Auxiliary materials
Although the decor is made from scrap materials, you need to purchase a few things:
- Glue and paints, including in cans, as well as varnish.
- Paper masking tape to separate and limit areas of the work surface.
- Twine, rope and wooden skewers, if you like the design of the frame in these materials.
- Liquid silicone for gluing beads and glass marbles, which may also need to be purchased.
- Contours and stained glass paints for painting and filling patterns on the mirror itself.
- Gold leaf and stencils to achieve the effect of antiquity.
- Oil paints and brushes for artistic painting.
- Solvent for thinning paints, varnish, removing bad fragments and washing tools.
A heat gun and glue in sticks will be a good helper. Not all of the materials listed will be needed. The choice depends on which decoration method you prefer.
Psychologists' opinions
Mirror surfaces increase the level of fear of the dark. They, especially in the dark, reflect glare, the movement of tree branches, and play with the shadows of curtains. Fearing the darkness reflected in the mirror surface at night, people can develop a new phobia - fear of mirrors.
A person may see himself in the mirror tired or upset after a hard day. This is not the best time to admire yourself. Therefore, position the mirror so that you can look into it during your transformation or morning makeup.
A mirror has a positive effect on the energy of the room and gives people self-confidence. But if placed in the bedroom, a mirror surface can also have a negative effect. According to psychologists, this product can affect people in the following ways:
- Enhances the feeling of fear by displaying the shadows of trees and street lights. For this reason, a person may develop a fear of mirrors.
- The reflection can frighten a person who has just woken up. In a half-asleep state, people do not always recognize themselves and unpleasant sensations appear in them.
- The person in the rest room does not always look well-groomed and happy. Constantly watching yourself in this state can lead to a decrease in self-esteem. For this reason, the mirror should be hung in the place where the inhabitants of the apartment usually take care of themselves: the hallway, bathroom, dressing room.
In addition, Feng Shui experts also give their answer to the question of why you can’t place a mirror opposite the bed. Thus, they claim that this item can become a real “energy vampire” for the owners of the house. It is extremely important that a person does not reflect in the mirror while sleeping.
We suggest you read: I dreamed of seeing myself in the mirror
Sleeping people are freed from negative emotions, and the mirror surface has the magical property of reflecting all the bad things. Consequently, the mirror will return to the vacationer all the negative emotions that came from him. It is also unacceptable for a married couple to be reflected in the mirror. It is believed that a visual increase in the number of people in a room contributes to the appearance of third parties in the lives of spouses (i.e., the emergence of love triangles).
Features of materials
It is worth noting that expensive art materials can often be replaced with budget ones - from the construction department. Especially if large-scale work is expected.
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So, objects to be painted can be glued to the frame with acrylic sealant, which is sold not only in white, but in black, beige and brown.
The functions of glue for fixing decor on glass can be successfully replaced by silicone sealant. The silicone composition comes with or without odor.
Silicone sealant with a smell is inexpensive, but it contains acid, which, before it dries, eats away paint and mirror amalgam. Thus, using a caustic compound you can glue the beads onto the mirror itself. To fix decorative elements on the back of the mirror, you should choose a neutral sealant.
In addition, in construction stores, spray paints are also cheaper than in art stores. The range of coating types includes matte and glossy monocolor, hammer effect, crackle, sand.
Varnish in building materials is also available in glossy, semi-gloss and matte. Acrylic, alkyd and nitrocellulose. The price of a liter jar is similar to 100 ml of varnish in the art department.
When choosing, pay attention to the drying time of the materials - until they set. This is the period of time when corrections can be made to the work.
Dining room and kitchen – a delicious looking glass
Mirror surfaces in the dining room and kitchen, as a rule, serve a decorative function. It is recommended to place the entire decor with a reflective part near the dining table at eye level of a standing person. You should not see yourself while eating. Psychologists, like Eastern practitioners, have a negative attitude towards this phenomenon.
In dining room interiors, a mirror is used as an alternative to inserts on the back of display cabinets and sideboards. The magical shimmer of crystal glasses and the shine of cutlery multiply, bringing aesthetic pleasure to the inhabitants of a house in a classic style.
In the kitchen, reflective objects are used as a separate element of decor or furniture in neo or high-tech style. Countertops, kitchen cabinet fronts, hoods and large household appliances are made in the spirit of modern technology.
Decoration methods
There are 3 approaches to decorating a mirror:
- Frame decor or creating an imitation frame.
- Decoration of the mirror canvas.
- Installation of mirrors.
Of course, these methods can be combined.
Round mirror decor
A round mirror requires symmetrical decor. The easiest way is to use paper tubes that are rolled out of newspaper and then tinted. By choosing glossy magazine pages for the tubes, you can do without painting.
Subsequence:
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- To cover with color, you need to prepare the place - lay out a covering, lay out paper tubes, apply paint.
- Then let the paint dry to the touch point, turn it over and paint the other side.
- If you use a spray can, the instructions indicate how much to shake the paint before use, from what distance to apply and drying time.
- Place the mirror with the reflective side down, apply silicone glue on the back side to about 1/8 of the circumference. Place the tubes, align and continue until you have completed the mirror completely.
If you need to cover the back with cardboard or thick paper, press the material down with weights, such as books. After the glue has dried, the mirror can be placed on the wall.
Mirror care
To maintain the gloss and attractiveness of mirror surfaces, protect them from dust, scratches and stains, there are basic principles of care and cleaning:
- Avoid humidity and too frequent “wet” cleaning.
- Reduce or completely eliminate cleaning using ammonia, this way you will preserve the thinnest layer of silver on the surface for a long period.
- Wipe the surface weekly with a dry cloth, and once a month, use a cloth soaked in food-grade vinegar.
A mirror is a decorative and at the same time practical exterior item, combining sacraments and magical properties. You should not refuse to place a mirror in your bedroom, the main thing is not to pursue extravagance, but simply create an oasis of warmth and comfort, conducive to bliss.
Decoration made from skewers
Similar to paper tubes, the mirror is decorated with wooden skewers. The advantage of this method is the assortment of skewers in length and thickness.
The skewers can be left as is, but it is better to coat them with varnish.
- Matte varnish will only serve as protection. Visually the tree will look natural.
- A semi-gloss varnish will add depth to the color, but will not make the surface shiny.
- Glossy will provide shine and glare in any light.
Using varnish, you can use a trick - add very fine glitter, pearlescent paint or metallic. Very few shiny components are needed. When applying, the varnish and filler must be mixed frequently.
In daylight the effects will not be noticeable. A slight flicker will appear under electric lighting. For the described technique, the varnish and filler must be compatible, for example, acrylic based.
A win-win option is to choose a filler color close to the tone of the material. For unpainted wood, shades of light gold are suitable.
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Mirror surfaces
Mirror inserts in the form of separate elements will suit any direction. They add light, air and sophisticated glamor to a space. The panels create stunning special effects and optical illusions. The room acquires a special character and individuality.
Design by Dzerass Kachmazov
The mirror surface of furniture can add a touch of originality and creativity. A kitchen island, coffee table, sofa legs, chest of drawers or nightstand will complement the spatial picture of interior design from minimalism to shabby chic. Reflective parts visually “dissolve” in space, which allows you to “hide” large furniture or household appliances.
Sometimes it is impossible to place a mirror in the bedroom so that it does not reflect sleeping people. Furniture with similar surfaces is a practical and convenient solution. The place for its location is selected in accordance with the amount of free space in the room.
A massive wardrobe is difficult to move to another place, even if it mirrors the bed. It is worth trying to minimize the negative impact. Various methods are used for this:
- The simplest solution would be to use movable screens to mask products with a mirror at night.
- Some people prefer to install a canopy over their bed. This method solves practical problems and protects against the energy vampire-mirror. An extraordinary detail serves as an excellent decorative element. Draperies create a feeling of security and will definitely appeal to romantic people.
- If the furniture is located close to the bed, you can decorate those parts of it that reflect the sleepers. Sandblasting will do the job perfectly and will also add charm and elegance. Fancy patterns, engravings, diamond edges, appliqués will highlight the style of the interior. Matte surfaces look interesting.
- If it was not possible to place the mirrors correctly, stained glass windows will come to the rescue. Today, different technologies are used: mixes of multi-colored glass pieces, film methods. Rhinestones look great as they complement matted designs, making them more expressive and brighter.
The canopy creates a feeling of security
Sandblasting decor will add charm to the interior and eliminate sleep disorders
Stained glass windows protect from negative influences
Sliding curtains neutralize negative energy
Decor made from plastic spoons
For a style like in the photo of a mirror decor in the form of a luxurious flower, you need to prepare scoops from plastic spoons. Then cut out a round base from thick cardboard with a diameter wider than the mirror. You can use thin hardboard.
Place the mirror in the center of the base, circle and remove. Decorate the base with plastic petals, pressing them closer together so that the cardboard does not show through. Color the petals. When the work is finished and dried, a mirror is glued to the center.
Choosing furniture with a mirror for the bedroom
Wall mirrors
The space above the fireplace has become a traditional place for a mirror. In the last century, several candlesticks were placed on the mantelpiece. The light reflected and multiplied, gathering all family members around it on warm evenings. In the modern world, the direct need for candles has disappeared. But the designers took note of this technique. A mirror in a heavy bronze frame above the fireplace creates a special atmosphere of comfort and becomes the center of the living room.
The spirit of classicism is emphasized by a wooden frame, and the neo-style lack of it is emphasized by the unusual shape. In multifaceted country, the emphasis is on the tandem of simplicity and originality - the frame will be made of vines or simple branches, but the surface will have a non-standard design.
Design: Artur Minakov, Yulia Fedotova
Design Bureau "General Area"
Design: Svetlana Chepikova
From small toys
A technique similar to plastic spoons is used.
Toys, depending on the desired effect, are painted after being assembled into a composition. Used in the original color or selectively colored separately, then assembled onto a base.
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Interior design ideas with mirrors: which styles are appropriate?
The mirror in the bedroom is an otherworldly guide to parallel worlds. It was for these properties that reflective objects were so valued by witches and magicians. It is important that such interior elements do not look at sleeping people.
Feng Shui followers answer the question of why you can’t place mirrors opposite the bed from an energy point of view. While resting, a person gets rid of the negativity accumulated during the day, but reflection can direct these flows in the opposite direction. This leads to irritation, apathy, and weakness.
Feng Shui rules indicate that mirrors enhance all energies, which disrupts the calm atmosphere of the relaxation area and leads to sleep disorders. Reflective surfaces act like vampires, absorbing life force. All this leads to poor health and insomnia.
From the signs you can learn about the practical consequences of the incorrect placement of reflective objects. So, if you hang a mirror opposite the bed, you can get scared when you wake up. This provokes nightmares. And a person’s own appearance after waking up is not always pleasant. A disheveled, rumpled appearance does not create a positive attitude at all.
Placement opposite the bed may cause nightmares
Violation of Feng Shui rules leads to sleep disorders
Feng Shui experts believe that an incorrectly placed mirror in the bedroom absorbs positive emotions, and when choosing the right place, it has a positive effect on the energy of the house and the people living in it.
According to Feng Shui, a mirror should be placed above the head of the bed to attract positive energy. You can also place it on the ceiling or part of the wall, provided that the bed will not be reflected in it.
The teachings of Feng Shui prohibit hanging mirrors opposite the bed - this negatively affects the quality of sleep, since the mirror will return negative emotions that a person gets rid of in a dream. Also, you should not install them opposite the doors - this leads to energy depletion of the home and its owners.
This reaction of the body is inherent in us by nature and this reflex cannot be controlled in any way, therefore, if the mirrors are incorrectly positioned in the bedroom, a person cannot completely relax and feel safe. In turn, this leads to rapid fatigue and chronic fatigue of a person.
A correctly positioned mirror in the bedroom will not only be a useful acquisition, but also a bright decorative element that emphasizes the design of the room.
The magical decorative item is undeservedly deprived of attention. As a rule, its sphere of influence does not extend beyond the bathroom and hallway, but the utilitarian function of mirror surfaces is gradually becoming a thing of the past. Proper use of a mirror in the interior can breathe new life into a familiar environment, filling the living space with light and air.
The potential of a reflective object is truly great; when arranging your home, it is important to remember its main functions:
- correction of room volumes - a mirror is a real savior of narrow corridors and small rooms. You cannot cope with this difficult task alone - to create a visual illusion and increase space you will need several decorative items of different sizes;
- reflection of light - a large floor-length mirror will fill the space of the room with natural light, and the mirror surface behind the chandelier, sconce or lamp will increase the level of illumination in the room;
- correction of interior deficiencies - non-standard configuration, protrusions, arches, places for laying communications, with the proper use of a reflective decorative item, will “dissolve” in the air without attracting unnecessary attention.
Design: Pavel Naumenko and Alexander Kozlov
A mirror is a universal assistant when creating a unique interior. Original decor will add a touch of individuality and unique chic to your home. When drawing up a design project, you should consider simple placement rules:
- direct sunlight is detrimental to its surface (it becomes dull). Diffused natural light is required;
- It is not recommended to place a mirror and large pieces of furniture next to each other (a large sofa, a massive chest of drawers or a wardrobe), this creates the effect of excessive volume;
- quantity matters - the best option is 2-3 pieces for the bedroom, bathroom and hallway (full height and shoulder length);
- parallel placement in narrow corridors and rooms has a negative impact on a person’s mental state.
Dimensions for the functional use of the mirror are no less important. Optimal height: 1.4 m – full height; 0.6 m – to the waist; 0.4 m – head and shoulders. Width – at least 0.4 m. The position must be strictly vertical; a sloped surface distorts the reflection.
Design by Lyudmila Krishtaleva
Over the past decade, a mirror in the bedroom has been primarily associated with a wardrobe, which occupies most of the space. Of course, this technique allows you to comfortably store and try on your wardrobe in one place. The downside of this solution is the impersonality of the interior. But mirror inserts are not the only option for using a reflective surface.
A panel of several parts or a mosaic at the head of the bed will decorate the bedroom. Mirrors above the bedside tables behind the floor lamps will emphasize the geometry of the space and fill it with soft light. A dressing table with a reflective decorative piece will highlight the elegant and feminine style of the room.
Throughout the history of architecture and interior design, mirrors have changed their location, shape and size. With this, its framing and design of the canvas changed. A well-chosen frame can transform a boring interior or, conversely, overload it with unnecessary detail.
Design: Yana and Yuri Volkov
Each style has corresponding elements that characterize it. This also applies to the decorative design of frames. The portal, richly decorated with stucco, looks harmonious in a baroque or loft interior. Pretentious lines and curls of bronze and rich shades of mahogany will emphasize the luxurious taste of the owners of the house. The strict geometry of the mirror in a thin gilded frame speaks about the sophistication of the classic style.
A frameless mirror of non-standard shape and size will fit perfectly into a modern interior with techno elements.
Large-sized mirror canvas is just coming into use in modern apartments and houses. A wall lined with reflective tiles “disappears” into space, adding airiness to the interior. At the same time it serves as an additional light source.
Design: Anna Simonova, Interior Studio
The basic principles of Feng Shui apply to all areas of human activity, and in particular to the placement of various objects in space.
A certain position of objects will fill your home with positive energy. And vice versa, incorrectly positioned mirrors will lead to a “leakage” of the required energy.
To meet all Feng Shui requirements when placing a mirror, remember:
- The most preferred shape is a circle or oval, excluding all sharp corners.
- When choosing a height, be guided by the height of a full human height. If it is not possible to place such a large mirror, then when choosing smaller mirror surfaces, please note that the reflection of the head should be placed in it. This will allow you to avoid unnecessary headaches and psychological ailments.
- The marital bed should not be reflected. During sleep, people are freed from negative energy, which, when reflected in the mirror, increases several times and has a bad effect on the health of the body.
- Do not place the mirror in front of the bedroom entrance or other doors.
We suggest you read: Is it possible to jinx yourself?
When arranging mirrors in the bedroom, stick to the most suitable placement options:
- Headboard. This will allow you to visually expand the space. Designers place mirrors at the head of the bed to further reflect the sun's rays, thereby creating a golden shimmer throughout the room.
- On the side walls of the room, remembering to keep the bed out of the reflection.
- On the cabinet doors.
When asking yourself the question of whether it is possible to place a mirror in the bedroom, remember that this is a practical design element that should not be abandoned. The key aspect in choosing a mirror is the correct location.
For example, a chest of drawers with a mirror installed in the corner of the bedroom will increase the flow of positive energy and complement your interior with convenient storage facilities.
A dressing table with a mirror in the bedroom allows girls to do beautiful hair and makeup, looking at themselves from different angles, and also allows them to place all the necessary products for their skin and hair on shelves and drawers.
There are many types of mirrors, which are divided into different subcategories depending on the way they are placed.
Wall mirrors
Folk wisdom, ancient teachings, advice from psychologists, as well as rules for the placement of wall mirrors from designers will help you correctly position mirrors in the bedroom:
- The width must be at least 50 centimeters.
- To avoid disturbing the perception of space, the maximum height is no more than two meters.
- When decorating walls with small mirrors, the central one should be located at eye level.
Every girl needs a place where she can prepare herself for the coming day or for a restful sleep. This is undoubtedly only the female part of the interior. It will give your home its own individual character and subtle charm.
Floor mirror
This type of mirror is most often found in the homes of people of creative professions, personifying their bohemian lifestyle. When placing this type of mirror in the bedroom, remember:
- Choose the height of the mirror based on the principle that the reflection of the tallest person in the house should be completely reflected in it.
- Floor mirrors must be well secured. This rule is especially suitable for couples with children or pets. Otherwise, it may cause various injuries.
- When choosing mirrors, avoid sharp corners, as they can be a source of injury.
From unnecessary items
Keys, old watches, thimbles, spools, dull scissors... These items will turn into a harmonious frame if you decide to decorate a large mirror.
To get the effect of depth, use 2-3 paints. When a bright or light color is needed, the composition is first primed with white. Then they paint with the main color.
After complete drying, contrast paint is applied with a sponge or brush so that all the recesses are filled. Then use a soft cloth to wipe off the paint from the convex parts.
After drying, fix with varnish. You can use combinations of white-turquoise, beige-brown.
Tempera is suitable for filling, as it has high hiding power over acrylic and oil bases with a short drying time.
To get the effect of antiquity, metallic bronze, gold or copper is applied. You can skip the primer step. Depth is emphasized by black or dark brown.
Made from natural and fine materials
Comfortable and attractive materials - buttons, coins, keys and beads. Natural - branches, shells, stones, cones.
A mirror decorated with disassembled clothespins looks unexpectedly interesting. Plots with nautical motifs will perfectly support ropes and twine.
Decor based on the mirror
Assembly directly on the outer edge of the mirror is performed on a degreased surface. The elements are glued with silicone glue. The border of the working surface is separated with paper tape.
Marbles stones, ready-made mosaics, natural stones, minerals, beautiful fragments of porcelain and even broken bricks are glued.
Artistic oil painting
To ensure that the work dries quickly, make a paint thinning composition of 20% vegetable oil and 80% solvent. Both pinene and solvent No. 646 will do.
White oil paint will take the longest to dry - up to 5-7 days. At the finish, the painting is covered with semi-gloss varnish. For translucent painting, choose thin paints.
Installation
Strictly speaking, this is no longer a decoration of a mirror, but a decor of mirrors in the interior. Any style can be found, even something as unexpected as saw cuts with irregularly shaped mirrors.
You've probably already looked at an idea from our selection. We wish you success in implementation, be sure to send photos of your finished masterpieces.
The hallway is the face of the house
The mirror has long become a classic interior attribute for the hallway. There is no way to do without it here. Difficulties in arrangement arise due to the small dimensions, so you should immediately abandon bulky trellises. An excellent solution would be a full-length mirror opposite the exit or directly on the door.
Another round, small size will fit perfectly into the surrounding environment. Don’t forget about lighting, it’s extremely necessary here. By highlighting the necessary interior details and the mirror itself, the space visually appears larger. For a small hallway, you need to purchase laconic mirror models, without elaborate elements. Large dimensions allow the use of large shapes and unusual details.
