What are hallway mirrors and how to choose them?

The first opinion about the house and its owners is formed at the entrance to the premises. An important role is superimposed on furniture and interior items. With the help of a mirror, you can adjust the size of the room, create multiple light sources, or use it as a useful decoration to evaluate your appearance.

The interior of any apartment, the most sophisticated and stylish, will look unfinished if there is no mirror in the hallway.

In addition to the emotional one, the mirror surface performs several more important functions:

• the accessory is able to close irregularities and defects on the wall surface;
• the space to the room can be made visually wider;
• complements and sets off the overall interior;
• with the help of additional accessories (baguette or LED strip), you can add solidity to the corridor, create another light source.

A mirror is an attribute without which it is almost impossible to imagine the situation in a modern apartment.

It is not necessary to use frames of unusual shapes for decoration - an interesting solution would be a drawing on the plane of the canvas. Application can be done in two ways.

• Sandblasting - the image is applied to the surface using a high pressure sand jet. As a result, the finished picture will have a matte and rough structure.

• Photo printing - the drawing is applied to the canvas using a UV printer. The image created with special paints dries quickly under ultraviolet rays. At the same time, the surface remains smooth.

Wall or hinged - this is a reflective canvas that is suspended on the wall using special fasteners. One of the most popular types, it is divided into vertical and horizontal models. The first option is usually used in spacious rooms.

The main rule during installation is that the canvas should be located strictly vertically on the wall surface. Even small deviations can cause reflection distortion. For example, if the bottom is closer to the wall than the top, then the person will appear slimmer in reflection. There is nothing wrong with that, but it can be misleading.

Not all apartments have large hallways; horizontal mirrors are used for small rooms. They are usually placed above various pedestals or shelves.

Floor-standing is a mirrored canvas, which necessarily has a frame, in some cases it is supplemented with a special rack. The option is suitable for both a spacious hallway and a narrow and compact one. The accessory can be moved or completely removed, it is easy to adjust the desired angle of inclination. Bracket-mounted floor mirrors are usually rectangular or oval.

In addition, on the modern market there are rotary and double-sided versions of canvases.

Part of the furniture - this option is usually part of an already finished structure and is located on the cabinet door. The idea is quite convenient, functional and practical.

There is another technique for installing a mirror surface - this is finishing with mirror tiles. From individual parts, you can form a whole reflective surface, you can supplement it with ordinary tiles, creating an unusual design. Ceiling modules are not suitable for performing direct mirror functions, therefore they are used for decorative purposes.

A mirror is a decorative item, so special attention is paid to how it is designed. The product can have cut edges or be enclosed in a frame. The second option makes the canvas more attractive and presentable. The framed accessory will give the hallway a special accent.

Frames are made from various raw materials, but mirrors are most in demand:

• in a baguette - the material can be smooth, carved, with gilding, silvering, copper, covered with patina;

• in a wooden frame - such a product imitates various types of wood;

• in leather construction - natural material or artificially created material is used for processing;

• forged - the iron frame is massive or openwork, imitating various metals.

The quantitative features of mirrors are not limited to specific standards - they are diverse. For a hallway with a large square, you can choose a massive mirror (rounded or oval) or build an original panel from small geometric fragments (rhombuses, triangles or squares), by enclosing the whole composition in a volumetric baguette.

For a small room, it is better to use compact products that are mounted above a cabinet, shoe rack, console.

You can also make an unusual mosaic of hexagons-honeycombs, in this case, it is not recommended to enclose the finishing with mirror tiles in a frame.

A one-piece module or prefabricated panel from ceiling to floor covering will allow you to look at yourself in full growth. With this option, you can visually make the width of the hallway even larger, since the reflection will feel like a continuation of the room.

The corner reflective canvas will also visually make the narrow and elongated corridor wider. In addition, the ceiling-height product will become another object that emits light. Similar models are made for both external and internal corners.

If the area provided for the mirror is limited, an option where the reflection will be visible to the waist or chest is suitable. Usually these are products that have a round or rectangular shape. The minimum size that is considered comfortable is 30 cm.

Contrasting colors are often found in ultra-fashionable design projects; they form and emphasize the overall tint palette, or, conversely, create bright accents. A mirror in a metal frame can add brutality or classic sophistication to a hallway.

• Contemporary style mirror. The variant is a light and practical, harmonious and aesthetic product. The shapes and lines of the accessory are as simple as possible. Symmetrical canvas can be without a frame or with a neat edging in silver and cold shades.

• Loft. This style is characterized by square, rectangular or round specimens. The frame for them can be made of metal, painted in an unusual and complex color, or of rough wood, which is not processed.

• Provence. This is a sophisticated and colorful direction, antique and vintage mirrors will do here. The framing of such products is wooden (wenge, white), unnaturally aged or forged with the outlines of flowers and plants.

• High tech. This style is emphasized by strict products with clear contours. The canvas itself is tinted. A high-tech mirror is usually installed without a frame or with a graphic metal frame.

• Classic - a direction where simplicity, wealth, sophistication, and also laconicism are combined at the same time. Models with a massive and carved frame made of wood or with a forged frame of gold or silver color will give more uniqueness.

• Modern. The design features round and square shapes. Products typical for the classical direction will not suit him, it is desirable that the frame be made of unusual materials. A collage of several modules will look good in the space adjacent to the front door. For example, one medium canvas in the center and several smaller elements around.

• Retro style. Large and massive mirrors are suitable here, enclosed in a wooden or forged frame, made according to the traditions of antiquity.

• Eco-style and rustic. In these areas, natural raw materials should be used. The mirrors are round and rectangular.

Not every house has a window in the corridor, so many owners install additional light sources. One of the options is to illuminate the mirror area.

We will describe several ways how you can arrange lighting with your own hands.

• Recessed spotlights are a simple solution and are usually installed on the ceiling. The disadvantage of such lighting is that the light will only fall from above, because of this, a shadow is formed on the reflection.

• Sconces - mounted on the sides. The correctly selected accessory will become a bright accent of the hallway.

• A floor lamp is a floor lamp, as a rule, it is located on a high stand, and the light source itself is covered with a special lampshade. This decor item emits a diffuse and soft light that will not strain the eyes.

• Turning spots - lamps with which you can organize narrow-beam lighting. Spots add expressiveness and create unusual decor variations.

• LED Strip Light - this is a narrow and flexible strip no more than 5 meters long with LEDs located at an equal distance from each other. Can be mounted around the entire perimeter of the reflective surface or on one side.

Lighting devices in the hallway are matched to the overall design and color. So, for the classic style, metal turning spots are completely unsuitable, because in this direction gold, bronze and copper shades prevail.

A corridor without a mirror is analogous to a dining room without a table or a bedroom without a bed.

The first thing to focus on is the look of the mirror. Budgetary and popular options are rectangular and round wall canvases, they can be easily operated without a frame.

In a spacious corridor, it is appropriate to put a full-length mirror, in a small hallway it will take up all the free space, as a result, the room will seem cluttered.

Convenient products on wheels, which can be easily moved and changed the angle of inclination.

For a small room, you should choose a horizontal model. - the space will visually become wider. Such an instance can be placed in a corridor with any style.

You can stretch a narrow hallway by means of a vertical product. In addition, this view is convenient in that it allows you to see the full reflection.

Next, you need to decide on the shape of the canvas.

Round and oval models are suitable for any style, they visually increase the space and soften the unevenness of the room.

Square and rectangular reflective surfaces go well with everything - a classic of sorts.

Unusual shapes: flowers, clouds, drops, etc.- such mirrors are impractical, the reflection is not seen very well in them, often such models are used only as decoration.

The third is the dimensions of the mirror. For a small corridor, it will be appropriate to choose a medium-sized accessory, but the reflection will be visible only up to the waist.

A human-sized canvas is the most advantageous option for a hallway with large dimensions.

Cabinet with factory built-in mirror or mirrored wall - stylish and practical ways to decorate a room. Suitable for both small and spacious hallways.

The entrance hall is the part of the house where the landlord meets and greets the guests, so the laws of feng shui should be applied here. The main rule of Taoist practice is to accumulate and increase positive vibrations and energy through the correct organization of space. To properly place a reflective canvas, you need to adhere to a few rules.

• You cannot place a mirror element directly in front of the entrance. All positive currents and vibrations will leave the house, reflecting from the surface. A person entering a room will immediately see his reflection, whether he needs it or not, yet such an arrangement will not give coziness and comfort.
• Also, you cannot install the accessory in front of the window so that all the positive energy is not reflected on the street.
• The canvas should not be too narrow or pinched between the cabinets.
• According to the feng shui principle, a mirror can be mounted on the front door or several canvases can be placed on the sides of it.
• You need to hang the mirror surface at such a height that its upper edge is at a distance of at least 200 centimeters from the floor.
• A wall that forms a ninety-degree angle with the door is a great place to attach.
• Feng Shui allows a mirror surface of any shape.
• According to Taoist practice, both negative and positive currents can increase through reflection. Therefore, you can only put on the contrary what has a positive effect on emotions. These can be items that are associated with well-being in work, finances, relationships, etc.
• But all kinds of talismans and symbols should not be placed in front of the mirror. They can carry a strictly opposite meaning in reflection.
• It is better to give preference to a module without pictures and patterns.
• The canvas should always be kept clean, traces of dust, dirt, handprints are bad for energy.

A stylistic character can be created using decoupage. The main advantage of such a design solution is the ability to do everything with your own hands. The simplest items, such as sea shells, are suitable for work. The work begins with an even and organic arrangement of large shells, then smaller materials are glued in. The remaining gaps can be filled with pebbles or beads that simulate pearls. Before the last stage - varnishing - the composition must be allowed to dry for a day.

Wine corks are famous all over the world. At first glance, unnecessary items, but you can make many useful things from them with your own hands, including a frame for a mirror. This natural material can be cut into pieces or used as a whole, it all depends on the style of the house, the cork is distributed across the surface across, herringbone or along.

Hemp rope is another unusual decoration. This frame will suit the nautical style.

In addition to all of the above, decor for a mirror canvas can be created thematically. So, for the New Year, the upper part of the accessory can be supplemented with coniferous branches, dressed up in colored toys and ribbons.You can also accentuate the decoration for an event, for example, by painting the surface with toothpaste. It is harmless and easy to wash off.

For the especially patient, the idea of ​​decorating with coffee beans, legumes or cereals is suitable. "Edible" jewelry has many shapes, colors and sizes. Such framing will become a bright and graphic accent. So that in the future the mirror frame is not "attacked" by insects, the dried surface is covered with a layer of varnish.

From year to year, the demand for hand-made things and objects only increases: such accessories are unique and budgetary. Mirror cloth, decorated with his own hand, will give the corridor individuality and focus on the taste of the owner of the house.