Reflections on Mirrors

Mirrors can be wonderful, adding light, charm, movement, interest and dimension to any space. They are ideal for some areas in homes, such as living rooms, bathrooms, hallways and dining areas.

In businesses they are often used to increase activity and therefore revenue, by increasing the moving energy and light; this has the effect of energizing people so that they are more excited by what a store or restaurant may have to offer and also less likely to linger and block others from moving on in.

Mirrors are not ideal for all locations, however. Understanding what mirrors do can help to use them to the greatest advantage.

Ever since designers discovered that mirrors could make almost any room seem larger and brighter, mirrors have been installed in abundance, in hallways, living rooms, alcoves, dining rooms, as closet doors in bedrooms, or as a wide stretch of mirror over bathroom sinks and counters. But are all these mirrors truly benefitting us?

Mirrors are at their best:

When bringing reflected natural light from windows into overly dark areas
Placed along narrow hallways or in other overly narrow spaces, to add the perception of greater width and dimension
Creating a bright focal point for a room over a mantel, couch, or centered in a dining room
Anywhere where you want to increase activity, such as in a gym, restaurant, or store
Wherever you need to know who’s coming to your door, into your room, or to reflect oncoming traffic at the end of a driveway with poor visibility of the street

Mirrors may not be helping you:

In bedroom, as closet doors, or any large mirror - places of rest should be peaceful, and mirrors increase the activity level in a way that can interfere with deep sleep; their reflective surfaces also bounce electromagnetic disturbance, or wireless signals back into the room, creating chaos in the energy field
If greater softness is desired in a space because the surface and light from a mirror have a more “hard” quality
If they are cracked, chipped, or designed with multiple panes or cut sections - broken-up reflections can increase a sense of fragmentation or interruption
If the what is reflected in the mirrors is ugly or distracting in any way - whatever we amplify with a mirror should be pleasing
In areas where one needs a big degree of concentration, large or multiple mirrors may create distraction
If a heavy mirror is hung over a bed it could do damage if it fell

In a small bedroom or other room where the perception of greater size, or more width of the room is preferable, artwork depicting a space with depth will accomplish much the same effect, and add a more personal touch to the room.

Mirrored closet doors can either be replaced with a wood, or a simple curtain can be hung in front of the closet and pushed aside when you need to get into the closet.

Broken or sectioned mirrors can be replaced or repaired.

Mirrors are a powerful tool for increasing beauty and interest, as well as keeping the energy balanced and tuned to the activity in a particular area. Make sure yours are doing the job you really want them to do.

Reflections on Mirrors

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