Decorating with Glass and Mirrors

Mirrors aren’t just looking glasses anymore. They are the surfaces of our furniture,” says Tanna Miller of Trends & Traditions.  “This trend started a few years ago and has gone from a simple table to wall cabinets, headboards, chandeliers, cornices, and accessories.”

Use of glass and mirrors is almost endless, according to Vicki Donovan or Hearthstone Interior Design. “Glass and mirrors can make a space appear larger than it really is, Mirrors are great for reflecting more light into a room. They can add a touch of bling to your home,” she says. “Today we’re using clear, frosted, and colored glass on cabinet doors,”

Miller reports she is making window and bed cornices out of mirror in authentic European styles as well as clean-lined modern or glamour styles. “I have not yet placed decorative mirror on ceilings or walls, but I think the antiqued mirror and flourishes we are using would be ideal to adapt for this purpose.”

Mirrors are a great way to visually expand your space and to reflect light back into a room, Donovan says. “Mirrored walls are not passe by today’s standards. In fact, we are installing decorative mirrors over mirrored walls and light fixtures over mirrored walls,” she says. “Placing large framed mirrors along walls have grown in popularity because they are more portable and less expensive to do.”

Gail Adkins of Change Magic suggests, “If you’re hesitant about using expansive mirrored walls, but you’d like to add some sparkle to your rooms, start small with reflective accessories. One of the most interesting ways to incorporate sparkle into your decor is to strategically place mirrored or reflective accessories such as small boxes, vases, picture frames, decorative spheres, small tables, and other occasional furnishings embellished with mirrors, colored glass, or clear faceted glass. One or two reflective pieces can delight the eye and add a touch of whimsy to any room.

“Additionally, smaller reflective pieces can be moved from room to room as the seasons change to catch the morning sun or the evening sunset,” says Adkins.

One of the most popular mirrors a Karmal-Skillington is made from antique ceiling tiles, according to Leigh Skillington. “Buying functional pieces made from reclaimed materials appeals to more and more people all the time and the look is rustic, one-of-a-kind, and elegant,” she says.

Donovan says, “We are seeing glass and mirrors being used in all kinds of unique applications. Take a stroll through any local furniture or accessory shop and you will see mirrors and glass being used on furniture, lighting, and accessories.”

There are a number of sources for mirror and glass items including:

Change Magic
Nashville
615/ 275-9514

Hearthstone Interior  Design
Brentwood
615/ 306-6053

Karmal-Skillington
Nashville
615/ 460-7197

Trends & Traditions
Nashville
615/ 399-0661