On reflection

Press, 29 April 1981, Page 11

On reflection

Mirrors for practical and decorative effect tend to be overlooked in the design and furnishing of New Zealand homes.

As is much more widely appreciated in Australia and North America, mirrors can form the focal point of a room and can bring the outside inside by reflecting a window.

Mirrors also make a'room appear both bigger and brighter. The closer the mirror is to the light source, the more light it can reflect inwards.

Even just one floor-to-ceil-ing panelin the centre of an end wall can give the impression of a much longer •room, but the most luxurious effects are created where mirror completely covers a wall. This may be in the form of sliding doors for a whole-wall wardrobe. For the illusion of another dimension in the room to be successful, the junction with the ceiling and the floor must be hidden and there must be no break in the reflected image. The space illusion has been used dramatically in the Christchurch Arts Centre ballet school. It is now fitted with huge mirrors, supplied by Hurst and Drake, to add

light and space and act as a teaching aid.

A mirror fitted in a recess will enhance the depth of a room and the beauty of any ornaments or plants’in front.

Plants form an excellent screen between people and their reflected images. All ■the same, it can be disconcerting to be seated facing a mirror image of oneself so it is best to position the mirror to mainly reflect interesting furnishings or a window and garden beyond. In small hallways, - large, floor-to-ceiling mirror panels help give the appearance of space as well as reflecting light in areas that tend to be dark. A mirror in an end wall makes a hall seem •longer whereas one. on a side, wall adds width. Glass mirrors are fairly tough but even the thicker ones are vulnerable at floor level to knocks from a vacuum cleaner or from toys. Acrylic or polycarbonate mirror can be used at floor level without fear of breakage. Mirror tiles, large or small, provide one of the options where something more interesting in itself is preferred to a plain mirror surface. In clear, bronze,

grey, gold or even “antiqued,” they add brightness even to dark corners.

In the middle of the range are distortion-free ‘'float” glass tiles with smooth, ground edges. Top of the range is the bevelled mirror of 4mm float glass with the bevels showing up as a sparking, “dia ■mond cut” effect.-

Tiny mirror tiles fitted in the reveals of windows not only throw more light into a' room but also seem to double the window’s length by increasing the view. This treatment is particularly good for the kitchen, which frequently seems shut away by comparison with other rooms and is often neglected as far as mirrors are concerned.

Mirror tiles are as easy to wipe down as ceramic tiles and a quick wipe over with window cleaner restores their sparkling reflection. Fitted behind bench tops, they add light to work surfaces. All confined work or storage areas, even small alicoves under stairs, can benefit from mirror treatment, as this not only opens up the space but helps distribute whatever light is available. Smoked glass provides an elegant, soft effect for situations where a bright, clear reflection is not needed. In the bedroom and bathroom this can be particularly flattering as it gives people an instant sun tan. Plastic mirror fixed to polystyrene sheets is ideal for bathrooms. Besides giving a good reflection it is light and not as cold. as conventional glass, so is less prone to steaming up. There are acrylic (plastic) mirrors designed specifically for bathrooms, having been vacuum-coated with aluminium to minimise misting.

Polycarbonate mirror is shatter resistant besides being light and flexible, so is excellent for bathrooms and “rumpus rooms.” The various types of plastic mirror are less expensive .than glass and can be used in ■places where the weight of glass mirror would be too great for easy application. They do not give such a high

quality reflection, but are flexible, light-weight .and the polycarbonate type is almost unbreakable. For purely decorate effect there is a reflecting surfce made of small, rectangular or square glass mirror pieces on a flexible backing. What is mirrored is slightly distorted but these mirrors provide brightness with interest

and can be applied even to contoured surfaces. Successful use - of mirror avoids an “over, busy’’ impression and allows double enjoyment of something attractive. Whether building or redecorating, can you afford — on reflection — to ignore the advantages of mirror effects?