What to consider in buying a new mirror

Placing a gorgeous mirror on the wall can be a real asset when decorating a room. Because mirrors reflect light, they naturally help brighten and enlarge even the darkest and smallest of rooms in order to make them more inviting and spacious. They can make a room work much much better and make a room show up to be a lot more inviting overall. 

Here's what you need to consider:

• Some mirrors lack frames. Therefore it's up to their unique shape or size to create a presence in the room. However, when shopping for a framed mirror look for one that has a style so awesome that it creates a statement all on its own. For a streamlined look, choose a basic wooden, plastic or metal frame. For a more dramatic and formal look, choose an ornate mirror with a gilded frame to create a strong focal point. Mosaic-style frames with different tile patterns will immediately catch your eye when you enter the room.
• Another important aspect to consider when choosing a mirror is the size. This is crucial and will be influenced by a number of factors, including the size of the actual wall it's going to hang on and how big of an impact you want your mirror to make in the space.
• Rectangular and square are the most common shapes for mirrors, but they come in a variety of different shapes. Square and rectangular-shaped mirrors provide a more traditional look. But if you want to attract a great deal of attention to your mirror, choose one with an unusual or bizarre shape. To create a striking but simple look, choose an oval or circular mirror. Add a touch of whimsy or quirkiness with a funky diamond or triangle-shaped mirror. Use a big starburst-shaped mirror to catch the eye if you really want to make a huge design statement in your décor.
• If your mirror has an attractive decorative frame, pick one with a color that perfectly coordinates with the decor of the room. A basic white, black or wood frame will easily complement almost any design. Rich gilded metals such as silver or gold add panache and luxury that's more favorable for a modern or formal decor style. If your mirror has a colored frame, make sure the color enhances the other colors in the space rather than 'clashing' with them or matching them too much. Just choose a colored frame that highlights the other elements in the room for a finished look. If you're having a hard time choosing, natural wood frames will work in virtually any room and style.

To really open up the room and bring in more light, use a frameless full-length mirror propped against the wall on the opposite side of where the light streams in the room. On the other hand, if you want to be more decorative, try hanging a variety of mirrors with different shapes and sizes to create a one-of-a-kind look. It will add both interest and intrigue to the entire room while making the space feel much larger than it really is.