How to choose decorative mirrors for your home

Mirrors date back to the Greco-Roman times, if not before. The disks were slightly convex and made of tin, silver or bronze that were highly polished. In 16th century in Venice, glass was backed with a combination of mercury and and tin. In 1835, the backs were coated with silver. Now, the glass is coated with silver or sputtered molten aluminium. The frames of the mirror reflected the period and ran the range from plainness to ornate.

Decide on the placement of mirror

The placement of the mirror can determine much such as the size and even the shape. If the space on the wall is large, then you have more space with which to work. If the space is smaller, then the mirror should not overwhelm the space.

Consider the décor

The décor of the room and that of the entire house must be considered when picking out a mirror for the room. If the room is in a small cottage with modest furnishings and white washed walls, then a simple mirror, perhaps framed mirrors, will work well. An etched mirror might work well, if the etching is simple and confined to the edges. If the mrror is to be hung in a large room in a Victorian house, then a gold leaf wall mirror, or a large decorative mirror would work well. The mirror could be hung in junction with decorative lighting as well. In a modern house, mirror wall tiles will work well, helping to add to the style of the house.

Buying the mirror

Buying the mirror can be accomplished by going to more than one place, such as an antique store, an auction, or an estate auction. There, you will find some antique mirrors, perhaps even French mirrors. The mirrors will vary in cost and may need to be restored or be in good condition. You may be able to find wall mirrors that would work at yard sales or rummage sales or even charity shops. Modern mirrors would be available at modern furnishing stores. The styles would vary from traditional to modern, and may even include replicas of older styled mirrors. The frames could be wood, carved, glass, metal or just glass. Oak wall mirrors will be there as well.