Mirrors are an essential part of home design, and a great way to bring personality and flair into any space. The silvery surface of a mirror adds beauty to the room and helps to reflect light around the room, making it feel larger. There are plenty of ways to incorporate mirrors into your decor, so it's important to know what works best for you and your home.
Size: A large mirror can make a room feel more spacious, especially if you choose a mirror that's equal in size to the wall it's on. In addition, a wide mirror can emphasize the width of the wall and a tall mirror can make a room seem higher.
Shape: Round mirrors are a popular choice, as they complement a variety of styles and decor. They look especially attractive in modern rooms and can be placed above a vanity or in a dressing room. Oval mirrors are also a good choice, as they can be used above a small vanity or in a hallway or entryway.
Frame: You'll want to select a frame that matches the style of your mirror. This is an easy way to achieve a cohesive look and help your mirror match the rest of the decor in the room.
You can find a wide range of frames at different prices, and you'll need to decide whether you prefer the frame to be freestanding or fixed into place on the wall. If you're opting for a freestanding mirror, you can find frames that are made from wood, metal or both.
A frame that isn't symmetrical or balanced isn't a good option for your mirror, as it will have a less-than-professional appearance. Instead, you'll need to pick a frame that is well-crafted and reflects your taste.
The glass that the mirror is framed in can affect its value. Newer mirrors will have a clear and colorless glass that is very durable, while antique mirrors will have a yellow or gray cast to their glass. This is caused by the oxidation of the silver mercury or tin backing that was used to make the glass.
Marks and imperfections: Many antique mirrors are handmade, so they will have small defects that may appear as scratches or slightly wonky joins. These will not affect the mirror's appearance or function, but they can impact the price you pay for the mirror.
Signs of mending or restoration: Another key indicator of a mirror's age is the presence of mending and repair work. A mirror with obvious restoration work will have a much lower value than one that is in pristine condition.
Slight waves or bubbles in the glass: This is a sign of old glass and can be easily identified by testing the reflection of a pen. If the reflection of the pen appears very close to the mirror's surface, it's probably an antique.
Some mirrors are crafted from glass that has had the silver mercury or tin backing removed. This isn't a problem when it comes to reproductions and replacements, but it will lower the value of an antique mirror.
