Did you know? The first recorded mirrors were made of ground and polished volcanic glass, dating back to 8,000 years ago in what is now Turkey. Ancient mirrors were also crafted in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Latin America, Greece, and Rome. What we would recognize as the modern-day mirror was invented in 19th century Germany, by applying metallic silver to a pane of glass. Over the ages, people have used mirrors as practical instruments, status symbols, and artistic statements – and mirrors remain an important addition to living spaces today.
If there’s a space in your home that feels like it could use a little more lightness, brightness, and style, a mirror could be just what you’re looking for. We spoke with Maurice Brantley, an interior designer and sales associate at Copenhagen Tucson, to gain insights and tips on using mirrors to make your space shine.
Mirrors embody an elegant blend of beauty and practicality in one sleek package. Though nearly all homes have a mirror in the bathroom to aid with self-care routines, these accessories can elevate any room of the house. “A well-chosen mirror for your living space will serve to reflect the beauty of your interiors and function as an enhancement to the size of your rooms,” Brantley explains. “Through reflection, a mirror creates the illusion of increased spaciousness and heightened brightness, which makes them especially helpful for small or dim spaces.”
Especially now, as fall and winter bring us shorter days, mirrors can add a sense of much-needed illumination, airiness, warmth, and convenience to your home. For instance, a mirror in the bedroom by the closet, or above the dresser or vanity, can simplify the process of getting dressed and add a touch of tranquility. A dining room mirror hung by the table can reflect lighting or decor and amplify a festive atmosphere. Even a mirror in your home office can help with checking your appearance before a video call or meeting – or make the room look larger if you’re carving a workspace out of more compact quarters.
Modern and contemporary mirrors come in a variety of forms and styles, from smaller, minimalist accents, to ornate statement pieces that double as works of art. When it comes to size, Brantley recommends selecting mirrors that match the proportions of the surrounding furniture and room. “For example,” he says, “when placed above a dresser, dining buffet, or console table, the general rule is that the mirror width should not exceed the width of the item it is to hang above. On the other hand, if a mirror is selected as decorative wall art, the size can vary to suit your design aesthetic.”
A large mirror like the Cosmos, which measures over 5 feet in diameter, creates a bold and luxurious feeling – further heightened by its bronze tint and layered, concave form. For a smaller footprint, you may like the Linq Round Mirror, which is amply sized enough to provide a good view of your reflection while allowing space for other wall accents or furnishings to be placed around it.
One of Brantley’s favorites is Cattelan Italia’s Hawaii mirror series. “These whimsical and organically shaped mirrors come in various sizes, from the Magnum version that’s over 7 feet on its longest edge, to the compact Size E that’s just over a foot wide,” Brantley explains. “Whether hung as a curated collection or individually, these mirrors are available with a choice of smoked or clear finish to add dramatic intrigue.”
Indeed, once you’ve decided what size mirror works best for you, don’t forget to consider shape, finish, and style as well. Round and rectangular mirrors are the most common shapes, offering smooth, clean silhouettes that harmonize with any design theme. On the other hand, a geometric mirror like Adelle, or a faceted, asymmetrical one like Diamond or Dare to Dream can liven up a room with a funky or artistic vibe.
Considering frame type can also be an opportunity to coordinate or contrast your mirror with the rest of your furnishings. A simple walnut veneer frame, like that of the Daphne, emanates warm simplicity, while a bolder frame like that of the Glenn or Pop Mirror catches the eye as a brilliant focal point. To match the dramatic ambiance of a dark toned interior, you may be drawn to smoked, or “fumé” glass, like that of the Kenya Mirror.
Also of note are multifunctional mirrors or pieces that incorporate mirrored surfaces into their design. The Edge Leaning Mirror (available by special order) has a built-in shelf ideal for placing a small vase, figurine, phone, or drink glass, while Brantley is a fan of the Orbit Mirror Wall Bar. “Orbit blends classic lines with modern LED light technology that can be programmed in various colors and light intensity,” he states. “The shelves can showcase decorative items or vessels, and the top shelf has a rack to suspend stemware, making Orbit amazingly versatile.”
Secure mounting of wall-hanging mirrors is essential for safety. Brantley says, “Oftentimes mirrors will come with the necessary hardware affixed on the backside to hang vertically or horizontally. Hanging instructions are generally provided by the manufacturer and should be adhered to for safety precautions.”
Though some vertical mirrors can be placed on the ground to lean against a wall, you may choose the option of anchoring them to the wall for extra stability or choosing a standing mirror with a solid base, like Continuum – this can give a little extra peace of mind if you have children or pets. Copenhagen also offers a wall-hanging service to complement our delivery service, where our skilled team members can install hanging mirrors, artwork, or shelves in your home for an additional fee.
The care and maintenance of mirrors is relatively simple. “Unless a mirror is hung in a room prone to excessive moisture, such as a bathroom, mirrors tend to be low- maintenance furnishings,” says Brantley. “Typically, they just require periodic dusting and wiping with a streak-free glass cleaning product.” As an additional tip, avoid using paper towels to clean mirrors, as they can leave behind lint – a microfiber cloth works best.
If damage to a mirror causes cracking or chipping, contact a professional or your nearest Copenhagen service center for advice – minor damage may be repairable instead of needing to discard the mirror.
From their literary symbolism and scientific utility to their everyday beauty and practicality, mirrors are here to stay. Visit your nearest Copenhagen to browse our collection of stunning contemporary mirrors. As Brantley puts it, “Remember that a mirror is a welcome reflection of not only you, but your keen sense of design as well!”