How to choose the mirror frame

The mirror is a much-loved decorative element because, in addition to its practical role of reflecting images, it adds space and brightness to rooms. It is as welcome in living rooms and bedrooms as in bathrooms, hallways and kitchens. Mirrors have been in use for a long time, even having their heyday, and have always been used with a frame. Using them without a frame is a modern gimmick, a convenient way of using them only for their practical, not their aesthetic, purpose. Fortunately, the use of framed mirrors is back in trend, with the frame now being chosen to match the style of the furniture or to personalize the space.

The influence of framed mirrors on the whole decor

The frame has the ability to determine the aesthetics of the mirror and even the entire space. Wood or metal, dark or light colored, plain or ornate, the frame will influence the way the room in which you find it is viewed. Just think of a fancy restaurant restroom. A mirror wedged four-cornered into the wall won't tell you anything, and if you're not the detail-oriented type, you won't even notice it. You use it to see if everything is okay, but if you're asked about the mirror you won't know what to say. The opposite is true if the mirror is framed by a well-chosen frame, in tune with the space and elegant. It will be noticed and will make you take a fresh look at the whole restaurant.

Frames are not just a way of marking the boundaries of a painting or a mirror. With works of art, the frame has a huge influence on how the work is presented. Many painters have even left instructions on how to frame the picture. Learn about the art of picture framing here more information. Framing is just as important for mirrors. A mirror with a well-chosen frame will pleasantly personalize the space and enrich it aesthetically.

The mirror and its evolution

The first evidence of mirrors comes from antiquity. In Egypt, Rome, Greece and the Orient, there were such objects designed to reflect the image that had more of a border than a frame. Over time, these so-called frames were decorated in various ways, using metals, precious stones, pearls or ivory, or with medallions painted with the faces of angels or important people of the time. An important moment in the history of mirrors was in 1516, when the brothers Andrea and Domenico on the Venetian island of Murano succeeded in creating the perfect mixture to reflect the image perfectly, and discovered mirror crystal. With it, the Venetians dominated the mirror market for a long time, with royal and imperial courts commissioning the famous mirrors to adorn their palaces.

The important moment for mirror frames is the Renaissance. This is when the frame becomes a well-defined decorative object, and the making of a frame becomes synonymous with the making of an art object. Mirror frames become very sophisticated objects, decorated with leaves, moldings or garlands. The design becomes impressive, with carvings, columns or caryatids, using precious woods such as precious wood mahogany. Artists, trends and schools emerge and the rich countries of Europe come up with their own styles. Industrial developments allowed a glassmaker from Orleans in 1688 molded mirror which will result in very large mirrors (wall mirrors). The royal houses compete to have such mirrors to decorate their palaces. The frames they were made in the style of the time - baroque, rococoneoclassical. With the French Revolution, luxury and opulence lost ground as mirrors became more sober. Elements of styles like neo-Gothic, birdermeyer or imperial are beginning to be found in mirror frames. In England, furniture manufacturers such as Chippendale are also making their mark on mirror frames.

The design of mirror frames in modern times is determined by industrial development. Although at the beginning of the 20th century mirrors were framed by flowers, birds and the curved lines of the Art Nouveau style, mirror frames begin to focus more on utility, and their development is also marked by the standardization of mass production. Over time, industrial standardization no longer satisfied many who continued to see the framed mirror as a special decorative object, so workshops making special frames to order reappeared.

What's important when choosing a mirror frame

No matter how classic or modern a mirror frame is, there are a few things to consider when choosing one. Here are the most important ones:

The material it's made of. Don't choose cheap materials without personality. That's why wood is a very good choice to frame the mirror. A wooden frame can add a touch of elegance to the space. With the right choice of material, the mirror can be integrated into existing décor or be a special eye-catcher.

Color of your choice. Frames can be dark or light in color, while maintaining a discreet touch, or they can be eye-catching and intensely colored. A dark frame highlights the mirror, bringing out its brilliance. The light-colored frame will form a whole with the mirror, making a discreet presence in the existing decor. The brightly colored frame is suitable for a modern decor, but it should be used in such a way that it is the only splash of color, otherwise the decor becomes too busy.

Style. As we have seen, there is a huge variety of styles so we can choose the one that suits our home or personality. The mirror can become a special, eye-catching object if we choose a frame in a contrasting style to that of the house.

Choosing the right frame is important mirror size and weight. A very heavy mirror needs a frame that doesn't weigh it down too much, a frame that is in tune with it, but supple and fluid, in a lightweight material. Position is also important because, depending on how it is placed, the mirror will reflect a part or an object in the house. It should not be placed to reflect storage spaces, hidden corners or spaces that need privacy.

To be a relevant piece of decoration, a mirror needs the right frame and positioning to brighten and enhance the space.