Mirrors do more than allow you to see your reflection. They can make a space brighter or appear larger. Mirrors also play a major part in feng shui. There are plenty of uses for a mirror in your home or business.
What Does Your Reflection Show?
While mirrors can be used to let you know how you look for aesthetic purposes, they can also allow you to see your movements. Full wall mirrors are used in places such as gyms or dance studios to allow people to ensure their lifting form is proper or that their dance steps are synchronized.
For people who enjoy working out or dancing at home, full length or full wall mirrors can be useful if you have a dedicated space for these activities. These mirrors don’t need to be ornate with expensive framing, but you can choose any mirror style or size that fits your tastes and needs.
Mirrors as Décor
Having a medium- to large-sized mirror can help a space appear brighter and larger. The mirror reflects the existing light, adding more light to a space. Mirrors also reflect the room opposite the mirror. If a mirror faces an open space, it will help to make the room appear more open and, therefore, larger.
If you want to maximize the amount of light reflected from a mirror, place it opposite or near a window where it can reflect natural light. You can also place a mirror near a piece of art or opposite a colorful wall if your goal is to enhance the color in a space.
Mirrors in Feng Shui
The Chinese practice of feng shui involves using energy forces to harmonize people with their environments. Mirrors are thought to invite energy into a space. If a mirror is placed so that it reflects the outdoors such as water or woods, it will invite those energies into your home or business.
Feng shui principals also recommend that you place a mirror in your main entry to brighten the space. It also allows your to check your appearance before leaving the house. Plus, mirrors give visitors a sense of your tastes right away. However, it’s important to make sure the mirror isn’t facing the door directly.
Avoid placing a mirror facing a staircase because it is thought to increase the unsettling energy of the staircase. In addition, placing two mirrors across from each other is thought to create a constant bouncing of energy back and forth, which is considered chaotic. It’s recommended not to place mirrors across from each other. Finally, you should avoid placing a mirror above your bed or facing the bed.
Feng shui recommends placing a mirror above a fireplace so that the mirror, which represents the water element, can calm the fire element and bring a tranquil energy.
While the balance of water and fire is ideal for a fireplace, it can create chaotic energy in the kitchen, where fire is the reigning element. However, mirrors in dining rooms are thought to double the amount of food, energetically, not literally, inviting increased wealth and abundance in your life.
Feng shui followers also avoid mirrors that are cloudy, broken, distorted, obscured or disconnected. Instead, you should use a clear, single piece of glass.
Mirror Locations
Mirrors commonly are placed in the bathroom or bedroom for the practical use of checking out your or your outfit while getting ready. Mirrors can be used in other parts of the home too. You can place a mirror in the hallway to make the smaller space appear larger. You could also place it in a dedicated space where you need to see your movement. Mirrors can also be used in any room where you want to enhance a space’s brightness.
For a business, mirrors can be used in many of the same ways. In some instances, they can be useful to make sure a customer can check out their own appearance, such as a salon or clothing store. They could also be useful for employees in positions that require them to interact with clients. They are also useful for employees to make sure that they’re wearing equipment or a uniform properly.
Mirrors can be used to reflect light, not just in an effort to make a room appear brighter, but to cut down on electricity costs due to the added brightness.
A well placed mirror can enhance your business or your customers’ or employees’ experiences.
Mirror Options
Several mirror options exist, including full length, wall-mounted, self-supported, rounded and more. Not only do you need to decide on a size, you also need to decide on a frame. Click here for more information about mirror varieties and here for more information about mirror frames.
Mirror Mounting Options
Many people picture mirrors hung on the wall, but that’s not the only mounting option available. Mounting methods include:
- Leaning, where you lean the mirror against the wall;
- Over the door, where you use hardware to hang the mirror over a door;
- Wall mounting, where you hang the mirror from the wall using nails or screws; or
- Freestanding, where the frame is designed in such a way that the mirror stands by itself without support from a wall or door.
We recommend always using a professional to mount mirrors to ensure the job is done safely and the mirror remains mounted securely. This is especially important if installing a full wall mirror in your home or business.
Where Can I Purchase a Mirror?
Local glass shops have a selection of mirrors available. Going this route allows you to support local businesses. Another plus is that you have somewhere you can turn if an issue arises with your mirror. Glass.com can connect you with a glass shop in your area that can provide you with a variety of full length mirror options.
More Information About Mirrors
If you’re interested in learning more about mirrors or other types of glass, you should check out the Glass.com® Info Center. Are you looking to purchase a full length mirror? Get a free quote from a reputable glass shop by clicking here.
