Whether it be a new home, a renovated room or simply an undecorated bathroom we have all had that wall that just doesn’t look quite finished or you just cannot find the right piece of art to fill that boring bare wall. While people continue to look for that perfect piece of art and either settle on a piece that isn’t quite right or give up completely, many people either underestimate or don’t think about adding custom framed mirrors to their house. There are many advantages to using a framed mirror in your house, so read on if you have one of those walls that just does not look right.
By choosing the right custom frame to go around your mirror you can instantly add style to a room by choosing a frame that compliments the theme of the room and enhances other decorative items in the room. For example, let’s say you have an industrial style theme to your room with a lot of wrought iron and rustic timber with rose gold or bronze accents. By using either a rustic black or timber frame with a rose gold or bronze slip frame (a frame inside the main frame) you instantly tie the room together with the framed mirror on the wall. Compare this to a framed artwork, a double or stacked frame may look too busy with the artwork or the colours in the chosen frame that compliment your room may not compliment the artwork at all. By using a mirror, you can add any frame you like as any frame will suit a mirror!
In addition to adding style to a room, a custom framed mirror can also add functionality to a room. A bathroom mirror is a prime example. Bathrooms can be a boring and uninteresting space but by using custom framed mirrors you can add your own style to a traditionally decorated room whilst adding a much-needed bathroom function. Another example is adding a custom framed full length mirror in a bedroom, bathroom entry or hallway to again add style and enhance the theme of a room plus you can also use the mirror to do a style check on your outfit before you leave the house!
Framed mirrors can also be used to make a room feel bigger or a hallway look longer. If you have a room that is quite small, try placing a framed mirror on one of the walls to elongate the room and give the illusion of space. A framed mirror will not only add style to the room, but it will also make it feel a lot larger than it is. Framed mirrors are also gaining popularity on alfresco areas and small courtyard gardens to make the space feel bigger and more inviting. This style also works particularly well with green leafy gardens.
If you are considering custom framed mirrors for your home, you may want to consider the Feng Shui implications of its position. Whether you believe in Fung Shui or not, some of the rules around mirrors will actually help the design in your room. Firstly, according to the Fung Shui Bible by Simon Brown, framed mirrors are ideal in dark rooms because they reflect the available light back into the room. Secondly, and as already mentioned, large framed mirrors give the impression that the room is wider than it actually is and by hanging the mirror on the longer walls you will create the impression that the proportions of the room are closer to square. For those that believe in Fung Shui you should avoid positioning mirrors directly opposite a door or a window as they will reflect the chi out of your home. You should also avoid placing two mirrors opposite each other as you risk chi bouncing back and forth, creating a more frantic atmosphere.
The last consideration of framed custom mirrors is to make sure you hang it correctly to avoid disaster. If you do not want to be cleaning up a shattered mirror and the accompanying seven years of bad luck, then make sure your picture framer installs the correct hanging system. Depending on the size and weight of your mirror you may be able to use a traditional cord hanger but unless you want to constantly make sure your mirror is sitting straight or for piece of mind, we recommend using strap hangers. Strap hangers are screwed into each side of the frame at the top. You will need to drill into your wall, making sure the holes are level and then place wall plugs and screws into the holes. You can then hang the strap hangers’ overs the screws. This hanging system ensures your mirror will never move and it will never fall off the wall.
So, if you have a bare wall or unfinished room in your house consider a custom framed mirror to add style to your room, make the room feel bigger and add some positive Feng Shui at the same time!
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