Decorating a home can be a fun way to express personal taste, but getting it just right can be a challenge. From color palette to furniture choice to the arrangement of each element, there are many decisions to make. And just as there are many "dos and don'ts" for aesthetic reasons, there are also many things to keep in mind for safety and practical use.
Your home is not a static work of art, so you want to make sure it is both functional and in line with your taste. Figuring out that balance is not always easy, but it is key to a home that functions in harmony.
Few homes are without a mirror, a popular decorative element that carries some of its own rules. Mirrors are not only useful for getting ready and checking one's appearance, but they also play a valuable role in interior design. They are great for reflecting light and brightening a room, as well as making a small space feel larger, which is why placing a mirror in the right spot can upgrade the entire experience.
But the wrong place can create constant disruption in daily life. Instead of reflecting warm light, they can dazzle guests; instead of opening up a space, they can force someone into an uncomfortable mirror image they didn't expect. Not to mention the safety concerns of a poorly mounted large mirror.
To help you with your decorating, here are seven places where you should not hang a mirror according to Pensionist.
Over the bed: Safety is paramount. A mirror over the bed may look good, but it poses a safety risk. Mirrors are heavy and can cause serious injury if they fall. In areas with natural disasters like earthquakes, the risk of a mirror falling can be even higher.
Opposite the front door: Do not place mirrors opposite the front door. Gusts of wind can knock the mirror down and cause damage (and 7 years of bad luck if you believe in that sort of thing). Many people like to place a mirror in a hallway, as these areas tend to be narrow, and a mirror can therefore create the illusion of more space. Consider instead placing the mirror on an adjacent wall to create a sense of space without the risk of damage.
Over a high fireplace: A mirror over a high fireplace can be unaesthetic, as it will mainly reflect the ceiling. For the mirror to effectively reflect the surroundings, it should be placed at an appropriate height, preferably close to eye level.
Opposite a window with strong light: Mirrors can amplify natural light and brighten a dark room, but they should be avoided opposite windows with direct or strong light. It can result in dazzling reflections that can be annoying to the occupants.
Opposite the shower or behind the toilet: Mirrors in bathrooms are useful, but placement is important. Avoid placing mirrors directly opposite the shower or behind the toilet, as it can create uncomfortable reflections and lack of privacy.
At eye level in the dining room: A mirror in the dining room should not be placed at eye level, as it can be uncomfortable for guests to see themselves eating. Consider instead placing the mirror at the head of the table or behind a bar.
In the ceiling: Mirrors should not be hung in the ceiling. In addition to the safety risk, it can also create uncomfortable visual effects and privacy issues. It is an interior design style that is best left in the past.
In interior design, it is important to consider both safety and aesthetics. By avoiding these seven placements, you can use mirrors in a way that enriches your home while maintaining a safe and comfortable environment.
