Decorating With Full-Length Mirrors Hung Horizontally

Living Room

• Horizontal mirrors can be used in many ways in the living room. Hang a mirror over a long, low sofa for a streamlined look. Alternatively, hang a horizontal mirror over a mantel and place a variety of glass objects in front of it for additional sparkle. Or create a feature wall with a horizontal mirror framed with the same molding used for the crown moldings. Add vinyl decals to the mirror to create a different look. Vinyl decals are applied directly to the mirror and peel off without a trace when you tire of them.

Foyer or Hallway

• Use full-length mirrors hung horizontally to create the illusion of more space in small areas like foyers and hallways. One idea is to create a stacked mirror wall. Choose several mirrors of the same shape and size and hang them one on top of each other. Hang them at eye-level or design a floor-to-ceiling approach and space the mirrors evenly apart. For a lengthy hallway hang two or more mirrors end-to-end to bridge the length of the wall.

Bedroom

• Hang a full-size mirror horizontally above the headboard instead of art. Mirrors can be an inexpensive, albeit elegant, alternative to hanging art in the bedroom. Whether you choose a modern, rustic or vintage frame will depend on personal taste and on the existing decor of the room. Another idea is to hang the mirror above the headboard and hang a series of photographs above the mirror for a mini gallery. Or hang a horizontal mirror opposite a window and above a desk or dressing table to bounce around light and create an alternate view.

Bathroom

• Use a wide full-size mirror to bridge the distance between sinks on a double vanity. For a bathroom with mainly natural elements, the mirror is an opportunity to elevate the style. For instance, a mirror in a chunky ornate frame can be painted white, silver, black, gold or any other color to add visual interest to the room. Or create a grouping of mirrors, two smaller vertical mirrors topped with a horizontal mirror. Unify the mirrors by choosing one color to paint the different frames.