Mirror, mirror, Part III: Mirrors as part of Architecture

One of the most effective uses of mirrors is to build them into a space's architecture.  In this post you'll see some very creative applications, and not just for walls.

Remember when people used to snicker about mirrored ceilings?  Cheesy motel rooms in the 1970s gave them a bad name. Well, I can't imagine anyone making fun of this sophisticated ceiling.
  Source unknown.

 In a California house inspired by 1940s Hollywood architect Elgin Woolf, architect Brian Tichenor and designer Kelly Wearstler mirrored this ceiling to "mirror" the marble floors.   Photo by James Waddell for House & Garden.

Walls are of course prime real estate for mirrored applications.  In Bunny Williams's Manhattan digs, a wall of distressed mirrors offers a smoky reflection of the living room.  (Elle Decor; photographer unknown.)

Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz uses a mirrored wall to give a high-rise apartment architectural distinction.  (Metropolitan Home; photographer unknown)

In a client's Gramercy Park apartment, we opted for built in mirrors enhanced by paneling  -- more appropriate and just as interesting and dramatic as an entire mirrored wall.  Photo by Michael Kraus.

Even on a smaller scale, a built-in mirror makes an impact.  Traditional Home; photographer unknown.

A very clever use of a built in mirror is this niche in the Manhattan dining room of Adrienne Vittadini.  House Beautiful; photo by Oberto Gili.

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then I yearn for the day I can copy this wonderful design by Coffnier Ku Design that they created for a Kip's Bay Showhouse several years ago.  The mirrored wall is only a small part of it, but it does set off the nail heads forming a pattern all around the top.  Source unknown.

Built-in mirrors are not really noteworthy in bathrooms, unless they are as spectacular as the one above.    Elle Decor; photographer unknown.

There's a great affinity between hearth and mirror.  Two focal points rolled in to one.  This Paris apartment by Serge Royaux is just one example.  Architectural Digest; photo by Marina Faust.

Très chic and so Andrée Putman.  The Beaux Artes over mantle mirror in the background is a grand foil for her modernist furniture.   Photo by François Halard for House & Garden.

A bit more ornate than most Albert Hadley rooms, but amazing nonetheless, is this dining room with hand painted walls.  But notice the fretwork moulding just below the crown -- it's mirrored.  A lovely design detail that translates to lots of situations.  Source unknown.

A similar design sensibility informs this dining room by Charlotte Moss.  The mirrored background of the Chinese Chippendale dado add lightness to the room.  Source unknown.

No feature on mirrors would be complete without mirrored furniture...next time.

Thanks for reading, everyone!