Choose and Place a Custom Mirror in the Family Room
The family room is a casual spot, a space primarily for the family to congregate. You may be tempted to be equally casual with the décor. However, if you want to observe décor best practices, you should at least be deliberate in your choice of how you decorate the room.
Mirrors are a relatively easy décor option. They offer so many benefits, such as making a room appear brighter and bigger. However, you can also easily be creative with mirrors. These benefits make them ideal for the family room.
Consider Proportion
Proportion is an important design principle that helps ensure décor and furniture will be cohesive. Generally speaking, you use the size of the room to help determine the size and shape of the décor item, in this case a custom mirror. Naturally, larger rooms can handle large-scale items. Likewise, high ceilings accommodate tall items.
That said, a mirror doesn't carry as much visual weight as, say, a sofa. Therefore, you can play with proportion. For example, you can choose a tall mirror even in a family room with a low ceiling. Such an oversized mirror adds a sense of depth.
Choose a Shape
Shape goes along with scale in helping keep a décor look cohesive. You usually want to repeat shapes within a room. For instance, a round mirror may look out of place if everything else in the room has corners. You'd be better off with a square or rectangular mirror.
Altering proportions within your décor can be relatively easy, though. For example, let's say you fancy that round mirror. You simply have to add a couple more décor items in that shape.
Make sure the additions have some visual weight. For instance, consider a round end table or spherical art installation.
Be Deliberate in Style
As noted above, a common style for a family room is casual. However, you can find many forms of casual. For instance, both shabby chic and contemporary have their casual sides. Since you're updating your family room décor with a custom mirror, you might as well utilize it to promote a specific style.
To that end, one of the choices you'll make is in the finish. When you think of mirrors, you probably envision clear finishes with perfect reflections. However, you can also choose distressed finishes. Indeed, the options range from a gentle frosting to antiquing. Such finish options not only complement your décor, they give your mirror a pleasant aged appearance.
Consider Frame and Edge Options
Elaborate styles may seem a little too fussy for your casual family room unless you've chosen an aesthetic such as shabby chic. You may be better off with simple wood, either naturally stained or painted. With the latter, consider adding a pop of color to the décor.
Of course, you don't have to choose a frame at all, which is ideal if you're trying to stay in proportion with a big mirror. Instead, custom-order an edging option. Beveling is classic, but you can choose one of the fancy options since the lack of frame keeps the look casual.
Look for Décor Items and/or Light to Reflect
Once you've chosen your mirror, it's time to hang it. A big factor in placement is what it will be reflecting. Mirrors are often used to reflect light. While you might not want to risk glare by hanging the mirror to directly reflect sunlight, a spot perpendicular to a window could give the right amount of light reflection. You can also hang the mirror to reflect a light fixture.
In that vein, you can deliberately reflect other décor items. Interior decorators often choose to reflect curios, vases, plants, and textiles. Such placement works well if you're hanging the mirror on a blank wall and you want to add some color and texture to the space.
If you want to choose an attractive custom mirror to complement your family room's unique style, visit
Palmetto Glass & Mirror for a wide range of options.
