French Mirrors Enhance Any Design

It is a known interior design premise, that adding mirrors to your walls enhances the appearance of your interior space to make it seem that the rooms are bigger than they actually measure, and this is especially true with most

french mirrors

. The reflection of light and opposing objects in the room is what makes the space appear more expansive. Incorporating a French mirror into your design plan will not only make it appear that you have more space, but will also add an artful, textural interest to your walls. These European style mirrors were common accent pieces in stately homes in the 18th and 19th centuries and were highly sought after for the intricate carving details included on the gold gilded or wooden frames. Times may have changes a lot since then, but these mirrors continue to be a home accent that is highly in demand even in replica status.

French Mirrors

French mirrors come in many shapes, styles and sizes. From the large, wall sized mirrors with complex carvings to the more country estate type mirror with simple, clean lines and frames, these wall hangings are as beautiful as they are a functional piece in your home. Often times smaller scale French mirrors are hung above a chest of drawers or a bureau in a bedroom or open foyer. Full length pieces require ceilings and surroundings of a grander scale are usually reserved for large foyers or dining room areas.

Styles of French reflective wall hangings include Trumeau, Louise Philippe, carved or gilded mirrors. Trumeau style mirrors are large and tall and have an intricate wood carving or pastoral scene painted on the upper portion of the piece, about a ¼ the size of the mirror surface itself. These are often painted wood and can have a distressed look in modern day reproductions. Louise Philippe style mirrors are rectangular but have rounded corners at the top in a gold gilded frame, with square corners on the lower left and right sides of the frame.

French Gilt wood mirrors have thinner frames that are usually gold gilded and quasi-rectangular in shape. These frames can be simple or intricately carved. Other style of French mirror include oval, dormer shaped and related style mirrors made from Venetian glass. While bedrooms, foyers and dining areas are common rooms, many people are remodeling bathrooms with smaller independent vanities and looking for interesting wall hung mirrors to coordinate with each. A replica French mirror could coordinate nicely with a cherry, maple or mahogany style bathroom.

French Mirrors Can Be Purchased At Very Reasonable Prices

True antiques in the style can cost into the thousands depending upon the style and condition. However, if you want the look of this type of mirror, but do not have to have the authentic item that has lasted generations, many home décor companies now make excellent reproductions and replicas of these gilded wonders that you can affordably display in your own home. Check on-line or even in home accent super stores for some great buys on these interesting, decorative elements to add to your own home. French reproduction furniture is quickly becoming a hot home decorating trend and smaller accent pieces like wall hung replica French mirrors, are a great place to start adding a few Western European style home accents to your space.