You don’t have to break the bank to add sparkle to a dull space in your home. A beautifully framed mirror can shine more light to any dark corner. The trick is to mount it with purpose. Walk around your house during daylight hours. If you come into a room or area of your home and you feel the need to switch on the light so you can see better, then consider using a mirror to reflect more light into that room. You’ll be amazed at the results!
When we think of mirrors, many of us imagine the traditionally square mirror, similar to the one on your medicine cabinet. Not so. Today, you can buy mirrors in all sizes, styles and finishes. For example, you can buy mirrors that are oval, square, rectangle and round, to name a few. You can also find mirrors in contemporary and country styles, which are found in different framed colors of gold, black, silver, bronze, and wood. The possibilities are endless!
Strategically hung mirrors have long been used to create a feeling of spaciousness in small rooms. Covering an entire wall with mirror tiles or panels can amplify that result, making such a room seem even lighter, larger, and more open. Additionally, a mirror can serve as a work of art and its own focal point in a room. This is especially true with framed mirrors. For example, a decorative mirror attached to the wall above a mantel adds to the light and makes the room look larger as well.
The finest selection of quality decorative mirrors can be found at FramedArtDecor.com. All mirrors are fitted with two sets of hanging hardware on the back, which allow them to hang vertically or horizontally. Your satisfaction is guaranteed and all mirrors ship free.
Another option to using decorative mirrors is mirror tiles. These are made of thin glass that makes them lightweight, but also tend to lessen their reflective quality. For a more distortion-free reflection, install mirror panels, which are made of thicker glass.
Mirror tiles attached to a wall with tape may be removed fairly easily; wear work gloves to protect your hands in case glass breaks. Installation with mastic, however, makes the mirrors a permanent part of the wall. Removing the glass panels is impossible without breaking and seriously damaging the walls.
Available as 1-foot squares, mirror tiles are attached with a double-faced tape that is sold both in rolls and in precut squares. The tape works well on most smooth, very clean surfaces, but will not adhere to vinyl wall coverings. Once you peel the protective cover from the tape, hold it only by the edges; skin oils can cause this tape to fail.
Heavier mirrors require supporting hardware, as well as the use of a mastic adhesive compounded specifically for mirrors. These mastics do not react with the silver on the mirror and are applied in thick pats that never harden. Because of this resilience, mastic can withstand sudden jolts – even a minor earthquake – that might otherwise jar the mirror lose.
When you buy mastic, ask the mirror dealer to recommend the one that is most suitable for the surface you intend to stick the mirror to. Some require covering the back of the mirror with a special bonding coat; read label directions carefully.
Although mirrors may be mounted wall to wall and floor to ceiling, walls frequently are not square. You can simplify your installation if you leave at least a narrow border of uncovered wall.
Tailoring mirrors to fit irregularities can be difficult. If you need smaller pieces of mirror to cover the desired area, the thin glass tiles are the only type that you can cut yourself. Thicker mirrors require professional cutting.
Check with your favorite home improvement center for all necessary mirror tile materials and detailed instructions.
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Hi, I am interested in mirroring an entire wall in the man cave in our basement. Any ideas or suggestions? Also, part of that wall has a built in bar.