Every home starts with an entrance hall. This is a place that immediately tells the person entering about the atmosphere of the house and the habits of its owners. An invariable attribute of this room is a mirror. What to consider when choosing it? Read about this in our article!
Any interior detail looks organic only when it performs certain functions. A mirror in the hallway is necessary so that people entering and leaving the house can once again be convinced of the impeccability of their appearance, and, if necessary, can put themselves in order.
For the hallway, a large mirror is usually chosen, since a person should see himself in full height.
Another important function that this item performs is changing the perception of space. If your hallway has an elongated shape, then placing two mirrors on long walls will harmonize the space, balancing its size. In addition, this detail greatly decorates the room and complements the interior.
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Kinds
The modern market offers a huge variety of mirror surfaces of various designs, colors and configurations. You can choose both branded models and those designed for the general population at inexpensive prices.
A large mirror in the hallway is necessary for convenience. Thanks to reflection, a person can monitor his appearance. It is impossible to imagine artistic dressing rooms, hairdressers, ballet schools, etc. without mirror surface.
Antique mirrors are suitable for connoisseurs of classic style. They are in little demand among buyers due to the presence of lead impurities in their composition. Others are put off by the notoriety based on mystical stories. Manufacturers have mastered the method of creating the aging effect of mirror surfaces. The result is an exact copy of the rarity.
The illuminated mirror includes many functions. One of the important ones is additional filling of space with light. The products are in great demand among customers due to their practicality and durability.
Mirror panels are exclusive decorative items. They are fragments of tiles specially processed with a bevel—an artistic bevel along the edges of the product. Thanks to this technology, the panel seems to be filled with volume from the inside, promoting the play of light.
There are two ways to make panels. In the first, the mirror surface is assembled from fragments of beveled tiles. This method is considered cheaper, but impractical - when creating, the tiles may not match the dimensions.
The second method involves cutting a continuous surface into individual shapes. Then each cut out figure is processed with a bevel.
One of the most expensive is diamond engraving. Its essence lies in the fact that during manufacturing, grooves are applied to the surface, imitating the edges of the panel elements.
Panels without special edge treatment are also available for sale. For such products, the edge is ground in the simplest way. The products have minimal volume, but lightness is not lost.
Layer (amalgam)
Aluminum is cheap, but has low reflectivity (no more than 77%) and is sensitive to external influences. Such a mirror becomes stained and darkens during use.
Aluminum mirrors have size restrictions, which makes it impossible to install them in wardrobes and other furniture where large mirrors are used, as well as to use them for interior decoration.
Silver – has high reflectivity (87-98%) and resistance to environmental influences, such as moisture. Silver mirrors can be produced in any required size. The disadvantage is the high price.
Forms
When choosing a mirror for the wall in the hallway, you don’t need to get hung up on boring round or square shapes. Today, manufacturers offer mirror surfaces in the form of flowers, plants, animals, insects, etc., helping to diversify the design of the mirror in the hallway.
The more unusual the product, the less it should be overloaded with framing. Conversely, the calmer its design, the more luxurious the frame should be.
In rooms with an interior in high-tech or loft style, when choosing, it makes sense to give preference to panoramic mirrors. Their difference from ordinary ones is that their surface is convex. Due to the panoramic effect, a large area of the room is reflected. Often similar mirrors are found in large shopping centers.
Choosing the type of mirror for the hallway
Mirrors for the corridor are:
- wall-mounted;
- floor;
- part of the furniture.
Wall mirrors are the most popular type of hallway mirrors.
Not every hallway has enough space for a large full-length mirror, which is why in most cases all that remains is to install small forms located above the bedside tables.
Floor mirrors are always framed and have legs for stability.
You can also find interesting uses for mirror finishes, expanding the space of the room and ultimately obtaining unusual design solutions.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the mirror depend on the wishes of the customer. Selecting the required sizes is easy.
For a small hallway, a mirror sheet of 30 cm by 40 cm, or 40 cm by 60 cm is suitable.
To admire yourself in full height, of course, you need to order a mirror that spans the entire wall and reaches the floor. This will help increase space and light.
The mirror arch will fit perfectly into any interior design. Despite the classic accents that this form contains, it combines harmoniously with other styles, emphasizing the originality and boldness of the interior of your home. The photo of the mirror in the hallway in the form of an arch conveys the originality of the idea.
Care Tips
- The mirror does not tolerate direct UV rays well and fades over time. Therefore, position the model so as to prevent them from getting on the canvas. It is not advisable to place the mirror close to radiators - it will also fade.
- The mirror should not fit tightly to the wall: without free air movement, the amalgam will peel off. If the amalgam has peeled off in any place on the canvas, it can be sealed with foil.
- Mirrors can only be washed with special glass cleaners. After applying the detergent, wipe the surface of the product dry.
Accommodation
Competent designs of mirror surfaces in the corridor are of no small importance. If it is not possible to hang a large mirror in the hallway, then you need to look for an alternative. Often a closet with a mirror in the hallway becomes an excellent helper. There is a mirror and the ability to store clothes, bags, and umbrellas.
If the product has a wooden surface on the back, then you need to make fastenings for the hinges on the wall. The loop is a metal plate in the shape of a keyhole. They are located on top and allow you to hang the mirror on the wall.
Wall mirrors create the illusion of a high ceiling. The lack of extra square meters does not allow you to arrange interior items as you would sometimes like. For this reason, you have to save every centimeter of space.
The appropriate arrangement of furniture will bring additional comfort to the interior. For example, a mirror with a shelf in the hallway.
There are so-called dressing room mirrors. Along the edges of such a product there are many light bulbs. Until recently, such specimens were only in artistic dressing rooms. Now they are popular with stylists and ordinary women.
Design
One-piece – it is more reliable and easier to install than a composite model. It has design limitations and is less convenient to transport.
Composite – requires assembly and allows elements to be combined. This design provides ample scope for design solutions and is easy to transport. On the other hand, a composite mirror is more difficult to install (many fasteners are required to connect the parts) and less reliable.
Backlight
There are three types of mirror lights:
External lighting is a budget option. It is carried out using spots, sconces or spotlights. Thanks to this lighting, the hallway becomes filled with soft and subdued light. Lighting devices are mounted in the wall.
Internal lighting. LED blocks and strips are located under frosted glass. The decor of this model will appeal to many due to its brevity and rigor.
Decorative lighting also belongs to the inexpensive segment. Such lighting will not cope with illuminating a large area, but it will do just fine for creating a romantic atmosphere.
Equipment
Backlight – provides good illumination near the mirror. This function is especially relevant in hallways, since they are often insufficiently lit. The lighting makes using the mirror more comfortable: for example, a woman can easily apply makeup at any time.
Important: if there is no built-in lighting, you can use other light sources: wall sconces (on both sides of the mirror), floor lamp, table lamp, rotary or built-in spotlights, LED strip. In this case, the light should fall on the person standing in front of the mirror, and not on the canvas itself.
The ideal solution is wall sconces that provide bright and uniform lighting.
Rotating mechanism – found in floor-standing models and allows you to set the mirror surface at the desired angle. If necessary, the rotating mirror can be moved from one room to another. This model visually expands the space of the room, but due to its impressive dimensions it is unlikely to fit into a small hallway.
Storage spaces - built-in drawers, shelves, hooks, which increase the functionality of the mirror and save space in the hallway. A good choice for small spaces.
Important: you can purchase separately a protective film that increases the mirror’s resistance to shock, moisture, UV rays and prevents fragments from scattering when it breaks (the film holds them in place). The film is glued to the back of the mirror. It is better to entrust this work to professionals.
Decor
Craftsmen at annual exhibitions offer a large number of new products of various forms. The canvases are decorated with baguettes, frames, and frames.
Expensive mirrors are decorated with baguette. Such a product immediately becomes status. The frame made of baguette is not only stately, but also protects the thin surface from chipping. Made from expensive types of mahogany, as well as ash and oak.
Plastic baguettes are relatively inexpensive, but their performance properties are not inferior to wooden ones. They do not require special care and do not accumulate dust. Any housewife will appreciate such qualities.
Aluminum baguettes are characterized by a long service life and high strength. The price is a little higher than the plastic ones.
Mirrored cabinet doors
A hallway compartment with a mirror is a popular furniture option for decorating the entrance to a house. The cabinet performs its typical functions. The presence of reflective overlays on the facades only complements the possibilities.
Typically, mirror blocks are attached over the entire area of 1 or several doors. Such a large mirror perfectly stretches the vertical and expands the perspective. The room becomes more comfortable, larger-scale, and brighter.
Design options
When choosing, you need to take into account factors such as the style of the hallway, the characteristics of the desired product, and the size of the room.
In stores you can see rotating configurations, popular models with carved or forged frames, mirrors with patterns.
A well-chosen mirror will decorate any room and contribute to the good mood of the owners.
Decoration
- You can stick vinyl stickers (ornament, various shapes) onto the mirror canvas. At the same time, it is important to maintain a balance between decorativeness and practicality - it is better to leave most of the mirror free.
- The mirror surface can also be covered with sandblasting patterns of any complexity. This product turns into a real painting.
- The edges of the mirror can also be processed (beveled) to give the product a finished look. Composite models made from several beveled mirrors look especially impressive.
Photo of mirrors in the hallway
Mirror wall
A large reflective panel can not only be mounted on a cabinet. An ordinary wall can be easily decorated with finishing materials with a mirror effect. Such a decision would be an original move. The decoration will improve the perception of the area and will amaze you with its effectiveness and unusualness.
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You can stop at decorating an entire wall, but lay out patterns or distribute interesting elements. A mosaic, panel, or hand-drawn picture looks great in a mirror frame.
What materials will be useful?
What can be used to turn an ordinary boring mirror into a real miracle? Here we can only say that everything can be used - you need to give free rein to your imagination. Children's toys, bottle caps, paper, fabric, all kinds of natural materials, from pebbles to pine cones - absolutely everything will do. The main thing is to choose the option that can be made depending on the person’s creative skills, as well as one that will simply fit harmoniously into the interior.
DIY mirror frame
Most often, wood is used to create original frames , as it is easy to process and suits almost every interior style. The material is time-tested, durable and environmentally friendly. Yes, and it looks very beautiful.
To decorate mirrors of square, rectangular and similar shapes, the easiest way is to use ordinary wooden borders, blocks, and plinths. Round and oval canvases are ideal for experiments. Here you can use wooden spatulas, natural driftwood, twigs and much more.
Original mirror frame
On a note! Round mirrors are often turned into original suns or unique nests using wood.
Some craftswomen who love to work with paper also use it to decorate mirrors. Often used are egg cartons that easily turn into flowers. Special stickers or decoupage techniques can be used. Don’t think that paper is a completely useless material. With the correct working technique, it will not quickly lose its appearance. But the mirror will turn out to be very unusual.
On a note! Sometimes very unusual objects are used - metal rulers, children's toys. In the first case, the rulers can be placed around the mirror like rays of the sun, in the second, toys are glued along the perimeter of the mirror in a certain pattern. This is a great option for a children's room.
Homemade mirror with a metal frame
As for natural materials, you can use stones, cones, and shells. The latter will look great in the bathroom. Moreover, the products can be glued both symmetrically and in different places, depending on desire.
Inappropriate areas
As already noted, the mirror should not hang opposite the front door or windows . Eastern teachings also remind us of the power of mirrors to accumulate and multiply energies, so they should not reflect negative objects. For example, the toilet door, trash cans, mezzanine.
It would not be a good idea to hang a fragile object on mobile surfaces - closet doors, the back of the front door. In addition to being unreliable, it can bring anxiety and chaos to the energy flow.
Do not hang mirrors opposite each other. Such placement is considered a magical technique and can cause discomfort among the residents of the house.
