Gorgeous Ideas for Using Mirrors as Art
Mirrors and artwork have long gone hand in hand. Historically, artists used mirrors in their artwork to convey a deeper or hidden message with their masterpieces. For example, in 1434, Jan Van Eyck famously incorporated a mirror into an image of a couple so viewers could feel like part of the tableau.
You don't have to get as
avant garde as all that. Instead, utilize mirrors in your decorating so they make your own unique statement as works of art.
Echo Actual Artwork
Perhaps the most obvious way to make a mirror function as a work of art is to have it actually reflect an art piece. Indeed, you can get very creative with this idea. You could have the mirror fully reflecting a painting, or you could highlight some special aspect of the art.
For example, say you have a statue or other three-dimensional art piece. Try to find a way to hang or prop a mirror so it reflects one side of the statue. For example, you could hang the mirror on a wall so it echoes the piece. Not only will you showcase a part of the statue that may otherwise be hidden, but you'll also amplify its overall effect.
Reflect an Outdoor Scene
You can also transform the reflection itself into a work of art. Decorators commonly hang mirrors so they reflect windows. You get even more power if you reflect more than just light.
In this case, the view from your window will have to cooperate. Perhaps you have a nice natural panorama, or maybe you've created one with landscaping. Hang the mirror directly opposite the window so it looks like a painted landscape on your wall. In this way, you get to enjoy even more of your outdoor space.
Design a Mantle Display With a Mirror
Another common placement for mirrors is on a mantle. Sometimes designers, prop smaller mirrors on the mantle itself. Other times, they hang a larger mirror above the mantle. Either way, you can use the mirror as a centerpiece in a unique art installation.
What's another thing decorators like to do with mantles? They love to curate
objets d'art on the shelf. Well, as with the statue, such a curation's impact can be amplified if you reflect it. In this case, the objets will interact with the mirror itself, probably by sitting in front of it. You'll want to play around with the placement to get a pleasing harmony between all the pieces.
Arrange Art Around a Statement Mirror
A beautiful mirror can interact with artwork in another way - right there on the wall. In this case, you'll use a mirror as another piece of hanging art.
For this effect, you'll want a statement mirror, meaning one that's decorative all on its own. This usually means the frame is ornate or otherwise striking. You can also have a customized mirror in an unusual shape. You'll hang it center stage on your wall and organize interesting art pieces around it. The mirror serves as a bit of a surprise, another way to look at art.
Hang a Highly Decorative Mirror
A beautiful mirror can be an art piece all on its own without attendant artwork. You might have scored a highly decorative mirror, or you might custom-order one to fit with your décor vision. You can also use a customized mirror to play with proportions.
So just like you would with a prized piece of art, you're going to hang this mirror on a wall all by itself. You'll want to choose the location carefully. For example, if you want to play with proportion, hang an over-wide mirror on a tall, narrow wall. Conversely, choose a highly decorative mirror for just above the mantle.
Create a unique artistic statement by incorporating mirrors into your décor.
Palmetto Glass & Mirror can provide gorgeous mirrors for your new art installation.
