Decorating with mirrors

Mirrors do a lot of heavy lifting in the decorating department. Sure, you can place one over the mantel or beside the front door so you check yourself on the way out. But if that's the only way you use mirrors in your home, you're failing to harness their full stylistic horsepower.

1. Size matters
Today, mirrors and French fries are both better supersized. An oversized mirror can do double duty as both a reflector of light and a focal point. Leaning against a wall, a large mirror becomes sculptural and chic. It makes the room look bigger, too.

2. Create a view
When you have a beautiful view, you can have a pretty sight times two by positioning a mirror opposite the view. Another creative use of mirrors is to add one where a window is missing. If your bed or sofa looks unbalanced because there's a window on only one side, create a faux window with mirrored panels. Hang it in the blank space, topped off with curtains, and at first glance, it will pass as a window.

3. Bedroom mirrors
Under the principles of feng shui, the ancient art of arranging living spaces, mirrors are regarded negatively for couples' bedrooms. Hanging a mirror on the wall opposite your bed is thought to promote the intrusion of "others" into the relationship, possibly encouraging infidelity. Mirrors also are thought to generate energy, which could cause insomnia, so feng shui experts often recommend removing them. Mirrors are great for dim rooms because they reflect light, but not the best choice in bedrooms. Sleeping is enhanced in a dark room, making large mirrors an impediment for restful sleep. Repurpose a dresser mirror by hanging it somewhere else.

4. Mirror effects
Adding mirrored glass inside molding on a dresser or using a mirror to top a dresser or console can give your furniture a fresh look. Try mirroring over an entire door to make the door disappear. Your local glass company can apply the mirror and drill it for the door handle set. Using mirrors creatively can add style throughout your home. Add framed gilded mirrors behind accessories to highlight the items. Place mirrors behind candles or lamps for more sparkling light. Take a tip from restaurants and place a framed mirror behind liquor bottles to dress up your bar.

5. More tricks
Try using mirrors in unexpected places. Rather than always putting a mirror at the front door, why not dress up the back door? In cramped spots, a mirror can make the area feel more spacious.