When it comes to catching and reflecting light in your home, nothing does it better than mirrors. Long used to make public places look bigger, these same tricks can be used in the smaller confines of your home. Mirrors can be used to solve decorating challenges and enhance every room of your home because of their reflective qualities.



Try the following "decorating with mirrors" tips:

*If you have a wall just in front of the entrance then placing a unique mirror on that wall opens it up.

*If you want a hallway/stairway to appear wider: stagger mirrors on either side.

*If you want a hallway/stairway to appear longer: a mirror at the end will double its length.

*Wrought iron mirrors are popular and can be used as a home decor accent with most decorating styles.

*Collections of unusual mirrors can be used instead of traditional art behind a sofa or in a hallway. Start with a large mirror and hang smaller size mirrors around it for an informal, eclectic feel.

*You can multiply candles, flowers, etc. by joining together several mirrors with butt hinges and placing them behind the objects on a mantle or table.

*For a home full of antiques, you can choose decorative mirrors with similar antique style frames, such as gold leaf.

*Whitewashed frames will compliment the shabby chic look, and identical small-framed mirrors hung in rows will contribute to the look of a modern interior.

*Instead of the traditional wall-to-wall mirrors used to make a room seem larger, the trend now is to use a row of long, tall mirrors spaced across the wall.

*Make sure mirrors reflect only things you want to see more of. Do not place a mirror directly across from a laundry basket, or any generally cluttered area. Instead, you might want to place it across from a source of light, a favorite painting, or a window.

*For people who live in apartments or condominiums, window light can be limited. By adding a mirror or group of mirrors to those windowless walls, you can create the illusion of windows and reflect light into the space. Mirrors mounted inside old window frames with curtains hung over them can further enhance the illusion.

*Mirrors can also be found in unexpected places such as sewn into the trim of throw pillows and curtains. Placed in the back of display shelves they help show off your collections and figurines.

*Put a mirror on the ceiling of kitchen cabinets or the pantry, that way, you can see what's on the top shelf. Also, if placed in the back of pantry shelves, mirrors can reflect light and help locate items on deep shelves.

*Mirrors can also be used in the dining room to enhance your table decor. Instead of placemats, consider using mirrors for each place setting. They will light and draw attention to your table and by using bright and decorative dishes you will create a stunning display.