Create Your Own Photo Wall Mirror Creation

Mon 8 Mar 2010 3:50:25 PM GMT

It feels good to create something unique to enhance your home decor. There are many ways to do this, but for the purpose of this information, we will cover how you can show off your favorite photos combined with decorative mirrors and accents in order to create your very own wall of photos. Your wall of photos can be fun, classic, rustic, vintage or any other style you choose. Your photo wall mirror creation style is determined by your personal style and your existing home decor and furnishings. There are a few different ways to approach this decorating task, so you will want to choose the best way for you.

You can get some ideas from magazines that will help guide you to finding the best way to create your own wall of photos. The following information should be a big help to you for planning out your photo wall.

Location: Figure out which wall you want to use for your photo wall creation by choosing one that is almost always seen, but not a high traffic area. One such place might be above your sofa. That wall is one that is seen a lot and no one is going to be walking behind your sofa (unless you are cleaning back there) knocking off your frames and mirrors.

Wall Paint: Next, make sure to make the wall you have chosen stand out by using bright or dark paints that will make your photo wall mirror design project the look you want. If you already have bright or dark walls, you can use the same color for that wall. One good rule of thumb: If your living room (or whatever room you are using) is small, it is best to use light or bright colors.

Frame and Mirror Elements: You want your photo wall to look organized and not just thrown up there. You can do this by finding common features in your frames and mirrors. For instance, you can use all bright colored frames of various sizes and shapes with the mirrors in between. To create interesting shapes, consider using differently shaped mirrors, like round mirrors. Your photo wall mirror design is all up to you.

Setting Up: Take you time to place the photos and mirrors in a decorative pattern. You will want to use wall hooks for placement in order to keep the photo frames and mirrors in place. Non-damaging wall hooks can be used if you don't want to put holes in your walls.

Finally, make sure your frames and mirrors are straight when you hang them and that you have designed a pleasing pattern for your photo wall mirror creation. You may discover your inner interior decorator with this project.

How to Choose the Best Mirror for Your Bathroom Vanity

Sun 28 Feb 2010 6:37:21 AM GMT

Randy Ritzenthaler, owner of R Squared Renovations in Dallas Texas explains how to select the appropriate sized bathroom mirror for your bathroom vanity.

Read on for a few pointers on sizing mirrors, vanities, and light fixtures. Getting them all to work together and look great is very simple.

A couple rules of thumb, when you have a small vanity, for instance, a single sink up to about 30 inches, your mirror and light fixtures could be just a few inches narrower then the vanity itself. Just work to keep everything in proportion. The mirror and the light fixture can almost be the exact same width. Generally you'll find something about 24 to 30 inches wide you can find a light fixture that would be somewhere in the same ballpark.

When you get into a larger vanity say five feet, even if it's just a single sink 5 foot vanity, a good rule of thumb is to have your mirror roughly two thirds the size of the vanity. The light fixture could also be a little smaller then the mirror. Proportionately you could go two thirds the size of the vanity for the mirror, and two thirds the size of the mirror for the light fixture.

When you get into larger double sink vanities, you have to make the decision if you want to go with two mirrors and two light fixtures or one large mirror and one large light fixture, generally you want to put two light fixtures up though, one centered over each sink bowl on the vanity.

You can take the information from a single vanity and apply it to a large double just use the same proportions to keep everything in sync and looking great.

If you have mirrors that you are dividing you'd like to have equal space on both sides of the mirrors and usually about half the width of the mirror in between the two.

Just a few things to help you make a decision on lights, mirrors, and vanities. If you have any other questions, contact us at uniquevanities@msn.com.

Accent or Create a New Look with Wall Mirrors

Mon 15 Feb 2010 4:51:31 PM GMT

Every room needs to have its own feel. Repeating the same theme and design aesthetic throughout a home is not a problem. The mistake comes into play when one room feels exactly like the next and the next. The individual rooms have no unique flavor of their own. You want to spice it up so that it can be an entity within the whole of the home's design and style. A statement made in the story. This is how a successful home is designed. To do this we need to find little accent pieces that will make those statements from room to room. Many interior decorators do this with throw pillows and the like. However, one very effective way to accomplish this goal of individualization is to add decorative wall mirrors that act as the punctuation all for each space.

It is not really difficult to set up a room than find the right mirror for the space. You will be able to determine the size it needs to be, the color that best suits the theme and will complement the look, and the shape that will bring your design together. Going to an online retailer to get ideas is quick and easy. A nice trick is once you find some items that you like, copy the size and shape of the decorative mirrors you are considering onto cardboard and hold them up around the room to see if it gives the desired effect. Once you have determined the style that works for each space, move on to the color and overall style. You can print out a picture of the mirror and go to the copy shop and have it blown up to actual size if you really want to get an idea of the full effect. This may seem like a lot of extra work, but you do not want to have the wrong mirror hanging on your wall for years to come, or have to return it, putting off the completion of your design.

There are many wall mirrors and you can choose from, including full length mirrors, wall mirrors, and so many styles too. They make beautiful accents, and bring your space together. The nice thing about this kind of design trick is that you can add space to your room. You can make a room larger just by adding one mirror and it is a convenient way to provide a place for primping visitors. You may want to choose a unique looking glass for the bathroom. This will brighten your morning every time you look into it. The styles are limitless, so shop around and plan out your space and you're sure to be happy with your final design.

Accent Your Home Decor with Decorative Mirrors

Fri 5 Feb 2010 8:15:43 PM GMT

If there is home decor item a home should not be without, it is a definitely a mirror, or maybe two. They are not just used for looking into and gazing at yourself as you walk by, but they are fabulous when used to accent the style of the room or to add the illusion of addition space. The other major perk here is that mirrors can be extremely budget friendly. There are of course the mirrors that have a functional purpose in the home and that people need in order to make sure that they look the way they want to look, such as a vanity mirror; but today we are going to talk about decorative mirrors that you carefully place around your home to create style and dimension.

The reason that these decorative mirrors are placed carefully around the home is the simple fact that you want to use the reflection to your advantage. Many people purchase a mirror and just place it in the middle of a grouping of family pictures or wall art, or on a wall that seems to have nothing else that fits. However, you can actually use these mirrors to reflect light and other objects of the room. For an example, you could have a hallway that has a door on one side but not on the other. Your decor might include a beautiful green ivy plant on the wall without the door. The mirror will reflect the hallway and make it appear wider and longer. This technique also works well in a small living area.

In order to make a room look like it is in proportion, wall mirrors can be placed to reflect specific objects in the room to make it look like there items on both sides of the space so when you first walk in the space appears finished and larger than it actually is. It is this illusion that many people take advantage of with their mirrors. Many decorators will teach their customers about this illusion that you can use for mirrors.

You will find today, that there are many different styles and types of mirrors on the market. Manufacturers of decorative mirrors are becoming extremely creative with the framing that they are installing the mirrors in. You can find these mirrors in just about any kind of material for the framing to just about any theme as well. So whether you are trying to add to a look or create one, mirrors are also great for that. Choose from contemporary mirrors with sleek and clean lines all the way to mirrors with amazing antiqued frames. No matter what your style or your budget, you are sure to find something that is just right for your project.

Simple Cleaning Tips For Your Bathroom

Sat 30 Jan 2010 5:43:21 PM GMT

The bathroom is a place of privacy, relaxation and enjoyment. If you really think about it, we use the bathroom every single day for many things, such as dressing, putting on making up, shaving, and some people spend a considerable amount of time using the bathtub. Thus, it's nice to have a shiny clean bathroom to use everyday. Read on to learn some spring cleaning tips for your bathroom.

The very first thing you should do is to get organized and have a cleaning plan. Set aside a day for the job. Then make a list of all of the things you want to accomplish during the cleaning. It's important to be specific and detailed when making your task sheet. Once you've established and are familiar with the tasks involved, you'll now have to consider what tools and cleaners will assist you in getting all your tasks accomplished.

You'll need a bucket and mop or brush to work on the flooring. Other things you'll need are an old toothbrush, towels or dust rags, sponges and bathroom and glass cleaners. You might also need a chair or step stool for accessing high windows, ceilings, or light fixtures.

Before you start using the sponge, you need to simply eliminate all the old stuff lying around collecting dust. Throw away all those make up and skincare products that are expired and you know you'll never use. Recycle all empty bottles. Once you have a clean slate and have reduced the clutter, you can then start working on your floors, walls, ceiling, bathroom vanity, and bathroom mirror.

Begin with the most difficult part: working on your sink, toilet, tub, and any tiled surfaces. Scrub with a sponge and good quality disinfecting cleanser. Method is a great brand of environmentally friendly cleansers to consider. For things like the mirror, you can use a mix of one part vinegar, two parts water in a spray bottle. Take out all items stored in your cabinets, shelves, etc. Wipe down cabinets, shelves and other storage systems in your bathroom with a disinfecting cleaner. Organize all items back into your storage compartments. Rinse the sink, toilet, and tube with cool water with the showerhead. Don't forget to clean your wastebasket by wiping it down inside and out. You may also want to wipe down other items, such as decorative items to prevent dust from accumulating. Finally, clean floors with a mop.

Bath Decor Basics: Bathroom Vanity, Bathroom Mirrors, and Accents

Mon 25 Jan 2010 2:54:01 AM GMT

When deciding to revamp, design, or even redecorate a bathroom, there are many decisions and options available. Whether you would like to change the bathroom vanity, maybe add or change the bathroom mirrors, or add some personalized accents the choices and options can seem endless. Thankfully, with a bit of organization and planning this does not have to be as overwhelming as it may appear to be. In addition to not being overwhelming, it does not need to break the bank and can be an enjoyable project.

The first and most important first step when decorating your bathroom, is know your budget. Make a conscious decision on how much you want to allocate to the bathroom vanity, bathroom mirror, and any other accents you would like to incorporate. This way, you won't spend most of your budget on a bathroom vanity and then later on see a bathroom mirror that you love, but just can not afford. Once you are aware of what your budget will allow, you will able to view and research those things that you can afford, not things that you can't or are unsure of. This relieves a lot of the shopping stress and let's you enjoy the redecorating process much more.

Another important point to be made concerning decorating a bathroom, or really any room, is to know your personal sense of style. With the large amount of options available in bathroom decor, it is imperative to be aware of the styles that you are drawn to. The benefit of this is when venturing out to make a purchase, you are able to visit establishments that carry that bathroom mirror or bathroom vanity that you have had your eye on online. Also, you will want to stick with pieces that tend to flow nicely together to achieve the best result. A basic example of this would be if you choose a bathroom vanity and a bathroom mirror that is blue in color, you will want your accents to complement that, not match exactly or clash with them.

Decorating a bathroom can be a fun and rewarding experience. Whether you are changing a bathroom vanity, bathroom mirror or starting from scratch, a bit of planning and organization can make all the difference. As noted above, know your budget and know where your tastes lie. Incorporate things that complement each other and don't clash with each other, and soon you will have the bathroom you have been hoping for. Most importantly, don't become overwhelmed or stressed about your decisions. Trust in your instincts and nine times out of ten, they won't let you down. This holds true whether or not you have experience in decorating, you may be surprised that a chore may turn out to be a passion.

3 Mirrors that will Update the Look in your Home: Cheval, Contemporary, and Bathroom

Mon 18 Jan 2010 3:44:49 PM GMT

If you're looking for a fresh way to update your home, consider adding mirrors. You can easily change the feel of a room or even the entire house. Adding cheval mirrors, contemporary mirrors, bathroom mirrors or others will make your house look larger. They can also help save on electricity costs, because they reflect light. Mirrors can also help with security; if there's a spot around your house that is hard for you to see, add a mirror to give you a new view. No doubt about it, the addition of mirrors is practical and fashionable.

In talking about cheval mirrors, contemporary mirrors, bathroom mirrors, and such, let's start with contemporary. There is no easier way to update the look of your home. Contemporary mirrors come in many sizes, styles and even colors. Consider adding a full length mirror to a wall to double the appearance of the size of a room. Place a contemporary mirror in a dark corner to help add light. Place a mirror behind a plant or behind keepsakes to make them look bigger. The frames of some contemporary mirrors may even look like artwork. If you can imagine it, you probably can find it. There are that many choices available.

The second type we're talking about is cheval mirrors. A cheval mirror is a full length floor mirror and is self supporting, usually in a stand of some type. Cheval mirrors can add beauty to a bedroom, giving it a classic or a modern feel. A cheval mirror is also great in the living room; that way you'll be able to glance in the mirror before you leave the house. It's the perfect accessory to place in an empty corner, adding warmth to a room.

Finally, let's mention bathroom mirrors. A new mirror is the perfect way to update the look of the whole room, without expensive renovation costs. Let's face it, there's no place in your home that a mirror is more important than in the bathroom. You should have something that you like, instead of something that's plain and ordinary. Another great thing about bathroom mirrors is that they are meant to reflect the light, helping you to see better when brushing your teeth or putting on makeup. You're going to look into the bathroom mirror every day, make sure it's a mirror that you really enjoy. Remember, with cheval mirrors, contemporary mirrors, bathroom mirrors and other types, you have the chance for your home to "reflect" your personality.

Adding Large Mirrors to Your Home Decor

Fri 8 Jan 2010 7:47:41 PM GMT

Adding new mirrors to your home is a fantastic way to spruce up the style of a room, be it the bedroom, living room, or another space in the home. Mirrors are economical and can quickly add to or create a design aesthetic for your home.

Sometimes home furnishing items come with a matching mirror, for instance when you purchase a dresser. However, adding large mirrors to your home does not have to coincide with another furnishing purchase. Decorative mirrors are great for creating a new look and feel in a space or for adding to or completing the look. This article is here to help you decide what mirror would be best for your home decor.

Mirrors are so often used for home decoration and they break down into three common categories: the dressing mirror, the cheval mirror, and the wall mirror.

The dressing mirror is full length and is usually attached directly to the wall, the back of a door or the inside of a cupboard door. A popular way method of displaying a dressing mirror is to simply lean it against the wall. However, if there are small children in the home, it is advisable to safely secure the mirror. When not affixed to the wall, dressing mirrors can freely be moved around the room as needed.

Like the dressing mirror, the full length cheval mirror, allows for checking out appearance from head to toe. However, cheval mirrors are freestanding, fastened with hinges to a frame, allowing the user to rotate or angle the mirror for a better view. Smaller cheval mirrors are also available. They are a very popular choice because they add accent nicely in a bathroom or even a living area. They can also be placed on top of a dresser or chest of drawers.

The wall mirror is typically attached to the dresser or mounted on the wall above the dresser. Wall mirrors are also very nice for hanging in a living room, hall ways, and for playing with the reflective properties of natural light in a room.

When buying large mirrors, cheval mirrors specifically for a dresser, be sure that your new mirror fits the scale of the room size or of the dresser size where it will be placed. Read and follow the mounting instructions carefully and always make safety your number one priority with any home improvement job.

Bathroom Vanity Mirrors: Shopping for and Installation

Sat 2 Jan 2010 4:50:01 AM GMT

With the arrival of winter, many people are starting to tackle little projects around the house, such as installing new light fixtures, replacing old kitchen appliances or redecorating and painting bathrooms. If the bathroom is on your to-do list this winter, there are many things you can do to create a whole new look. From big things like new flooring and sinks, to painting and adding new fixtures, to simply adding bath mirrors to make the room feel more open, there are many options.

Sometimes, starting small is a good idea, to get a better feel for what you might like to do. In this case new bathroom mirrors are a good choice, as mirrors are often used to brighten a room and make it feel more open, a definite bonus for small bathrooms, a large mirror will be particularly good at this. There are two fairly quick and easy options for adding a vanity mirror to your bathroom; hanging a frameless mirror, or hanging a framed mirror. The right type for your bathroom is going to depend on the existing decor or on the new look you are going for, depending on what your goals are.

If you are hanging a frameless mirror, you'll need to either buy one that comes in a kit, or purchase hanging clips from a hardware store. If you've purchased your vanity mirror in a kit, carefully read the directions that came with the kit, follow them exactly in order to make sure that you install everything correctly. If your mirror didn't come with clips, then decide where you would like your mirror to hang, and while holding the mirror in place, have someone assist you in making sure the mirror is level. When it is level and in the right place put a mark at each corner. Remove the mirror, screw your clips into the appropriate place, and then place your mirror in the clips.

If you are installing a framed bathroom mirror, they often come with picture wire, and are fairly simple to hang. Place your mirror where you would like it to be, make sure that it is level, and mark the top two corners. Your picture hook will go halfway in between these two marks. To determine the correct vertical position for your picture hook, take the picture wire in the center and pull it up as far as it goes. Measure the distance between the top of the wire and the top of the vanity mirror frame, and then measure down that exact distance from the top of the corner marks you already made. Screw in your picture hook, and hang your vanity mirror.

Your Guide to Large Mirrors

Mon 14 Dec 2009 10:43:30 PM GMT

Mirrors can be a beautiful decoration that can liven up any room. Large mirrors are an even more wonderful idea because they not only highlight whatever it points to, but they can make your room look larger, and because they are large they can be used a functional decor item.

When using large mirrors in your home decoration scheme, you need to be mindful of the placement because of the items that will be reflected. For instance, you probably don't want to duplicate your fireplace within the room, but you might want to reflect an open hall or a window because that will create the illusion of added space in the room.

If you have a small room, try putting a large floor mirror right in the corner, a cheval mirror would be great. It will make your room look large by reflecting the space around it. Consider putting a plant or piece of furniture in the reflection of the mirror to add depth to the space that you do have.

A nice large mirror can be placed anywhere in your house as a decoration or used as an accent. When you put your new mirror up, be sure that you don't reflect something that you don't want the world to see. The inside of your walk-in closet, for example is not something that you want to reflect into other areas of the home.

Putting up a Large mirrors is easy. Make sure that you know where you are going to put it because a mirror that requires hanging on the wall is not something you want o be moving around. A cheval mirror, however, will be nice and mobile so you can try out a couple of different locations first. Wherever you decide, make sure that there is a stud in the wall because a large mirror may be heavy and will require something more than plaster to hold it up.

With the help of a friend, decide where you are going to put your mirror and find the studs where it will be hung. Attach d-rings to the back of your mirror, one on each side of the mirror to distribute the weight evenly. Once that is done, attach a thick gauge wire from one ring to the other; clamp the wire so that it will not come undone. Place your nails in the wall and with your friend's help; place your mirror where you have chosen.

Now you have a beautiful large mirror hung on the wall that will make your space look larger and add natural beauty to your already gorgeous room.

Cheval Mirrors, Defined

Sat 5 Dec 2009 5:09:42 AM GMT

What is a cheval mirror? We have all seen these cheval mirrors. They command your attention when you walk in the room because they are striking. They are the full-length mirrors that have either an oval or rectangle frame made of wood or wrought iron. The mirror appears to be suspended above ground and held by two swivel screws. They add class to any room. Every girl had one or at least wanted one as a child.

First known as a dressing mirror, the cheval mirror was introduced in the 1700s. Since that time, new designers have added their spin as if they are in competition to see who could make the most decorative frames. Over the years however, its celebrity status shared the spotlight with other types of mirrors that promised to save space. Mirrors attached to dressers stands and hidden in larger pieces of furniture became popular, but the cheval mirror wasn't forgotten. It became a classic piece.

The cheval mirror will always surpass the competition for its ability to strike many angles to give optimal view from head to toe. This is something not achieved by wall-mounted mirrors or mirrors mounted on wardrobe doors. Another advantage that a cheval mirror has over its competition is the appeal it adds to a room. It is a purposeful piece of furniture that adds grace to the bedroom and now commands audiences in the living room and dining room alike. People have begun to see that the cheval mirror was also a statement of class as if by owning one meant you were royalty.

The cheval mirror is still around. Since the 1700s, they can be found in many attractive designs even with retro designer frames that whisper the year that you're in. The cheval mirror can be found in traditional brick and mortar home decor department stores or online for your shopping convenience. What was once only for the rich, can now be hand by everyone. You have your choice between a more modern shape and the traditional curved wood design. There is literally a cheval mirror for everyone's taste and budget.

Large Mirror Styles and Uses

Mon 30 Nov 2009 4:37:47 PM GMT

As we have talked about several times, mirrors are one of those really fabulous home décor items that can transform the look of a room in one simple step and they can do it economically, which makes them an even better option. By now, you already know that mirrors come in an amazing selection of styles and sizes, so today let's focus on large mirror styles and their variety of uses.

Large styles are good for use in just about every room in the home. So let's go room-by-room on the different styles that work well and how to use them best.

Living Room: In the living room, the most popular styles of large mirror to use are wall mirrors, particularly rectangles. They are great when positioned over a sofa and even better over a fireplace mantle. These are a simple way to add a touch of style or to complete the overall look of the space. If the living room is small, they also work nicely to add a bit of depth and dimension to the room by reflecting light and angles making the room appear and feel larger.

Bedroom: Square and rectangle mirrors work nicely over a large dresser, that's a given. One of the most useful large mirror styles you can add to your bedroom is a cheval mirror. This is because of a couple of different attributes. They are often mobile, most styles are either an easel back stand or a four-footed stand with a pivot at the center of the mirror for adjustment; meaning you can move them from place-to-place to suite your needs at that moment. If you prefer something wall-mounted, there are many styles that are also available. A cheval style is truly a perfect example of form meeting function.

Bathroom: If you have a small bathroom, a nice large bath mirror over the vanity will work hard to reflect light in the room to make the space feel larger. If you are working with a large bathroom space, you have several large mirror options. You can go with a modestly sized mirror over the vanity or multiple small mirrors, then you can add a large wall mirror or cheval style somewhere in the room, making the space perfect for the entire beauty and dressing preparation routine.

This is really just a couple of examples of how to use large mirrors in the home. As you can see there are several options available. Shop around, be creative, and ask questions and you're sure to find something that is just right for your home and project.

Upgrade the Look of Your Home with Bathroom Vanity Lighting

Sun 22 Nov 2009 3:26:44 AM GMT

There are many simple, easy and cheap ways to improve the look of your home. Often, the bathroom is overlooked when remodeling or improving the home, because home owners think that expensive updates are needed to make a difference. This is not true, because a simple change to the bathroom vanity light fixtures can make a world of difference in the feel of your room.

Installing new bathroom vanity light fixtures is simple to do. Spend a little time thinking about what sort of fixture you would like. There are many different styles to fit your tastes, from vintage to traditional to modern. A great selection of light fixtures can be found online, at hardware stores, home improvement stores, department stores or specialty retailers. Prices vary, but you are sure to find an attractive option in your price range.

A couple things to consider are the size of your vanity. If you are working with a double bathroom vanity versus a single, you will need either a larger light fixture or you will need to go with two matching fixtures. You should also consider the placement of the new fixture with respect to your bath mirrors. If you have one mirror you can go with a fixture that goes above the mirror or you can go with two, one on each side of the mirror. If you have two smaller mirrors over a double sink unit, then you could go with one long light fixture above, you could use two medium fixtures, one at each end of the vanity, or you could even do three smaller light fixtures, one on each side and then one in between the mirrors.

You do not need to be a professional to install your own bathroom vanity light fixtures. After you have purchased the light you want to install, make sure you have all of the equipment on hand that the manufacturer suggests, The product will come with instructions from the manufacturer that you should read carefully before beginning. It may be helpful to have someone assist you with the project to hold the fixture while you are working. Before beginning you should turn off the electricity. After removing the old fixture, you will place the retaining plate on the wall. The fixture will then need to be re-wired by matching the colored wires. Then the finishing touches are attaching any globes or shades. Turn the electricity back on to test the finished installation. If you feel uncomfortable with this part of the project, be sure to hire a professional electrician.

New bathroom vanity light fixtures are not only simple, easy and stylish, but they can also be better for the environment. While shopping for a new fixture, take note of those that can use compact fluorescent bulbs, or bulbs that are environmentally friendly. The bulbs will last longer and use less energy than a traditional light bulb and will also save you money. By installing a new fixture, you are improving the value of your bathroom should you decide to sell your home. Not to mention the benefits of seeing your beautiful new project every day.

Home Decor on a Budget: Mirrors and Light Fixtures

Sat 3 Oct 2009 1:28:13 AM GMT

One of the simplest ways to spruce up your bathroom is by adding medium accent decorative items such as new lighting fixtures and a bathroom vanity mirror. There are a lot of options as far as style, size, and price point with both of these items. When choosing new vanity mirrors and light fixtures, you will find that there are many budget-friendly options available, particularly online.

Vanity Mirrors:

Mirrors are trendy decorating items. This is because they are a great combination of form and function and they are easily coordinated with just about any look that you have created. When choosing a mirror, think about the style that is already going on in the room; do you want to complement the style or are you looking add to the style? This will determine the level of decoration you look for in your new mirror.

If you want to accent an already well-established palette, a very simple mirror will do. A frameless mirror can really open up a space and make it feel brighter without adding a heavy stylistic quality. There is also a large selection of mirrors with simple frames in silver, gold, wood, and more.

If your goal is to add style to the room, the look at mirrors with highly decorative frames or that are available in interesting shapes. For a contemporary feel, look geometric patterns, for a classic look shop mirrors with wide solid wood frames, there are man options available to you.

As said above, mirrors mean form and function, so they are a practical purchase, too. Think of how you're going to use them on a daily basis. This will help you decide on what is best for your project, bathroom mirrors aren't just over-vanity styles, full-length is always an option too.

Lighting Fixtures:

Each time you're remodeling your bathroom, an essential decision to make is concerning your bathroom light fixture. Think about the size of the room, and if the vanity light is the only light in the room or if there are other lighting sources. Would a single bathroom vanity light fixture do or do you need multiple bathroom light fixtures? You can choose from a wide variety of designs, such as ceiling, pendant, flush fixtures, and candle wall sconces.

If you spend a considerable amount of time each day doing your hair or putting on make up in the bathroom, you already know of the need for good quality lighting. You'll find a large selection of lighting online too, so shop around and ask lots of questions and you're sure to find just what you want and need and something that fits nicely into your budget.

How to Hang a Large Mirror

Fri 17 Jul 2009 5:20:21 PM GMT

After purchasing a large wall mirror, it's important to make sure that you take proper care in hanging it. Large mirrors are heavy and require some specific materials that will insure that you only need to do the job once and that you don't damage the wall surface where you are working.

The first step in this process is to determine where you want to hang your new mirror. If you are working with something like a large leather mirror, and it is going over a fireplace or dresser, you will want to clear the area. Clear the fireplace mantle or dresser top. And if the space is tight, you might consider moving the dresser out of the way entirely for the duration of the job. Measure and then mark the wall at the hanging location.

The next step is to locate the wall studs. You can do this by tapping on the wall with your hammer; if the sound is hollow or has an echo to it, there is no stud; if the sound is firm and more solid sounding, you have found your stud. You can also find electronic stud finders at your local hardware store if that makes you more comfortable. Once you've located the studs, use heavy duty screws and screw directly into the stud. They eliminate the need for pre-drilling and will create a secure hold for the screw. If you have trouble finding the studs, then look for drywall anchors or toggle clamp anchors. Drywall screws require the pre drilling of the hole and they offer a bit more security than using just a screw when you are not drilling into a stud. For the toggle clamps, you drill the screw right into the toggle clamp and no pre-drilling is required, but the difference is that these flip open like a butterfly once firmly inside the wall. That is how they are helpful if you can not locate the stud.

Now that your wall is prepared for hanging, you need to prepare the back of the mirror for hanging. Most hardware stores sell kits with everything you need. They are often called picture hanging kits. They come with a variety of different wall nails, hooks, tacks, small anchors, and most importantly artists' wire. Affix two hooks to the back of the mirror, one toward the upper left, and one toward the upper right, making them as even and level as possible. Then following the instructions on the kit, affix the artist's wire to each hook. Give the wire a tug to ensure its stability. You are ready to hang your large mirror. Position the wire over the anchored screws in the wall and hang. The wire will provide easy straightening, step back and make sure it's straight and that you are happy with the job.

Remember for any home remodel or installation job that safety is the number one priority. On something like this, where a heavy object is in use, it's a good idea to work with a buddy. If you become uncomfortable with the job at any point, please consider hiring a professional.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Bathroom Vanity Mirror

Sat 6 Jun 2009 4:12:34 AM GMT

If you are working on remodeling your bathroom, the mirror might not be the first decorative item on your list of things to buy. However, simply changing out the mirror can have a fabulous effect on the look of your entire bathroom. In fact, the mirror above your sink is one of the strongest items that you can buy for the bathroom. This is because the vanity mirror is the very first thing most people look at when they enter a bathroom.

Mirrors are an easy way to add personality and style to your bathroom design in a simple step. Before you decided on a new mirror or mirrors for the room, make sure you know what style you are trying to achieve. For a contemporary look, square mirrors are great. Not only do they fit they style, but they work particularly well over a vanity. For a men's bathroom, leather mirrors would be quite nice, for example.

For your overall design to work perfectly; the style of the mirrors, vanity, and lighting should all complement one another, but necessarily match exactly. Mirrors are very versatile, so you are sure to find something that will fit into your design nicely. Traditional mirrors are timeless and come in dark woods and hand carvings. These are usually available in oval or rectangular shapes. Contemporary mirrors are generally defined as sleek and trim with a touch of modern simplicity. These mirrors often have clean lines and are casual with dramatic stains or light-woods. They can be found with a round or square shape and are sometimes frameless that protrude from the outer ends of the vanity.

If you have a large bathroom to work with, then there are many additional types of mirrors you might consider. You can look into larger mirrors, and you can also add multiple mirrors, like transitional mirrors or even a nice full length style.

A very important factor when choosing the perfect bathroom vanity mirror is the size of your vanity. Your bathroom vanity size will ultimately establish the mirror size. For a traditional look, the mirror should not protrude beyond the exterior edge of the vanity. If you have a double sink vanity and wish to have a contemporary theme, an unframed large single mirror that protrudes from the exterior edge of the vanity will keep things clean-lined. For a conventional appearance, you may incorporate two single oval mirrors installed over each bowl. To add personality, think about selecting two different mirrors to install over the individual bowls-this is a fantastic way to communicate your individuality based on which side of the vanity you utilize. If you choose to go with different mirrors, try to have them coordinate in color and theme as much as possible.

Before you start shopping for your new bathroom mirrors, you should first carefully measure the space. The width of the sink and counter also should be considered in your measurements. You should then measure the space between the top of the sink that touches the wall and the bottom end of the lighting on the wall.

The Many Uses for Wall Mirrors

Tue 19 May 2009 9:50:34 PM GMT

Nearly all bathrooms have wall mirrors, that's a given. Mirrors are area a basic took in the morning routine and grooming process. Today, mirrors are also very popular decorating pieces for the entire home. Mirrors aren't just utilitarian anymore; they offer a great combination of form and function. Read on for details and ideas for the many design uses for wall mirrors.

When carefully installed and with a touch of creativity, mirrors can transform a room from bland to beautifully designed. In addition to adding style and design, wall mirrors are great for creating the illusion of added space and light. When shopping, your personal taste and preferences should be the deciding factor for the type of wall mirror you finally buy. Of course we all know that mirrors serve functional purposes; however, there are important questions to ask yourself like are you looking for the simplicity of something like silver mirrors or do you want to look at ornate mirrors? Your wall mirrors should coordinate well with the other decorative elements in the room, but it's not necessary for them to match exactly.

There are some styles of mirror that are primarily used for decorative purposes. These mirrors typically have more detailed framing or a very specific type of style, such as contemporary or antique. If you have a rustic-style home, you may want to install a wall mirror with a simple wood framing or if you are looking to emphasize three dimensional objects such as a vase or work of art, place the objects in front of a large wall mirror or transitional mirror like a cheval mirror.

When using mirrors to create the illusion of additional space or light, place them in such a way that they can capture and reflect a large portion of the room or where they can catch light from a window and broadcast it into the space. A brighter room always feels more open and fresh. Good places to use this technique are in tight hallways and small living areas.

Quick Final Tips:

Hang smaller wall mirrors around a work of art or photograph for an eclectic look that can be easily changed whenever it suits your mood. Decorative wall mirrors are available in small sizes with fun unique frames. Use them in groups and clusters anywhere in your home to add a quick designed touch. Place a decorative wall mirror by the entryway of your home so you can take a quick look before leaving each day.

As always make safety your priority when installing your new mirror. Work with a partner and follow the manufacturer's instructions closely.

How to Hang Large Wall Mirrors

Fri 1 May 2009 6:38:32 PM GMT

One of the simplest and most effective means to make a small space seem a little larger is to add a large wall mirror in the space. Mirrors can create the illusion of additional space by reflecting light and making the space brighter. This is also particularly nice if there is a lack of windows in the room. Keep in mind that large mirrors are considerably heavy, so it is very important to hang them in a safe and secure manner.

Preparations:

Small or lightweight mirrors are relatively very simple to hang. But if you are working with a larger mirror, take extra care to prevent damage to the mirror and to anyone handling it. The first step in mounting anything large is to find help; this is a task for at least two people. So ascertain that you have someone available to assist you in your project.

What to Buy:

There are three major items to keep by your side while working. First, a good-quality D-Ring picture hanger. Make sure you get a good quality product, one that will not bend easily. Second, is the hanging wire; make sure that you specifically purchase mirror wire, not the picture wire, as the wire tends to be more durable compared to the picture wire. Finally, get some molly-bolts or hollow wall anchors. They are available in a wide range of sizes. Ask for some assistance when buying these products, as you will have to know what size you require and apply these tools according to the weight and size of your mirror.

Basic Steps in Hanging Large Wall Mirrors:

Place the D-ring at the back of the mirror frame far to one side and mark the holes with a pencil, then drill pilot holes where you made pencil marks. Secure the ring with screws. Repeat this step for the second D-ring, placing it parallel to the first D-ring on the other side. Now you need to string the mirror wire through each D-ring and secure it. The final step is to have somebody assist you in positioning your wall mirror.

Tips:

Hanging a mirror on the first attempt is not as easy as it looks. To ensure the placement, have your partner hold it against the wall where you want it to be, step back and see what you think. If you like it, make a mark on the wall at the top of the frame. Use a level to ensure the mirror is flawlessly straight before marking the wall. And a laser level will help you to make sure the mirror is positioned exactly where you want it in respect to the distance between walls. Always remember to make safety your first priority with any home remodel project.

Welcome to Unique Mirrors Blog

Fri 1 May 2009 6:24:33 PM GMT

Welcome to our new unique mirror blog - another way for us to communicate with our clients and help you with all your home remodeling & decorating questions. Please visit us often for new ideas, new wall mirror product launches, and special discounts for our followers. We will also be posting all new articles to this blog. We hope you find value in your visit!