The entrance hall is the first room into which a person enters. Of course, its design is given a special place - the hallway acts as a kind of “face” of the apartment, according to which the guests have a general opinion about its owners. In addition to beauty, functional content also plays an important role, because in conditions of often small rooms you need to place the necessary elements. One such interior item of the entrance hall is a mirror. His presence in the hallway is simply necessary for a person leaving the house, as well as for guests who have come to a dinner party. What are the mirrors in the hallway and what functions they perform - we will talk about this in today's article. And for those who believe in folk wisdom, we made a small selection of signs associated with mirrors.
Features and functions of mirrors
Mirrors in the interior perform many different functions. First of all, they are intended to reflect objects. Every civilized person tries to monitor his appearance, and without a mirror it is almost impossible to do. Looking at your reflection, you can eliminate the flaws, emphasize the dignity of facial features, choose a wardrobe that is suitable in appearance and size and just show off, which women often like to do.
In addition to this basic function, mirrors are able to adjust the space. It is no secret that their presence in a small hallway can visually increase it, give additional volume. But such an effect takes place only if the mirror surface is located opposite the empty wall. If the canvas of the mirror is turned to the closet, hung with things or littered with books, magazines, the corridor will look even more cluttered. A little trick: a mirror installed in the hallway so that it is exposed to sunlight, will make the room brighter. The shape of the mirror is also of no small importance, for example, vertical rectangular structures are able to “shorten” the height of the walls, so they should be hung in rooms with high ceilings.
A mirror can become an accent element that distracts attention from the shortcomings of the geometry of space, overly bright design. It also plays a significant decorative role in interior design in a particular style. When choosing a product, you need to pay attention to its design, which should correspond to the style. For example, in the hi-tech style, a massive rectangular mirror with a carved wooden frame will look silly, while a mirror panel with a complete lack of decoration will be just right.
Types of mirrors in the hallway
Unlike in the old days, today's mirror market offers many options. Conventionally, all available types can be divided into several groups, distinguishing them by shapes, sizes, installation types and external design.
Shapes and sizes
Modern production makes it possible to produce mirrors of various shapes. The most popular are rectangular canvases, which are installed vertically or horizontally. Considering that we are considering a hallway mirror, where it is important that the reflecting area capture the widest possible view, the most optimal option would be a vertical rectangular mirror. It can be of medium size (standard 60x40 cm), when a person can see himself to the level of the belt, or more overall (60x120cm), which will provide a full-height overview. It does not make sense to install small mirrors in the hallway, except perhaps as decorations, when an original wall panel is formed from them.
Round and oval mirrors look spectacular, especially in rustic designs. In the workshops, you can order surfaces of unusual shapes that will make the room unusually beautiful and make notes of individuality, for example, mirrors in the form of intricate geometric shapes, silhouettes, etc. The huge planes of mirrors the size of a wall look luxurious, and it is they that can create the effect of the limitlessness of the room.
type of instalation
A flat mirror surface makes it possible to place it in the interior in different ways. Choosing this or that option, it is necessary to build on not only personal sympathies, but also the size of the room - the mirror is designed to make space more free, and not clutter it. Depending on the type of installation, there are such types of mirrors in the hallway as:
- Wall - such canvases are suitable for any size of the room, they can be with or without frames, have a variety of shelves, hooks and other accessories;
- Desktop - in the hallway, such models are less common, especially in modern interiors, where there is a struggle to free every extra meter of free space and setting a table is not always the best option. Often the role of the table is played by a more functional bedside table for small accessories, shoes. In small hallways, such structures will look good in the corner;
- Floor constructions - an option for large entrance halls - have the largest possible overview, but occupy some territory, so installing them in a narrow passage zone will be irrational. Often such canvases clothe in beautiful massive frames. The advantage of floor mirrors is their mobility - if necessary, the canvas can be easily moved to the right place or completely hidden in a closet;
- Included in the construction of furniture - a common option when a mirror surface is already provided for in the design of the corridor cabinet. It can be located on doors or other facade canvases of modular designs. The most modern option is the mirrored doors of the wardrobe in the corridor, which are often decorated with elegant patterns.
You may be surprised, but there is also a ceiling type of mirror installation in the hallway. This design is not common, primarily due to its high cost and complexity of cleaning, but the interior takes on an absolutely stunning look. In this case, the mirror is not able to fulfill its intended purpose, but serves as an element of decor.
External design
As we have already said, the design of the mirror is of great importance when choosing - it should be as consistent as possible with the overall design concept of the hallway. Mirrors can have wooden, metal, wicker frames or none at all. Often, home craftsmen make the decor of mirror surfaces with their own hands, choosing a convenient material and color palette. We will consider what parameters a mirror in a hall made in one or another style should correspond to:
1. Minimalism. In this direction, preference is given to the maximum release of the interior from all excesses in favor of functional objects. Mirrors without frames, having impressive dimensions, not only allow you to see yourself at full height, but also significantly expand the space visually.
2. Hi-tech. A special design designed to surprise with its ultramodernity. Here you can find the most unexpected geometric designs of mirror surfaces, which either do not have a frame, or it is made of glass, metal.
3. Classic. An ideal option for the hallway would be a rectangular canvas, clad in a voluminous wooden frame with elements of carving, gilding and other decorations. Since luxurious classic design usually corresponds to large rooms, in the hallway it is quite possible to set an elegant table with a mirror and a couple of stylish sconces.
4. Loft.The best solution for the loft hall will be a large floor mirror in a powerful wooden frame, which will emphasize not only the scope of the "industrial" areas, but also the visual simplicity of decoration.
5. Provence. For the corridor, made in the spirit of French charm with notes of old rural life, you can choose an oval or round mirror canvas, decorated with a forged frame. It will look great in an ensemble with other elegant wrought-iron furnishings.
To date, make-up mirrors are quite popular, the design of which provides for a system of built-in lighting from a mass of bulbs placed around the perimeter. They give a stunningly bright light, with which any imperfections in appearance that require elimination are better visible. In addition, the luminous frame becomes an excellent decoration of the hallway.
Omens
Mirrors have always been one of the most mysterious pieces of furniture that caused a lot of reasoning, speculation and controversy. There are many superstitious people who try to listen to folk wisdom gathered over the centuries. To reckon with them or not - each person decides for himself. We made a small selection of folk signs related to the placement of mirrors in the house:
- The wall opposite the front door is considered the best place to install a mirror. It is believed that the mirror canvas is able to accumulate in itself all the positive energy that penetrates through the open door, and increase well-being;
- You can not install mirrors opposite each other. This method is often used in apartments, since it makes it possible to see yourself from all sides. Signs say that such a combination creates a certain rivalry, taking away human strength and health. Even more dismaying is the warning that the mirrors opposite each other are capable of causing all evil spirits;
- If a spot appears on the mirror surface that cannot be cleaned, it is better to get rid of such a mirror, since a lot of negative energy has accumulated in its interior. For prevention, you need to wipe the mirror as often as possible.
In the beliefs of the peoples of various countries there is also a warning that one should not let strangers look in the mirror, especially female representatives who can “take away” well-being, health and beauty. However, returning to reality, we all understand that it is not possible to avoid this in the hallway. Therefore, simply clean the mirror surface more often so that it always delights you with its beauty, and especially with reflection.
Hallway Mirror - Photo Ideas
Concluding our review of the hallway mirror varieties, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with our selection of photographs. Here are various modern models of mirrors, successfully placed in stylish interiors. Enjoy watching!