Mirror, mirror (part I)

A former client, who was a delightful person with excellent taste, once said to me, "I don't like mirrors."  I was crestfallen.  How can you not like mirrors?  You don't have to look at yourself in them, for heaven's sake.  But in terms of bringing in light, expanding space, creating atmosphere and visual interest, there is nothing better!!!

So let's begin our look (sorry-- couldn't resist) at mirrors.

Part I:  Mirrors are Decorative

This simple but elegant mirror fits in perfectly with the restrained elegance of this living room (source unknown.)

Designer Kerry Joyce plays up the reflection of the 19th century Italian chandelier in a Beverly Hills dining room (photo by Grey Crawford for Elle Decor.)

 The Danielli chandelier from Niermann Weeks is reflected in this 1940s round mirror  (hung over a mirrored console, no less, and photographed by your humble blogger.)

In this clients' home overlooking Charleston Harbor, I hung a 19th century French mirror so that it would catch the light and all the wonderful reflections from the harbor -- also notice the mirrored cocktail table (photo by Ben Williams.) 

 In a client's Gramercy Park powder room, this old mirror was found at an off the beaten track antiques store and given new importance with a masterful paint finish that (ahem) cost more than the mirror (photo by Michael Kraus.)

 In the foyer of a client's Upper East Side apartment, an Art Deco mirror is set off by a pair of alabaster urns (photo by Michael Kraus.)

Ray Booth and Bobby McAlpine clad the walls of this Nashville bathroom in cyprus paneling and hung an antique Italian steel-framed mirror (yes, steel -- look closely) right on the paneling (photo by Peter Vitale for Veranda.)

Dealing with paneling or wainscoting can be a challenge.  Sometimes it's hard to hang a mirror or artwork right on the wood, as was done in the previous photo.  I chose to hang this mirror horizontally and above the panels.  What makes it work is the odd ball scale of the low chest paired with the tall skinny lamps.  Leaning the artwork against the panels also helps fill in the void (photo by Michael Kraus.)

 

The late, great Albert Hadley was a big fan of starburst mirrors as shown in this Manhattan penthouse (photo by Feliciano for Architectural Digest.)

I've heard people say that you should limit mirrors to one per room.  Nonsense!  This Manhattan entrance hall by David Kleinberg sports three and it looks great (photo by Pieter Estersohn for Elle Decor.)

In this Gramercy Park townhouse, the former design team of Sills Huniford used classic overmantle mirrors to great effect (photo by Scott Frances for Architectural Digest.) 

In his signature style, Jose Solis Betancourt hung an inlaid mirror over a draped fabric panel (photo by Pieter Estersohn for Southern Accents.)

Next time -- Part II:  Mirrors that Seduce.

Thanks for reading, everyone!