Overmantle Mirrors

When it comes to framing your living space, creating a welcoming focal feature, and adding decorative value without detracting from your overall style and design, overmantle mirrors are an invaluable and inexpensive asset.

From plain wooden frames to intricately crafted metal structures; straight and angular lines to elaborate curved edges, the range of overmantle mirrors not available across modern home accessory retailers is such that you really can alter the overall appearance and effect of your living space using just a mirror.

So, how does these mirrors really work and what style should you get?

Why we love overmantle mirrors

When you walk into a living space, the mantelpiece is the eye level decorative feature which is most likely draw your eye, especially if it has a mirror filling the space above it. Perfect for adding light and the illusion of extra space to an otherwise quite limited room, overmantle mirrors sit above the level surface of the mantel, and generally span a surface which is wider than it is all – so as to create width as opposed to making the room appear taller.

In terms of their decorative aesthetic value, overmantle mirrors can be used not just to add the illusion of space through their reflective surface, but can also emanate and celebrate your chosen decorative style through the frame you choose – with most home owners using the mirror as an excuse to harness their stylistic design rather than shy away from it.

The best styles of overmantle mirror

First and foremost, you want to be sure that you can hang your mirror straight above the mantel without it sitting slightly crooked – making sure it lays flat against the wall as well as horizontally straight. This is because not only will the proximity to the mantel surface highlight any uneven hanging, but if the mirror doesn’t sit flat against the wall then the reflection will be distorted and the reflection of the room you will get won’t emphasise the space but instead point slightly upwards or downwards.

Thus, the best style to go for is one which you can hang or attach to the wall via an existing string hook – rather than a 3D one which sticks out from the back of the mirror frame.

In terms of the design of the mirror itself, we recommend letting your overmantle mirror be as large as you can, as you want it to create a statement rather than sit as a slightly awkward and underwhelming distraction. If you are looking to add something as standout as a mirror to a living space, it needs to make a statement and provide a strong presence, otherwise it is simply a waste of valuable wall space.

And then we come to the space of the frame itself. In a modern home, opt for straight angular edges and minimal designs, with neutral colours providing the best basis for something to blend with the surroundings and yet still create a feature. In a more rustic or contemporary home, keep the frame natural by allowing the wood of the frame to project its natural surface state – this may be a little rough around the edges, but that is what a rustic styling is all about and will match the room perfectly.

And finally, consider the location of your mantel in relation to natural light in the room, before you decide to purchase a mirror. It can be very easy to end up reflecting a blindingly bright sunshine at certain points in the day if the source of light sits directly opposite the mirror, so be sure to position furniture accordingly.

For the best overmantle mirrors, head to high street and designer home accessory retailers.