Do you have a mirrored wall that needs a fresh new look? Maybe you’re thinking of removing your mirrored wall entirely because you’ve wondered, “Are mirrored walls out of style?”
Before you throw in the towel and attempt to take it down – which may create unwelcome repair expenses – why not learn how to decorate a mirror wall to give it a more modern vibe?
Are Mirrored Walls Out of Style?
Mirrored walls reigned supreme from the 1970s to the 1990s, and with good reason. They add depth to rooms, making them appear more inviting and spacious, and they reflect light, brightening up dim spaces.
Beyond aesthetics, they are quite functional.
Mirrored walls are easy to clean and are resistant to the routine wear and tear that mar traditional painted drywall surfaces. Greasy fingers and stray crayon marks from your budding artists are no match for their shiny surface. (Mirrored walls also come in handy for spying from an adjacent room. Your kids might believe that you have “eyes in the back of your head!”)
Why Decorate a Mirrored Wall?
Whether you already have a mirrored wall or are considering adding this bold, versatile feature, rest assured that mirrored walls can, indeed, be a welcome, contemporary addition to your home. The key is finding ways to infuse your personal style so that they reflect more than just light.
Fortunately, there are simple ways to update the look, blending the retro appeal of mirrored walls with crisp, current designs.
One way to enhance a mirror wall is to incorporate furnishings and other accessories, just like you would with a traditional wall. Mirrored wall decals, mirrored wall frames and stencils for etching/glass painting are a few other options.
How to Decorate a Glass Wall: Our Favorite Tips and Tricks
Decorate as Usual
With mirrored walls, there’s often a tendency to keep the space in front of it clear, but this can create a stark, cold look. Placing items up close provides an eye-catching, multi-dimensional effect. Place an accent table with a flower vase or decorative lamp in front of the mirrored wall.
Use ceiling hooks to hang a few plants to the side of it or add center-framed artwork or a tapestry using adhesive tabs to hang it directly on the mirror. (Be sure that tabs are designed to hold the appropriate weight for the object.) Mounted sconces are another good choice. Use flameless candles to safely radiate warm ambiance throughout the room.
Mirrored Wall Decals and Window Film
Adhesive decals are easy to find in stores. Placed strategically, they can transform a mirrored surface into a work of art. Use see-through window decals, available in a variety of styles and patterns, or even add wall decals – butterflies, sailboats, flowers, trees or whatever fits your style – to personalize a mirrored wall. Consider placing large matching decals on each side, or place small decals as top or side borders.
Translucent window film can give the mirror an antique look. Use thin strips of film to border the mirror, or cover entire sections with decorative film. One advantage to using decals or window film: You can change the look to match the season or whenever the mood strikes. (Choose removable decals for best results.)
Mirrored Wall Frames
Framing can create a new look for your mirrored wall. Lightweight polyurethane moldings can be attached using a mirror adhesive. To add a splash of color, paint or stain before installing. You can also crisscross thin molding to create patterns of individual squares or diamonds across the mirror wall. Another interesting idea: center an ornate frame at eye level and attach it to the mirror to provide a layered mirror-within-a-mirror look!
Beveled Mirror Strips
Beveled mirror strips are an elegant way to enhance a plain mirrored wall. Beveled mirror pieces are available in a variety of shapes and colors and can be used to make a striking mirror frame. Long, thin strips placed vertically at even intervals create the illusion of multiple mirrors placed together.
Let Your Inner Artist Loose
If you have an artistic flair, use stencils to etch a unique design or image into the mirror, or create your own artwork with paint or stain that’s formulated for glass. (For tips, check out our blog on glass etching.) If your mirror wall is in a kitchen, office area or kids’ bedroom, consider using all or part of it as you would a dry erase board. (Use frames to divide into sections.) Attach a small container to hold window markers for jotting notes, lists or doodles.
Hire a Professional to Create a Great Look for Your Home
Regardless of your style preferences, glass décor, with its timeless elegance, is always a good choice. From mirrored walls to custom glass tabletops to decorative glass doors and windows, Glass Doctor® can help you create the right look for your home. Request an appointment online or call (833) 974-0209 to schedule a consultation.