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Brighten Up the Mantel with Mirrors

JasonScott | Mar 21, 2011 |

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When looking for a way to add a focal point to a room, a fireplace offers a natural opportunity. While the fireplace is beautiful on its own, it never hurts to lend it a helpful hand and a little sparkle with mirrors. The shimmer of mirrors can be incorporated into a fireplace design in a subtle way, or they can be incorporated in a more dramatic way; and either way the effect is stunning. To create a sparkling fireplace design here are some ideas that can be accomplished by just adding a few mirrors to the fireplace area.

The Magic of Mirrored Tile

For a real sense of fire and ice use mirrored tile to blanket the entire mantelpiece; or for a more subtle effect, try just tiling the top of the mantelpiece in the reflective tile. When installing mirrored tile across the whole mantelpiece, make sure to use the proper adhesive so that the tile stay securely in place. Measure and cut the tile pieces to size. Use a glass cutter to score the tile, and then tap the tile to break it along the line. When placing the mirrored tile along the top of a mantelpiece, it can simply be placed under the accessories, without being glued in place, to infuse a little brightness and light into the area.

Wall of Mirrors

To really make a bold statement, think about adding a mirrored wall behind the mantel. A single huge mirror hung directly above the mantelpiece bounces a lot of light back into the room and draws attention to the fireplace. Or, instead of a single large mirror, the same effect can be created by covering the area in a collection of smaller mirrors. This option is perfect when budget constraints preclude the purchase of a single large mirror, yet the overall effect is the same from a design standpoint. For an additional design element, grouping mirrors in an interesting shape can bring a bold graphic to this area of the room as well. For example, arrange mirrored tiles in a large circle around a round framed mirror, or install mirrored tiles to form a glittering frame for a colorful art print.

Mirrors and Candles

A quite natural pairing, mirrors and candles go very well together and bring brightness and sparkle to a room's design. Try laying a mirror tile on the mantelpiece and place another mirror tile at a right angle to it against the wall. Then place a candle, or collection of candles, on the sparkling tile, light them and watch them twinkle and shine. By varying the sizes, shapes and heights of the candles, a much more interesting mantel display is presented. Using mirrored tiles in this fashion is a lovely way to add a little additional sparkle to any room.

Wall Art and Mirrors

Another way to bring that special shimmer to the fireplace area is to hang wall art that is mirrored and large, such as a large sun metal sculpture or birds metal hangings that include mirrored surfaces in their design. The size and sparkle of this piece command instant attention. Use wood wall art to complement traditional room decor or metal wall decor for a room with more contemporary design. Adding mirrors around the fireplace, whether in tiles, wall art or actual mirrors is a wonderful way to create a stunning focal point around the fireplace in just about any room.