How to Use Mirrors to Reflect Light and Add Depth
How to Use Mirrors to Reflect Light and Add Depth
When light hits a mirror, it bounces off of it and back into the room. This helps multiply the light in the room and using multiple mirrors can generate all kinds of interesting light effects and increase the perception of the size of the room. But just placing the mirrors randomly won’t work.
So here are some suggestions and tips on how to use mirrors to reflect light.
- How Light Acts
Some people think that light bounces straight off of a mirror, but actually it reflects off the surface of the mirror at the same angle at which it hits. This is important if you want to position multiple mirrors to reflect light off of each other to create a dramatic effect.
- Window Light
Place a mirror on the wall opposite a window, and the light that comes in will be reflected off the window, brightening the room. Even if the light from the window does not directly hit the window, the mirror will reflect the window itself. The effect will differ from morning to dusk.
- Indoor Lighting
Place mirrors opposite an indoor light source, such as a chandelier, light fixture, or lamp.
- Bigger Is Better
Sources say that you shouldn’t worry about putting a large mirror in a small room. In fact, that’s considered better if you want to bring light into a small room. In fact, it’s no longer considered outdated to do mirrors wall-to-wall, covering a whole wall with them or installing a wall-sized mirror in one room.
Another large-mirror option is to place an oversized mirror on the floor that reaches to the ceiling. It will immediately add light and a brightening effect. Since we brought up the subject of weight, sometimes pictures in very large frames, and especially mirrors, can be heavy 40, 50, 80 or even 100 pounds or more. To hang these a simple nail in the wall or a screw in wall anchor is not going to do the job. For these you are going to need a special type of hanging fixture. The one that does the job best is the French cleat. These are made by several companies such as Hecho, QualiHome, Command, Hictichi, Monkey Hook, Hangman, Hillman, OOK, Picture Hang Solutions, Big Teddy, Beehive and Tech Team https://techteamproducts.com/. I happen to like the Tech Team assortment of specialized French cleat style picture hangers because they are made from heavy duty extruded aluminum, include all the necessary hardware including high strength picture hanging wire, and D rings to add additional support to the frame, and they include a vile spirit level so you can set the French cleat hanger exactly perfect. Their items 735 https://www.amazon.com/Picture-Hanging-Capacity-Tech-Team/dp/B07JX9S8G7/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1550521957&sr=8-4&keywords=tech+team+mirror 736 https://www.amazon.com/Picture-Hanging-Capacity-Tech-Team/dp/B07JMFB72C/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1550522053&sr=8-10&keywords=tech+team+mirror and 737 https://www.amazon.com/Picture-Hanging-Capacity-Tech-Team/dp/B07JMW96ND/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&qid=1550522094&sr=8-19&keywords=tech+team+mirror are the perfect accessories for hanging heavy and also not so heavy pictures and mirrors.
- Fireplace Light
A reflective, mirrored screen by your fireplace can reflect the firelight and add a warm glow to a darkened room. A mirror over the mantel is another way to create a sense of space and light near your fireplace.
- Candle Light
Mirror candle coasters reflect the flame’s light and enhance the effect. Placing candles in front of a mirror reflects a romantic glow when the sun goes down.
- Mirrored Ceilings
Another throwback – mirrored ceilings are a great way to open up a cramped entryway or bathroom. Ceiling lights and lamps are then reflected and the area appears much larger.
- Dark Walls
If you have a space with a dark wall – such as an area with dark wood paneling or brick – hanging a mirror on that dark wall will reflect the lighter side of the room and add light and balance.
- Closet Doors
A cramped bedroom can be brightened up considerably by adding mirrored closet doors. These do not have to be expensive, and they do give a sense of space and increase light.
Mirrors have a definite place in decorating. Adding light and space, tastefully-placed mirrors are a significant and affordable enhancement to your home.
