Whether you’re looking for an alternative to framed wall art, wishing to double your room’s natural light or wanting to create the illusion of a larger space – purchasing a decorative antique or French mirror should be top of your decor to-do list. Often viewed as an essential piece for bathrooms or entrance halls, mirrors can amplify the depth, light and dimension in any room. And, if placed creatively, these glossy, bold reflective accent pieces can add drama, bespoke personality and a little ‘Je ne sais quoi’ (as the French say) to your home.

You may already know how to select the right style and shape when it comes to French or antique mirrors, but why not take your mirror to the next level with some whimsical unconventional decor ideas?

#1 Mirrors as headboards

Nearly everyone has a smaller mirror at their dressing table or a longer mirror to take a squiz at their appearance in the dressing room, but few have thought of the quirky charm of an antique mirror headboard.

Adding a dramatically oversized decorative mirror behind your bed will create a simple yet unusual focal point design. It will also magnify the light in the room and add more depth to the bed itself.

Boldly placing mirrors in such an unusual place adds a daring look and a touch of sophisticated elegance to set the theme of the room.

#2 Mirrors against the wall

Not all mirrors are meant to be hanged. Some larger ones were made to take centre stage by leaning against a wall.

Slanting an oversized antique mirror against the wall adds a laid-back sense of grandeur to any space and creates a trending design statement. This unconventional solution combines the opulent, irresistible allure of an antique mirror with the funky, eclectic charm of modern styling.

The right mirror will always add functionality and aesthetic elegance to a room. Larger mirrors that run from the floor to head height become the centre of attraction or focal point (be it in the bedroom, dining room or entrance hall). This is also where you can incorporate personality by mixing and matching finishes within a space. 

#3 Mirrors in a collage

Nervous about committing to another piece of art? Rather invest in a few differently shaped and sized antique or French mirrors to create a mirror collage vignette.

Instead of one single mirror on a wall, add some designer pizzazz with a curated collection of antique mirrors. Fit them together as a mosaic piece with 10 or more mirrors or stick to larger sizes and keep the numbers down to 5 or less. The finished look will always be a visual delight. 

There is no need to keep to a shape, size or era for this creative exercise and the mirrors don’t necessarily have to match or coordinate with the decor. 

Placing the mirrors in an interesting pattern (facing favourable objects and light sources) will add dimension, amplify the natural light and balance an upscale look with an individualised antique charm.

#4 Mirrors flanking an object

If you love a bold accent piece, then a hand-gilded gold-framed antique or French mirror is the way to go.  (And will trump mass-produced furniture every time with quality craftsmanship, storytelling and timeless trends).

A clever design tip is to draw attention to another collectable by flanking that statement piece with two mirrors. This is where mirrors work best if they are the same or similar in size and shape. Mirrors can be placed on either side of the centrepiece along a flat wall or on different walls that join together with the decorative vase or treasured objet d’art between them. 

If you really want to push the designer envelope, why not take the decor creativity up a notch and create the illusion of seeing double? This is easily achieved by placing an antique mirror onto a larger conventional mirror, bringing a quirky artistic element into the room and it will always be a conversation piece. Or go ahead and place antique art on the mirror wall to add further depth to the room. The space will not only look more spacious but also lighter with the added reflection of the mirrors.

Get creative with antique mirrors at The Crown Collection

Now that your decor sensibilities are attuned to the versatility of antique mirrors, it’s time to indulge in making your mirrored dreams a reality at The Crown Collection. 

Once you find the quintessential reflective design accessory to suit your space (be it hand-gilded in 22-karat gold leaf or framed in brass, silver, wood or metal), our restoration team can help you customise your mirror with staining, paint effects, French polishing or bleaching and hand-gilding to present you with a one-of-a-kind showpiece for your home.

Shop online or visit our studio at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston.