Mirrors are great for making a space look larger and more open, as well as helping with lighting. They’re also an easy way to add some real visual interest to any space. You can have a lot of fun with mirrors, and create a one-of-a-kind look in your favorite room. Here are some creative ways to make an impact using mirrors, bringing your space to the next level.
Colored or tinted mirrors bring all the benefits of a mirror with an added splash of color. Transparent color films are easy to apply, and are a simple way to make your own colorful creation. Since the film can be applied to any glass surface, you can use color to tie the whole room together. Apply the same film to windows, cabinet doors, or any other furniture with glass elements in the space.
If you’re feeling extra crafty, you can make your own unique “stained glass” art pieces using transparent color films. Just cut squares or simple shapes out of the film using a razor blade, and apply it like a mosaic to the mirror. This could also work with a single color leaving more of a space between the pieces. Even try colored stripes, or your own unique design. Be sure to carefully plan out your design first. It might be a good idea to work it out using pieces of newspaper or craft paper first. You can then use the paper shapes as templates on your film to get the shapes just right.
You can also create that stained glass feel by combining colors in a mirror collage. Mirror wall collages are an exciting home decor trend. There are ready made collages available, but it can be more fun (and sometimes more affordable) to create your own. One way is using mirror tiles. You can find mirror tiles at home improvement stores, usually for around $10 for 6 12″x12″ tiles. They are perfect for creating your own mirror wall collage. (You can see an example of these in the video at the end of the article) Since they are all the same shape and size, you’re free to mix and match different colors and textures without the piece becoming too hectic. For some tips on working with color, check out our article “Fun With Color.”
Another affordable mirror collage can be created using hand mirrors. You could pick them up at many dollar or discount stores in a variety of shapes and sizes. Then just mask off the glass and spray paint the handles the same color. This will help the collage look more cohesive. It also can help hide that you raided the dollar bin to create your piece. The color you choose for the handles depends on a few factors. Besides your own taste and existing decor, you should think about what you might want to do with the glass of the hand mirrors.
If you plan on leaving the glass as is, than the color you pick for the handles won’t really matter. It could be a lot of fun to pick a color that really pops. Maybe choose one that is the compliment of the wall. Maybe it’s unexpectedly saturated version of more subtle shades you already have in the space. You could even pick several colors and do all the handles differently. Just stick to the same finish of paint so it doesn’t start to look too jumbled. So what if you do want to change up the glass, and what could you do with the glass? We already talked about using transparent color window film on mirrors. If you decide to go that route, it’s best to stick to either a neutral color, or the same color as you make glass. It could be neat to use the same color but in a different shade. Another fun idea is to mix and match. If you have a mirror with pink glass and a blue handle, make another have blue glass and a pink handle. Or maybe blue glass with a green handle, and a third mirror has green glass and a pink handle. You get the idea.
You can also check out some textured and etched color film. It can add an extra level to the collage. Some of these films have an amazing effect when you apply them to a mirrored surface, even when using the clear (uncolored) version. You could mix different textures in the same color, or different colors in the same texture. If you are planning on doing a variety of textures and/or colors, you should definitely stick to a uniform color for the handles, specifically a subtle or neutral one. It might even be better to stick to uniform mirrors, like the tiles mentioned earlier, than a mix of hand mirrors. You could wind up on having too much going on, making it start to look like a mess (or worse, the walls of some trying-to-be-quirky-but-super-corporate restaurant chain).
We’ve talked about using color film, both etched and plain transparent. This already gives you a lot of options for your mirror creation. We’re about to add another level, one that can open up a lot of options. it also has a really cool effect. You can put photos on a mirrored surface.
Whether the photo is black and white or full color, the effect of putting it on a mirror is amazing. You can get the photo printed on transparent film, which will result in all the whites in the photo becoming transparent. When placed on a mirror, the image seems to have motion and even almost glow. Combine this with the interest of the hand mirrors, or playing with colors, and you will create an eye-catching conversation piece.
So far we’ve talked about adding to and using mirrors, but what about creating your own? You can create your own mirror from any piece of glass. This can be especially useful for furniture with existing glass. This includes a variety of cabinets, tables, shelves & entertainment centers. Mirror Film will transform any glass to a mirror. It can even be used to create a mirror collage using your favorite picture frames. Just apply it to glass of the frames and voila! You have your own one-of-a-kind mirror.
Whether you’re making your own mirror or jazzing up an existing one, it’s sure to add some interest to your space. Watch the video below to find out more about mirror wall collages and to see the cool effects of both photos and textured film on mirrors. Be sure to check out our articles on Wall Collage Tips and having Fun With Color for more great tips on updating your decor.