Fireplaces

Mirror over the fireplace: features and application secrets

For several decades, the fireplace in the house has been considered a symbol of home comfort, warmth and family happiness. Currently, little has changed, and everyone who has the opportunity to install such a structure in their housing, is thinking about how to better decorate it in order to maintain the created atmosphere.

Designers offer many design options. They all differ in style and main direction in the interior of the room, where there will be an open hearth. A fireplace with a mirror looks pretty interesting, because it is this element, as well as the structure itself, that has ancient roots.

Location Features

The creators of the interiors focus on the fact that the mirrors that hang over the fireplace are designed to perform not only a decorative function. This element is also one of the functional parts of the room, which is why it is so often used in the design of rooms in a modern style.

If you place a mirror of the correct form above the fireplace, and also provided that the focus is in the right place, the room will visually increase and the space will expand. In addition, the luxury of the interior and the sophistication of the taste of the owner of the house will be additionally highlighted.

When the owner decides that he will have a mirror hanging over the fireplace, certain tips should be taken into account, including:

  1. Those who have a room or room made in a modern stylistic direction, it is better to choose an object that will have clear, straight and concise forms, strict lines.
  2. It is very important that the mirror most accurately emphasizes the general concept, and does not stray from the created atmosphere, drawing attention to itself.
  3. Especially impressive in many interiors are not individual mirrors, but compositions created from such elements.

Decorating the wall behind the fireplace with a mirror element, many people invest in this process a deeper meaning than just achieving aesthetic pleasure. The thing is that the presented element, as the ancient doctrine of Feng Shui says, is able to hold in the room the strongest energy emitted by the flame.

That is why, those who are confident in the existence of higher or other forces, believe that a similar method of decorating a fireplace will bring home owners family happiness and good luck in life.

There are fireplaces that are not located near the wall, but fill the central part of the room. They can also be decorated with mirrors on two opposite sides. To give the design completeness, the decoration elements are complemented by side lights. With this approach, you can create not only coziness in a room, but also add a touch of romance and non-standard chic.

For a modern interior, you can also use mirrors in which luminous elements are already mounted in the overall design. But the main thing here is not to overdo it so that the decor item does not become the main one, dominating the entire interior. To do this, give preference to products of small sizes. Thanks to the lighting in the room there will be even more warmth and comfort.

Representation in different interior styles

When decorating a fireplace, if a mirror is used, it is very important that everything is done in a single interior style. Some people, especially those who have no experience in creating design, may choose products of irregular shape, size or with inappropriate frames. In order to protect yourself from unnecessary expenses and disappointments, it is worthwhile to figure out in which style which mirror will look best.

  • Naturally, it is best to start with the classics, because such interiors can be found in many country houses or villas. In most cases, to decorate a fireplace with a mirror, if the room is made in this style, it is best to choose a product that will have a luxurious carved frame made of wood. The edge line of the mirror sheet should be facetted (sharpened mirror base at a certain angle).
  • The light, unobtrusive and relaxing rural country style also accepts the erection of fireplaces. In this case, the fireplace is best decorated with a mirror having simple, simple geometric shapes. The frame is necessarily made of natural material, for example, wood with carving elements. Interior items framed by rattan or thin dry twigs look spectacular. As additional finishing elements, ceramic tiles of whole or broken pieces, as well as shells, can be used.
  • If the owner of the house is a follower of the original art deco style, then such a fireplace is most suitable for a round mirror with numerous branchy rays that resembles a bright and warm sun.

  • Now at the peak of popularity is such a style as modern, and this interior accepts the installation of a fireplace. If there is a hearth, and there is a desire to decorate it with a mirror, then it is best to give preference to an element made in natural subjects. Soft, smooth lines complemented by luxurious decorative elements, for example, floral curls, floral details and much more, will look good here.
  • Mirrors can decorate fireplaces installed in rooms with an interior in the style of minimalism. When choosing this element, you should be very careful, because such a design solution does not accept the installation of many elaborate details. The atmosphere of clarity and conciseness should be traced in everything, so if you choose a mirror, it should be large, starting from the ceiling, filling the entire fireplace wall, and ending at the shelf.
  • Adherents of the modern interior in the direction of high-tech like simple and austere forms. Here mirrors above the fireplace will look great, having round, oval, rectangular shapes. As a frame, wooden or, better, metal materials can be used, or it can be completely absent.

A bit of fantasy

If the owners of the premises have a wide imagination and are ready for any design experiments, then it is better for them to install not one mirror above the fireplace, but try to create a panel - an element in which there is a basic concept or drawing laid out from pieces of a mirror.

An atmosphere of a light holiday always floats in such an interior, but at the same time the design itself does not look overloaded or pretentious. The mirror wall above the fireplace looks especially impressive if it is located opposite the window. Then, in sunny weather, you can enjoy the bright highlights that fill the room with light.

Moreover, such a design of the wall behind the fireplace will visually increase the space of the room, which is especially important for rooms with a small area. The shape of the room will become clear and correct, but at the same time, if the mirror element is still additionally illuminated, then all the charm will be lost, so it is better to abandon the backlight.

The location of the mirrors above the fireplace is the most advantageous and sought-after way to create an original interior and focus on the hearth in the room. There are a huge number of options for using a decorative element, so you should carefully consider the entire concept beforehand, including the design of the room and the fireplace itself.

What is the strength?

For those who are familiar with Chinese philosophy, they know that it is a mirror that is an endless stream and a place for energy collection. In order for it to be extremely positive and maximally strong, it is necessary to take care of the proper placement of such an accessory.

If, on the contrary, you can build on the design of modern trends and styles, place a fireplace with a mirror, you can absolutely anywhere, the main thing is that such an arrangement emphasizes all the advantages of the apartments and harmoniously harmonizes with the overall interior design.

Important: if you want to place a mirror surface above the fireplace and want it to fit harmoniously into the interior, try to install it at eye level or human height.

The price of this accessory depends on its size, shape, workmanship, frame materials.

Convex glass visually makes the space even more voluminous

Large wall canvas

Which mirror above the fireplace to choose

Classic bright and comfortable living room interior

After watching a detailed video in this article, you can familiarize yourself with the features and options for placing mirrors in apartments of various sizes.

The benefits of using mirrors

Each accessory and element in the interior has its own role and advantages. Mirror surfaces located next to the fireplace have the following advantages:

  • The ability to visually increase the space. Due to placement in small and medium-sized rooms, you can simply and effectively visually increase the space,
  • Space and light. Due to the combination with light surfaces, a portal and furniture ensembles, fireplace mirrors not only expand the space, but also make it lighter. This effect can also be achieved by placing a mirror with a fireplace between two large panoramic windows,
  • Comfort and indescribable atmosphere. The presence of such surfaces above the heating system makes it endless and as deep as possible. It looks both fabulous and fascinating. This allows you to make the atmosphere warm and cozy.

Mirror canvas in the living room interior, located directly above the fireplace

Light furniture facades, combined with a portal and a mirror cloth

Rounded mirror surface in a wooden frame

Rectangular design in a large massive frame above the portal

Mirror in the combustion chamber of a decorative fireplace

Original performance and roundness

Actual classics

If you want to do a fireplace decor in a classic style with your own hands, this accessory will come in handy.

For mirrors located above the fireplace, the following features are characteristic:

  • The largest sizes of a mirror cloth,
  • Elegant, patterned frame, with all kinds of curls, ornaments and roundings,
  • Color: metallic, gold or silver.

Visual increase in space due to the presence of a reflective surface

Beautiful rectangular classic glass framed with gilding

Mirror above the fireplace installation, in a large and massive gilded frame

Tip: the selected room should be large enough. The fireplace can be located both near the wall and in the center of the room.

It is interesting to know: if you follow the technology of placing objects, furniture and zoning spaces according to Feng Shui, the presence of a mirror surface under the hearth allows you to put together and save all the positive energy. This favorably affects the state of health, relationships in the family.

Application possibilities

In order to use this element we do not need special instructions. In order to make the location of this object as advantageous as possible and harmoniously fit into the interior with a fireplace, we suggest taking note of the following tips and interesting recommendations from professional designers:

  1. The surface of the portal itself can be completely mirrored. This will create a certain illusion and visual effect of the endless space of the chimney. So the installation will look larger and more massive. You will get the impression that the fireplace is located in the center of the apartment. This arrangement also allows you to increase the space, due to the reflected interior,
  2. Fireplace mirrors can serve as a third window. This will become possible if you place a heating system with a mirror between two windows. In the daytime, a fairly large amount of sunlight comes from the window openings, which makes the room bright and spacious. The third object located between them visually expands the room, makes it even brighter and more spacious, and also visually raises the ceilings,
  3. Regardless of the size and shape of the apartment, you can simply place such a mirror element above the fireplace installation. This arrangement and application is characteristic not only for the classical style, but is also often used in high-tech, country, modern, pop art style designs. In order to maximally highlight two of these objects, it is preferable to use fairly light, delicate, soft and pastel shades in the general decor,

The combination of round shapes above the fireplace and the combustion chamber itself

Inexpensive purchase kit

  1. For decorative designs, it is possible to place a fireplace mirror directly in the hearth. It will look original and stylish. And upon visual examination, the lower part of the apartment will expand greatly, which will create a feeling of infinity. The scope will go not only towards the apartment, but also deep into the combustion chamber, which will make it deep and endless,
  2. You can make a mirror yourself and the pedestal around the heating unit. It will look quite original and stylish. Such a portal will seem wrong and asymmetric, the mirror surface as if would drag it deeper. This maneuver allows you to visually reduce the size of the installation,
  3. Also, a mirror made with the effect of aging will look very unusual and a little frightening. Most often, such a performance is used in a vintage style. The presence of a reflective surface above the fireplace, allows you to dilute the strict and linear design, adds charm and elegance to the interior. To perform this maneuver, patinated glass is often used,
  4. In the classic and retro style, you can use both standard glass and with a small and symmetrically placed ornament and painting applied directly to the surface. It can be various patterns, curls, ornament, floral and Old Slavonic motifs. Exposures depending on the general direction chosen can be either color or black and white,

Classic design with a large mirror surface

Small multifaceted mirror above the fireplace

Puzzle Surface

  1. Mirrors made up of various pieces and elements create the illusion of a puzzle. At the exit, they allow you to create an original and interesting reflection. This effect is achieved through the use of aged and plain glass,
  2. Convex mirrors make the space as voluminous as possible and embody the industrial style,
  3. It is possible to install a whole mirror wall right behind the fireplace. Mirrors well reflect adjacent walls,
  4. In vintage style, you can also hang mirrored surfaces in the shape of the sun above the fireplace. When bright sunlight hits them, they neither become like the real sun and are able to glare beautifully on the surface of walls, furniture ensembles and the portal.

The mirror above the fireplace, having a certain placement and design, is able to give the interior its original zest, comfort, light, spaciousness and originality.

A bit of history

Analogs of modern mirrors were available in ancient times. In various cultures, these were pieces of mountain glass, stone, bronze polished to shine.

Archaeologists have discovered many round, like the sun, reflective surfaces. With their help, they surprised, conjured and turned opponents to flight.Apparently, since then, all kinds of mystical properties have been attributed to mirrors.

The first glass mirrors appeared in the 1st century A.D. And they became similar to the modern ones only in the 13th century, and were available only to a few, as a luxury item.

And only since the time of King Louis XIV entered every house. His Versailles mirror gallery is considered as the beginning of the use of mirrors in the interior of the living room.

Correcting room defects using magic glass

Mirrors in the room solve many problems: from purely utilitarian and decorative to conceptual. For example, a small space will seem more spacious if you use large mirror surfaces without frames as a wall decor.

You can add light without organizing additional lighting, just put a mirror in front of the existing lighting device.

So, before proceeding with the selection of mirrors, it is necessary to determine their purpose:

  • expansion of space
  • changing the shape of the room,
  • an increase in the degree of illumination,
  • reflection and emphasizing the beauty of unique objects,
  • creating a specific style.
  • intended use only.

To avoid unsuccessful placement, you need to seek advice. Ideally - to the designer. If this is not possible, browse literature or browse the Internet for photo mirrors in living rooms. Choose your favorite option, and then it all depends on your imagination and imagination.

A few rules for using mirrors

You can use many small mirrors, but do not hang them opposite each other. It’s better to come up with a beautiful composition and place it on one wall.

In narrow spaces, mount the mirror on a wide wall. Otherwise, you get the effect of the corridor.

A square room will seem larger if one of its walls is decorated with a large solid mirror or mirror panels.

In dark living rooms, mirrors do not play to increase volume; their task is to create an atmosphere of mystery.

Mirrors make some objects “invisible”. A small living room will not look cluttered if you place a coffee table in it on a mirror table. This will create the illusion of a whole, unbroken space.

We decorate the living room with mirrors

A mirror can give a unique style to any room. However, it is worth considering that different mirrors are suitable for different styles in the interior. For example, when creating a classic living room, it is better to choose a mirror in a massive wooden or gilded frame.

Fans of minimalism are suitable mirror paintings without a frame. Models of bizarre and curved shapes will perfectly fit into the Art Nouveau style.

Mirror over the sofa and fireplace

One of the oldest traditions of placing mirrors in the living room is above the fireplace. In the Middle Ages, candelabra on either side of the mirror solved the lighting problem. Now, such a frame is rather a tribute to tradition. A modern design idea even moved the mirror inside the fireplace, though not a wood, but a candle.

Another popular mirror location in the living room is above the sofa. An option can be considered a mirror wall, which is also placed behind a sofa or armchairs.

Reception with mirrors hung from wall to wall or from floor to ceiling allows you to maximize the space or "raise the ceiling."

Mirror Compositions

They are created from several mirrors, mirror tiles or mosaics. The mirror composition can be located anywhere. Its main purpose is to please the eye.

The stores offer a wide range of ready-made solutions, but you can also come up with your own, unique combination.

For compositions, it is customary to select mirrors of the same shape, but of different sizes. At the same time, place them in the same frames. Sometimes all the elements are assembled and inserted into the overall frame. This creates a false window, allowing you to get more light in the room without additional lighting

In accented areas of the wall, it is better to place a mirror mosaic.

Living room with mirrored panels

Recently, often decorate one of the walls of the living room with mirrors that create a certain rhythmic pattern. For example, narrow mirror panels are placed at the same distance from each other vertically from the wall to the shelf.

This is done to create a sense of height, and in combination with mirrors on the ceilings - infinity. True, this design is very mixed by psychologists. It is believed that it can lead to disorientation in space.

Mirrored furniture in the living room

It is still a common misconception that a mirror embedded in furniture should only be located in the bedroom or hallway. But in small apartments there is no such possibility. Therefore, a massive wardrobe appears in the living room and "takes" part of the space.

Although it can become almost invisible if it is decorated with reflective elements. And the trellis, a native of the boudoirs, has long settled in the living rooms and is their decoration.

Fashion and mirrors

Mirrors, like any interior item, are influenced by fashion. Today, designers recommend purchasing floor models. They look solid and create a feeling of stability.

Another trend is drawings on mirror surfaces, a beautiful landscape will create a peaceful mood and will fit perfectly between the paintings. The organization of LED lighting around the perimeter will create the impression of a “soaring” object.

At the peak of popularity and a vintage mirror. It is unlikely to be meticulous to consider its reflection in it, but it will give the living room the effect of a "family nest."

Extravagant people will use broken or curved mirrors, as in a laughing room. It is very interesting to design the living room with boiserie panels, in which the mirrors are inserted as if in a kind of frame.

Errors in the placement of mirrors

When choosing a living room design with mirrors, it should be borne in mind that improperly installed mirrors can lead to psychological discomfort. And it's not a matter of superstition. For example, mirrors on opposite walls, reflected in each other, confuse space. It is not for nothing that tricks are built on such a technique.

A crookedly hung mirror, even the most luxurious, warps space. An additional minus is the shifted center of gravity, which can cause a fall from the wall and a spoiled mood.

Mirror and Feng Shui

The followers of this teaching believe that the mirror in the living room accumulates energy, so they place it so that it reflects details that carry positive energy: a beautiful object or a view from the window. The main thing is that entrance doors, toilet rooms and stairs are not reflected.

In principle, the main ideas of the teaching are the same advice from designers, following which the mirror will become the organizational center of the living room and give a feeling of comfort.

Modern interior solutions refute the first part of folk wisdom "a mirror of beauty will not add" and are created in exact accordance with the second part of it "but without it there is nowhere."

BEFORE YOU START, YOU NEED TO REMEMBER:

  • “Not all mirrors are designed to be hung on the wall. There are floor and table models that lean against the wall, says Robert A. Downs of the art gallery iLevelArt.com (Los Angeles), which helped design the homes of Hollywood stars Heidi Klum (Heidi Klum) and Ginnifer Goodwin ( Ginnifer Goodwin). - Such models have a special mark on the reverse side. If you hang them on a wall, they may break, and the manufacturer will not be held responsible for any damage. Therefore, carefully examine the mirror before buying and installing. "
  • A mirror is a pretty heavy thing, so you need to hang it wisely. One flimsy nail and twine is not an option. “For each D-shaped hinge on the back of the mirror, you need to install your own hook on the wall,” Downs explains. “The thing is obvious, but, as experience shows, many do not comply.”
  • And a few words about the height and inclination: experts recommend hanging mirrors on the wall higher with a slight downward inclination so that they reflect the room as much as possible.