Mirrors are a decorative and practical addition to any decor. They can make a small space appear bigger and a dark space look brighter. They can reflect a view so it can be observed from different angles, or so it appears more expansive than it really is. And whether used singly or arranged in a group, mirrors make an affordable alternative to fine art. With so many great designs to choose from, you're sure to find one that's right for your home. Here are 10 of our favorites.
Bull's-eye mirrors have been around for centuries. They make a great focal point for a barren wall or add a touch of drama over a fireplace or table. This model, from Room Service Home, is generously sized at 39.5 inches in diameter, and features layered rays of varied length, adding a sense of depth and visual interest. The piece is fabricated from iron and is available with either a gold or nickel finish at $289.
A welcome change from commonplace circles and rectangles, the clover shape of Bombay's Testa Dura Wall Mirror was inspired by medieval cathedrals and castles. Your castle will benefit from the mirror's beveled edge and rich espresso finish. The frame is made of resin, and the piece retails for $299.
A bit on the whimsical side, but dignified enough for even the most refined interior, the Feather Mirror from Crate and Barrel features a hand-carved hardwood frame designed to resemble overlapping feathers. The frame's dark-brown stain is hand-rubbed to reveal natural wood highlights, and is paired with beveled glass for an added touch of class. The Feather Mirror measures 28 inches by 32 inches, can be hung vertically or horizontally, and retails for $199.
Handcrafted from honey-colored mahogany, the Wellington Portrait Mirror from Restoration Hardware combines British Colonial styling with bamboo-inspired details that hint of the Far East. Measuring a generous 32 inches by 44.5 inches, the mirror can be hung horizontally or vertically, and is available online only for $695.
Sure to complement any decor, Pottery Barn's Ridged Mirror measures 30 inches in diameter and comes in either a Tuscan finish (shown) or a black finish with mahogany undertones. It's $299, and comes in a rectangular version for the same price.
This striking Embossed Leather Mirror from Pier 1 is wrapped in dark chocolate leather embossed in an alligator pattern. White top stitching accents the broad frame. Made in India, the mirror measures 27.5 inches square and retails for $200.
Modeled after 19th-century French designs, this generously proportioned Looking Glass from Baker's Milling Road Collection (item #17-155-1) features a molded hardwood frame treated with a black lacquer finish accented with gold striping. The glass itself boasts an etched border and metal corner accents, adding to the charm and heirloom-quality character. The mirror measures 30 inches wide and 38.25 inches high, and carries a suggested retail price starting at $812.
Designed to look like a classic Queen Anne window, this imaginative mirror is sure to add a touch of architectural interest and whimsy to a traditional home or vacation cottage. Crafted from urethane (so it can be used either indoors or in a covered area outside), the Bristol Mirror features a stepped frame adorned with quarter keys and webbed mullions. The mirror is available in black with red undertones or in mossy zinc, and sells for $229 from Ballard Designs.
There are lots of shell mirrors out there, but there's something a little less beachy and a little more versatile about this Mirror of the Sea model from Wisteria. Maybe it's the tightly compacted arrangement and detailed patterning that gives this mirror so much dignity. The price is also appealing: Just $219 for the generous 28-by-32-inch size.
The beveled frame of the "Fantasy Weave" Coconut Shell Mirror from Novica is embedded with thin strands of shell, producing a textured finish that recalls handwoven textiles. The mirror measures 24 inches by 31.5 inches and sells for $249.95. Buy direct