Creating Memphis Apartment Space and Light with Mirrors
May 11th, 2008 by Memphis Apartments
If you’ve ever been in a department store and thought there was another entire hallway filled with racks, you’ve fallen victim to illusionary space. Mirrors are a great way to create this effect, but it’s not necessary to set up mirrors in such a way that guests think there’s another room. Mirrors can also simply add dimension to your small Memphis apartment rooms, meaning they feel larger.
If you’ve been shopping for furniture and accessories for your Memphis apartment, you’ve probably already honed your “tiny” skills. You zero in on smaller items because you know the really big pieces are not going to work for you. Mirrors will become the exception. While there is a limit to how big is big enough, this is the one time in your efficiency Memphis apartment that bigger is going to be better. The exception is the frame. A mirror with a heavy frame will make the room seem smaller. There are some options when it comes to framing a mirror and some ways to create a wide-open appearance on a budget. See related articles for those details. Meanwhile, consider that where you place the mirror will make a big difference.
* Over the couch - Consider doing away with whatever art you have on the walls above your couch and replace that with a large mirror. That’s not to say a plain mirror is the answer. Consider mounting a narrow shelf immediately under the mirror for displaying some greenery or even some small knick-knacks. Don’t overdo on this point or you’ve eliminated the positive effects of the mirror.
* In a corner - If you have a particular dark corner, try two mirrors with a small lamp in front of them. Not only will you find that the space is lighter, it will seem much more open and will give the illusion of additional space in that corner. Again, avoid piling too much on a corner table or at the front of these mirrors. The reflection will actually increase the appearance of all that clutter in your Memphis apartment.
* On short walls - If you have a very short wall, perhaps between a door and a hallway, mirrors will have the same impact as is the mirrors in a department store that create the illusion of an open hallway.
* Face to face - This is actually a bit dangerous as it can also create the impression of a more narrow space. However, in some cases two mirrors that face each other can be a positive point that will increase the feel of an open area. Lighting and other factors play into the overall effect so there’s no hard and fast rule on this point. If possible, try out a couple of inexpensive mirrors in a place you’re planning to put mirrors facing each other before you invest in costly versions.
* Facing up - mirrors on a table can greatly increase the light in a room. This can also be used to heighten the impact of a particular color since whatever you place on that mirror is going to be reflected.
While there are really no hard and fast rules as to where mirrors will work best because of the number of factors that play into the situation, there are a few things that are just not a good idea. One of those is mirrored hallways. The fact that the opposite wall is so near means that it will be reflected back at you, making the hallway seem even more narrow. Mirrors on each side will create the same effect as the “house of mirrors” at a carnival - a sense of disproportion that may be fun at the fair but isn’t where you’ll want to be every day when you go to your Memphis apartment.