How to Hang and Decorate with Mirrors

Mirrors are an effective decorating tool when placed in front of a vanity or the entrance to a house,  enhancing the light in a room or reflecting candlelight, or making a space look larger than it is. They are also a great substitute for windows if few are present.

Hanging a substantial mirror can be a heavy task, so try HGTV: Decorating with Mirrors for tips. Smaller mirrors should be hung the same way you hang other framed pieces. Purchase hooks according to their weight capacity, and use Molly bolts if necessary. Hang the mirror so that it is comfortably at eye level if it will be used in a dressing area or bathroom. Hanging multiple mirrors in a group, perhaps with different frames and in different sizes, allows heights to be staggered or symmetrical.

According to the principles of Feng Shui, placing a mirror inside the front door will confuse any "evil spirits" attempting to enter your home.

Some mirrors have less-than-perfect glazing, with the old silvering or chromium backing in disrepair. But if the shape is unusual, or its frame is still lovely, consider hanging it with a silk ribbon from a decorative hook, purely for its aesthetic appeal. Try attaching three small-framed mirrors of the same size and shape to one another with small piano hinges, to make a folding screen. Set it on a table top with a tealight or small candle in front of it.

Three inexpensive mirrors of the size one mounts on the back of a door could also be mounted on plywood and hinged together for a floor screen. Paint or stain the wood, add some decorative molding, or cover with fabric to match your décor.

If there are two windows with a space between them, try a mirror of similar size and shape. This type of tall and narrow mirror is called a pier glass. Hang a favorite painting on the opposite wall, and you'll be able to enjoy it no matter where you're sitting.

Use beveled rectangular mirrors as placemats, or beneath a centerpiece. This was a favorite decorating accessory in the past, and you may find these at flea markets and antique shows. Adding your fine silver or silverplate candlesticks, or a colorful arrangement of flowers, reflected in the mirror, will create a lovely effect.

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