You hear the term ‘modern mirror’ a lot these days. But what exactly makes a mirror modern? In terms of style, modern usually refers to smooth, clean lines and minimal ornamentation. You’ll see lots of other designs thrown into this category of modern, but very often they are not.
If you like clean simplicity or the minimalist rooms that are frequently showcased in decorating programs and magazines, then you would probably like a contemporary mirror. Although the size of their frames can vary, these mirrors are more about function than form. Any frame on these modern mirrors should be a simple, though elegant, statement.
One interesting feature of the modern style is to have a really large frame around a much smaller mirror. This type of design is also seen in modern picture framing where a smaller image is surrounded by a very large mat. Framing things in this way makes a very big impact in your room without overwhelming the space.
Modern mirrors are available in a multitude of styles. The one constant, however, is the smooth, clean lines and the gentle curves of these profiles. Metallic finishes are also popular features of modern mirrors. Visible flaws highlight the character of a mirror frame and are another characteristic of the modern style.
But don’t be fooled, the ornate embellishment that is seen on many mirrors does not make them modern. In fact, those embellishments put them in the category of retro mirrors.
Caring for your mirror, regardless of the style, should be done a little differently than cleaning other glass objects. First, you will need to use a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Mix a solution of vinegar and water (half vinegar, half water) for your cleaning solution. Spray your cloth rather than the mirror and then clean the mirror surface.
It is important to take care when cleaning a mirror and its frame. Using abrasive chemicals can damage the surfaces of both and shorten the life of your mirror. Also, be careful not to overly use a cleaning solution as too much moisture can cause the frame to warp or weaken. But keep these points in mind and you will enjoy the beauty of your mirror for years to come.
Regardless of the style that you choose, a wall mirror can easily become a signature piece within a room. And don’t overlook the wonderful fact that a mirror can make your space feel brighter and larger with minimal effort. Take advantage of that point and you’ll have a space to be proud of in no time.