If you do not want to delve into the intricacies of interior design, determine proportions and select the right combinations, you can use a simple and reliable rule, which in the vast majority of cases will allow you to make the right choice.
This golden rule states the following: the width of the mirror you choose should correspond to the piece of furniture located underneath it.
Triumph mirror cabinet
In other words, when selecting the size of the selected model, focus on the width of the cabinet, dressing table, console or other furniture that is located underneath it. Sounds simple, doesn't it?
At the same time, of course, this rule does not apply to all cases, because there is not always any furniture under the mirror. There are also situations when the furniture is either too wide or, on the contrary, too narrow.
If this golden rule does not solve your issue, then we will next consider all other options.
Required materials and tools
Mirror canvas of any shape and size must be properly mounted on the wall. For this you may need the following materials:
- mirror;
- silicone, “liquid nails” or glue for fixing to the hallway wall;
- masking and double-sided tape;
- degreasing agent.
It's hard to imagine a hallway without a mirror.
Also, when decorating a corridor with a reflective structure, you will need tools such as:
- sandpaper;
- mounting gun;
- tape measure, ruler, and also a simple pencil.
Before starting work, make sure you have all the necessary tools.
If the decoration of the room will be carried out by screwing the product to the wall, you should definitely prepare screwdrivers and a drill, standard drills, a screwdriver, as well as a diamond drill that allows you to make holes in the mirror.
A mirror is not only a necessary item in the hallway with functions, but also a decoration.
You will also need a special mount designed for reflective surfaces.
Care Tips
- The mirror does not tolerate direct UV rays well and fades over time. Therefore, position the model so as to prevent them from getting on the canvas. It is not advisable to place the mirror close to radiators - it will also fade.
- The mirror should not fit tightly to the wall: without free air movement, the amalgam will peel off. If the amalgam has peeled off in any place on the canvas, it can be sealed with foil.
- Mirrors can only be washed with special glass cleaners. After applying the detergent, wipe the surface of the product dry.
Hallway design ideas with mirrors
Creating a beautiful, attractive design begins with choosing the shape of the product. Many people underestimate this step, which is why the room does not give the expected visual effect.
The most common options for mirrors placed in hallways are:
- Oval;
- Rectangular;
- Round.
You can select designs, both with and without lighting, taking into account the characteristics of the room.
You can choose a mirror with light.
If desired, the canvas can be beautifully decorated by ordering an exquisite carved frame from a framing workshop. Forging or casting will look no less beautiful.
Important! The design of the mirror should be harmoniously combined with the overall decor.
A unique mirror will add personality to the design.
Large-sized canvases, endowed with a massive and sophisticated frame, look very stylish. It is better to create a reflective element of the interior using a metal, openwork, as well as a wooden or cast frame.
Even in the smallest hallway, as a rule, there is a place for a mirror.
If you plan to install it in a hallway made in high-tech style, strict corner shapes will look better.
For small hallways, you should select reflective surfaces that are the height of the entire wall.
Important! Huge structures look attractive both in square and narrow small corridors.
Even a small product can introduce an element of space zoning due to the specificity of reflection.
It is permissible to use doors made of a similar coating, replacing standard wardrobe doors with them. A boring, monotonous design can be turned into an original project if you complement the surface with a pattern, appliqué, or print.
There may be drawings on the mirror.
You can visually increase the space with a series of reflective products, placing them in a certain order, causing the illusion of multiple displays of the interior of the corridor.
Note! The entire hallway should not be decorated with mirrors. Allowable space is half the territory, regardless of the design of the room.
A large mirror that covers almost the entire wall greatly increases the space, making it airy.
How to choose the right place for mirrors
The placement of mirrors depends on the area of the room. A narrow room can be expanded by decorating one wall. Hallways created in a classic style, in addition to large mirror panels, may contain additional, smaller ones.
The style of the room depends on the shape of the product.
For low ceilings, you can choose mirror tiles, which will help visually enlarge the room by applying it to the mentioned surface. Solid panels with built-in lamps will look beautiful.
Classic frames enhance spaces in an amazing way.
If the corridor is large and equipped with a dressing room, doors with matte or impenetrable inserts can act as a reflective surface. They have an attractive appearance, are very comfortable and practical.
In some houses you can see products of original forms - modular.
According to the rules, single mirrors are placed in the left or right entrance area. This allows you to quickly take a look at yourself before going outside. Reflective products should not be installed opposite a doorway.
A large mirror with a massive but elegant frame looks especially stylish.
If the choice is made on a medium-sized model, then it is positioned so that you can see the entire face + 10 - 15 cm from above.
Lighting
Mirror lighting can be halogen or regular. Depending on the style and type, it can be installed on the top or on the sides. In classic and traditional rooms, the best solution is wall sconces, which can have different types of finishes. On the other hand, in modern interiors the use of LED strips, usually built into the frame profile, is popular. In addition to choosing the type of lighting, the color of the light is also important. White light highlights visible skin imperfections, while yellow light creates a cozy homely atmosphere. However, yellow light can be deceiving during makeup.
What size to choose mirrors for the hallway
Very often, when choosing mirrors for the hallway, the question arises: what size is the best design to choose? It's better if it's full height. But modern corridors of a small area do not always allow you to choose such a product.
Mirrors in residential premises have a large number of purposes and features.
Before purchasing, evaluate the size of the space. This will help determine which option will fit best. The minimum parameters of the canvas should be in the range of 30x40 cm. If you buy a product with indicators of 40x60cm, you can consider yourself up to the waist. The entire height of the owner will be visible on a mirror panel measuring 60x120cm.
A mirror can expand space.
The shape should be chosen taking into account the style of the room and its size. For a built-in wardrobe, it is better to purchase a standard rectangular mirror. Its parameters should be within 3/4 or 2/3 of the wall height.
A mirror is an effective solution that helps to visually expand the space.
In a small hallway, it is recommended to place a horizontal wall panel, or a mobile floor panel (you can always remove it if the need arises). The ideal solution for a small room would be furniture with a built-in mirror, or a design that includes a reflective sheet, shelves, a hanger, etc.
No. 3. Number of mirrors
There doesn’t have to be only one mirror in the hallway - you can create a whole composition from mirrors of different sizes and shapes . It is important that they are in the same style. You can use mirrors of the same size and place them on different walls so that you can examine yourself from all sides before leaving. This technique also allows you to visually expand the boundaries of the hallway. In any case, it is important not to overdo it, because multiple reflections and the looking-glass effect will not decorate the room.
How to attach mirrors in the hallway
When installing mirrors of large dimensions, you need to take care of the quality of the fastening. In most cases, corridors do not have a large area, so a poorly fixed canvas can easily be touched and broken.
A large number of configurations and locations of the mirror allow you to give the room a distinctive and unique look.
If the selected model will be hung on the wall, a good connecting base should be provided. It is advisable to secure the mirror panel using special adhesives, and then secure it with fasteners. This should be done in cases with a frameless option.
You can combine it with furniture, or order a design with a mirror panel.
Structures endowed with a massive addition are fastened with reinforced hooks. In some cases, models are installed separately. There is no need to fasten them, just make sure that it is slightly tilted.
Modern mirrors have a fairly large assortment to suit every taste.
The right choice of location and mirror option will allow you to turn even an ordinary hallway into an original, cozy room that fully meets the wishes of the inhabitants.
Therefore, when choosing reflective panels, you should consider all possible placement options and permissible design dimensions in accordance with your goals.
Mirror selection criteria
Household reflective devices are not subject to mandatory certification, which would confirm their compliance with international quality standards. This can only be done voluntarily by contacting special organizations that empirically test the reliability of interior items. But manufacturers do not deal with this issue. Therefore, when purchasing, it is important to know what to consider so that the chosen model serves for many years.
Production technology
The basis of any mirror is glass. Until the 19th century, the reflective effect was achieved by coating a glass sheet with an alloy of mercury and tin. Such production was dangerous for the craftsmen due to the risk of poisoning by toxic fumes. In 1835, chemist J. von Liebig developed silver plating technology
, which is currently used in the production of most mirror paintings.
A modern mirror consists of four elements:
- Glass sheet. In Russia, GOST is in force, which approves the marking of sheet glass. For mirrors, raw materials of grades M1, M2 and M3 are used. The lower the number, the higher the quality of the sheet and the better its optical properties. For elite premium samples, M1 glass is used, for mass production - M2, for those mounted in furniture - M3.
- Silver solution.
- A protective layer of copper or some other binding chemical.
- Several layers of paint.
A cheaper way to make a mirror is to coat polished glass with aluminum
, and then with a paint and varnish substance. However, the method is used only for the production of small products. They are inferior in quality to “silver” ones: products with aluminum coating have lower reflectivity and moisture resistance, and are susceptible to corrosion. Therefore, they are gradually being phased out.
Despite the fact that aluminum-coated technology is considered outdated and is practically not used, ask the seller for a product passport, which indicates the composition of the mirror cloth, to ensure the safety and quality of the purchase.
Appearance
Be sure to inspect the mirror carefully. What is important to pay attention to during inspection:
- Glass thickness
. The larger it is, the better, otherwise the surface may ripple and distort the image; over time, the layers will sag. Optimally - from 0.4 cm.
- Smoothness.
There should be no microcracks, scratches, air bubbles or other irregularities on the surface of the canvas. Not only the mirror part, but also the back part of the model should be smooth.
- Protective covering.
Look behind the mirror and evaluate the color of the varnish and paint. They should be greenish or light green. Low-quality products have a purple tint on the back.
- Edge quality
. In addition to the aesthetic function, the technology for processing the edge of the mirror affects the price and service life of the mirror. We list the options, starting from budget and correspondingly less durable. The manufacturer can clean the sharp edge, making it safe, round it, give it a trapezoidal shape, sand it and make it matte, or bevel it - bevel it at an angle to the blade. In the latter case, the product looks more expensive, the light plays on its edges.
- Frame
. It performs both aesthetic and protective functions. In some models, it is the frame that gives additional gloss and originality to the product.
A trick to check the mirror's evenness. Walk in front of it and evaluate the reflection. It should not be interrupted or ripple. The second way is to take the pen by the tip, place it vertically and quickly wave it in different directions, the reflection should not lag behind.
