When was the last time you sat in front of the mirror and admired its beauty instead of your own?

The time has come to recognise that mirrors are more than merely an object through which one may reproduce his or her own image. There are numerous advantages to be gained from using mirrors around the home or other relevant areas. These include their application as decorative objects, their utilisation around the home as an effective means in capturing and reflecting light. They can also be strategically positioned to aid the appearance of public spaces by making them look bigger. These useful tricks, amongst many others, are practical and can be used just as easily in the smaller confines of your home. Beyond being hung in the entry hall or on the bedroom wall, mirrors can be used in all sorts of thoughtful and surprising ways throughout the home.

There are several examples of how creative one can be when it comes to mirrors. For people who live in apartments, window light can undoubtedly be limited. Yet this huge problem can be solved in the simplest of manners, simply by adding a mirror or group of mirrors to those windowless walls, you can create the illusion of windows, and reflect light into an otherwise dark space. Another small but extremely constructive trick involves having mirrors mounted inside old window frames with curtains hung over them, this can go a long way in further enhancing this angelic illusion.

Further inspired ways of making the most out of empty space through the use of mirrors entails placing a collection of mirrors behind a sofa or in a hallway. This would definitely enhance the style of your living space and would be a significant change from the traditional use of artwork. For that wonderful bit of style it is recommended that you start with a large mirror and hang smaller size mirrors around it for an informal, eclectic feel. For a home full of antiques, you can choose mirrors with similar antique styleframes, such as a gold leaf. Incase one is looking to establish a shabby chic look then Whitewashed frames will do an excellent job in complimenting such a style, while identical small framed mirrors hung in rows will contribute to the image of a modern interior. It is essential to note that instead of the traditional wall-to-wall mirrors used to make a room seem larger, the trend has now shifted to using a row of long, tall mirrors spaced across an entire wall.

However it is important to remember that Walls are not the only place for mirrors. Long, narrow mirrors are perfectunder the centerpieces of dining room tables, especially for romantic, candlelit dinners. A cut-to-fit mirror can serve as the perfectcover for the top of a worn side table. Add a lamp or candles and you increase the sparkle in that corner of the room.

Contrary to common belief, the mirror in your foyer or salon does not necessarily have to be the most luxurious and extravagant. It does however; have to reflect your style and sense of fashion since it is one of the few centerpieces that provide your guest with his or her first impression of both you and your house.  Whether you have chosen a mirror with a contemporary look with straight lines and a geometrical shape, or a more classical appearance with traditional designs and carved wood, ensure that you create an atmosphere that most reflects your character. A further stylish design, involves using a mirror on your ceiling to create the illusion of a "skylight". If used in the foyer, this tasteful structure would make a very positive impression on visitors.

However, no matter which concept you desire, those of you who are strong believers of the Chinese practice of Feng Shui will know to avoid placing mirrors opposite your main door as, according to the art, mirrors help in redirecting or shifting energy and will reflect the positive energy entering your home. Furthermore, when considering placing a mirror in your bedroom, ensure that you do not place it opposite your bed or behind it. In Feng Shui, such positioning of mirrors creates the negative energy of war into the bedroom, as well as discourse between partners. It is of course not forbidden for an individual to do so, but rather it is a question of belief.

 In your living room, attempt to use more than one mirror as wall decoration on large walls. Design will be strengthened by repeating specials forms. In most cases, a set of three would do the trick. Nevertheless, one could take this a bit further to include more than one size or shape provided that the pieces have something in common such as color or trend.

Finally, when it comes to your bathroom, use more than one in the presence of multiple sinks. Painted mirrors on cabinets are also pretty common and never fail in providing an alluring effect.

The use of mirrors is a very simple, and in some cases, cheaper way of turning your home into an exquisite and enviable setting. Below are some types of mirrors and ways to incorporate them into your home.

Wall Mirrors: Accessorizing with decorative wall mirrors can add depth and character to any room in your home. Employ wall mirrors in small areas to make them appear more spacious.

Round Mirrors and Oval Mirrors: Great for varying the look provided by traditional square prints and paintings, these mirrors are ideal for all types of rooms.

Cheval Mirrors: A necessity to any dressing area, cheval mirrors can be tilted to fit a person of any height. You might consider matching a cheval mirror’s wood frame with that of the bedroom.

Decorative Sculpture Mirrors: These mirrors feature mirrored glass behind elegant relief sculptures. They provide a very unique way of incorporating artwork into a mirror.

Console and Mirror Sets: Great for entryways, this is the easiest way to make sure that your furniture and mirrors match.

Full Length Large Mirrors: Ideal for dressing rooms where a full view is desired.

Mirrors with Ornate or Decorative Frames: For those looking to add some splash and uniqueness to a room.

A trendy method of using mirrors has emerged in recent years with people looking to place them in most unexpected places, such as having them sewn into the trim of throw pillows and curtains. This helps enhance the effect of objects that may otherwise go unnoticed. A perfect example of this is mirrors found at the back of display shelves that help show off certain collections and figurines.