not take up much space in a small hallway.
wall
A practical feature of wall mirrors is a shelf at the bottom of the frame, on which it is convenient to put keys, a brush for clothes. Round, square and irregularly shaped frames will fit into the interior of hallways, decorated in a modern, minimalist or classic style. To decorate the hallway, models of different shapes are combined, mirror panels with faceted and faceted edges are hung.
part of the wall
Mirror tile with edges along the edges, patterns are part of the decoration and adorn the hallway. Vertical and horizontal reflective panels save space.
Mirrored cabinet front
A popular piece of furniture for a hallway that turns into a long, narrow hallway is a wardrobe with smooth or patterned mirrored doors. The compact version is a hanger combined with a wardrobe, wardrobe and a mirrored central part.
Dresser
High cabinet with drawers - ample storage space for accessories and shoes. In the mirror built into the chest of drawers, you can see the reflection up to the waist. The model is suitable for a small hallway.
Set the table
A long vertical mirror reflects a person almost at full height. The trumeau will fit into a small square hallway. In a low cabinet you can store umbrellas, cosmetics, a hair dryer, hairdressing accessories, shoes, and in addition there will be space for bags or a flower vase.
Baguette
Wand framed accessories look like paintings from an art gallery. The baguette adds respectability to the room in a classic style.
Hinge
Hinged mirrors are hung on a wall, cabinet door or doorway. In the hallway, you can install a small mirror on a clothespin.
Materials used for the frame
The frame is chosen for the style of the hallway. Frames made from natural materials are rich and last longer.
TREE
Accessories in carved lacquered frames will decorate the hallway, decorated in a classic and ethnic style. The frames for floor and wall mirrors are made of environmentally friendly material. It is important that the heavy structure is stable and firmly fixed.
Plastic
Both regular and irregular mirrors are framed with a soft, lightweight material. Drawings, textures, sprays are applied to plastic.A mirror in a stylized plastic frame of dark wood will look heavy and solid. Models in thin or wide frames in bright colors will dilute the decor of the hallway in pastel colors.
wrought iron
Forging frames are made to order. Mirrors decorated with abstract floral patterns, monograms are an original decoration that gives respectability to the hallway.
Leather
The frames are covered with artificial and natural materials. Mirrors in black, brown or white coating will decorate the room and make a classic pair with a crystal chandelier. Embossing and a carriage attachment will add elegance to the design.
Possible surface patterns
A fashion trend is to decorate mirrors with matte patterns. Flowers, trees, butterflies, abstract patterns and monograms are depicted on the surface using special technologies.
Sandblasting
The pattern is applied with abrasive means so that part of the mirror becomes matte. There are three types of sandblast images:
- volumetric - looks like a figure inside a mirror, the image is applied outside and from the side of the amalgam. The technique of internal application allows you to decorate mirrors with colored enamel. The images are realistic and shimmering;
- sandblasting - application of a light matte pattern;
- sand etching is a technique of cutting complex detailed figures on the surface, which, after filling with an abrasive, become voluminous.
Various techniques are used to cover the surface with marbled patterns, edges, engravings and appliqués.
With photo print
A variety of sandblasting printing is distinguished by a combination of techniques. As a result, the design is three-dimensional, realistic, with alternating colored and matte elements. The glass is treated with sand and air.The surface is completely matted, leaving the fine lines of the figures like a mirror, or white and colored images are applied to a clean surface.
How to choose the right accessory
When choosing a mirror in the hallway, you need to consider:
- size - a large floor model will take up a lot of space in a small hallway, it is better to choose furniture with a built-in reflective surface;
- shape - square and rectangular frames are popular. But an oval or round frame will attract attention against the background of straight lines of furniture;
- color and type of frame - binding can fit the color scheme or general contrast, but the design should match the style of the interior.
When choosing a separate item, you should take into account its purpose - aesthetic or functional. An accessory or a decorative panel with drawings is suitable as an original decorative element. If practicality is above all, it is better to choose a model with a clean surface. The image will interfere with applying makeup or adjusting your hair. It is better to dress in front of a mirror that is reflected at full height or to the waist.
If space correction is needed, then instead of a wall or floor model, it is better to place mirrored furniture in the hallway.
craft ideas
Mirrors are traditionally made of glass or metal. Modern technologies make it possible to obtain light-reflecting plastic surfaces by spraying. Non-traditional materials - foil and cardboard. Homemade mirrors distort the image and serve more for decoration. How to make a glass mirror yourself:
- cut the glass sheet to desired size and shape, wash with distilled water and dry;
- mix silver nitrogen with water in a ratio of 2 grams per 30 milliliters and add 25% ammonia solution drop by drop until the precipitate disappears;
- pour 100 milliliters of water into the solution, leave for 15 minutes and add 5 milliliters of formalin;
- degrease the glass with 15% potassium hydroxide and treat with the resulting chemical solution;
- after 5 minutes, wash the part with clean water.
- paint the finished mirror on the back with black or gray paint.
A metal mirror is made from a sheet of bronze or steel, which is ground with mixtures of solid oil with coarse and fine abrasives. Finally, the surface is polished with GOI paste. The back is varnished. To make a foil mirror, you need to glue a glossy foil of the lowest density to the glass with adhesive tape. Cardboard will also turn into a reflective surface if a thick sheet of paper is glued to plywood and painted with silver auto enamel.
Homemade mirrors can be cut into any shape, decorated with paint and appliqués without fear of damage.
Choose a place to hang
In Feng Shui, the mirror symbolizes the gateway to the spirit world. Luck and prosperity in the house depend on its location. According to Chinese science, the location of the mirror should be chosen carefully:
- doors should not be reflected in the glass, even interior doors - favorable energy will not enter the house;
- only one wall should be decorated with mirror tiles, but not two opposite or corner ones - mirrors facing each other open a passage for entities from a parallel world;
- a favorable place - on the side wall of the entrance, next to the front door, where the mirror will direct favorable energy into the apartment.
The main requirements when choosing a place in the hallway for an accessory are free space in front and a suitable height so that it is easy to get close to the mirror, do not stretch your socks or bend over to to look at it.
In design projects, mirrors are placed:
- on the front door;
- at the corner;
- in a niche.
Often in interiors they equip a mirrored wall.
Lighting organization rules
Since there is little light in the hallway, an illuminated mirror will become an additional source of it. In the large hall, thanks to local lighting, areas are distinguished and accentuated on reflective surfaces.
The lighting is organized so that the reflection does not fall into the shadows:
- The LEDs are placed on the top or on the sides;
- the sconces are hung slightly above eye level, then the reflection will be clearly visible;
- small spots are fixed on top.
The direction of light reflected in the mirror affects the perception of room size:
- above the middle of the wall - will expand the narrow hallway;
- on the floor and on the lower part of the walls - this will make a square hallway with a high ceiling below;
- high - visually raise a low room if the ceiling is painted in light colors.
The techniques are suitable for all types of mirrors.
How can you decorate
They decorate the frame or the surface of the mirror with their own hands. The glass will become elegant and exclusive if you stick shells, stones, beads on the frame, paint it with acrylic paint in silver or gold color. The round mirror can be wrapped in twine. Make decorative bows or knots at the corners of the square frame. In addition, the wooden frame is decorated with fabric, leather, patchwork.
With a salt-dough stucco molding painted white or gold, the frame will look like a plaster or gold-plated frame. The frame is easy to make from the remains of the ceiling plinths.
To decorate a mirror in different styles, unusual materials are used:
- loft - laminate scraps, brick fragments, glass, plastic spoons;
- art - pieces of postcards, tubes of colored paper;
- high-tech - aluminum foil;
- steam-punk - small and large gears, nuts.
The ecological frame is made of wooden sticks, twigs of different lengths, covered with mats and covered with artificial flowers, leaves and butterflies. A frameless mirror is decorated with decor or painted on the edge with a reflective surface. Decoration materials:
- rocks;
- lace;
- buttons;
- pearls.
The elements are fixed with transparent glass glue or silicone sealant. Walls, floor and built-in surfaces are painted with acrylic paints and brushes of different widths. Frosted patterns can be painted with white paint, and Gzhel paint can be painted with blue paint. Designs are also applied using spray paint and stencils from decoupage towels.