Overmantle mirrors

Two mirrors, two styles.

How do you choose the right one for you?

Ornate oval gilt mirror over a white marble fireplace
Ornate
Arched gilt overmantle mirror above a carved marble fireplace
Arched

When choosing a large mirror to put over a fireplace, start with what you want the mirror to do. Function and purpose matter. Is your objective to create a focal point, make the room feel lighter and larger, or is it simply to add character to an empty wall?

An ornate gold gilt mirror draws the eye and works beautifully as a statement above a fireplace. A simpler arched style with plenty of 'mirror' gives you height and reflection without competing with the rest of the room.

Which style would you choose?

Ornate gilt mirror on a panelled wall above a modern cream sofa and marble coffee table
I  ·  The ornate mirror

Ornate and perfectly at home in a modern room.

Can an ornate mirror work in a contemporary space? There is a common assumption that carved gilt belongs only in grand, period rooms but at Decorexi, we believe that contrast is what makes it work. An ornate mirror adds warmth and character to a contemporary room without making the whole scheme feel traditional. Keep the surrounding furniture and accessories relatively simple and give the mirror enough wall space to stand on its own.

Ornate mirrors in grand salons.

Of course, in period properties, our ornate mirrors are entirely in their element. Swags and crests can echo existing period architecture and a large mirror in a room with high ceilings will add grandeur and a touch of Versailles to your room.

Where would you hang this mirror?

Ornate gilt mirror above a carved marble fireplace in a panelled salon with a crystal chandelier

Above a carved marble fireplace among panelled walls to reflect a crystal chandelier.

Ornate gilt mirror above a walnut dressing table against a dusky pink wall

A fireplace is not essential. An ornate mirror can anchor a console, desk or dressing table and give an otherwise functional area more presence.

II  ·  The arched mirror

How to make a room feel taller, lighter and more airy.

A softly arched mirror with plenty of 'mirror' helps draw the eye upwards to give the illusion of more ceiling height. This is particularly useful if your space feels low and flat. A large reflective surface will bounce natural light back into your space, especially when strategically positioned to reflect a window or light source. This is an easy way to make your space feel bigger than it actually is.

Arched gilt overmantle mirror above a modern stone fireplace with a lit fire

See how our gilt overmantle mirror can work with your style of fireplace. 

Arched gilt mirror on a rustic stone fireplace beneath an aged timber mantel

RusticRustic rooms are built on texture so a gilt mirror can work particularly well against stone, brick and aged timber. A gilt finish creates contrast with more tactile textures, while warm gold tones sit comfortably alongside natural materials.

Arched gilt mirror above a classic carved white marble fireplace

ClassicFor classic fireplaces featuring marble and more decorative carving, an arched over mantle can echo the curved detailing and soften the straight lines on which it sits. Using architecture as your guide, you can create balance and flow.

How do I choose the right mirror?

A mirror should feel connected to the fireplace below without overwhelming it. Consider what it will reflect. What purpose do you need it to fulfil? Going large visually raises ceilings and widens narrow hallways. Sightlines matter so stand in key positions and see what the mirror captures. You're going to want to reflect an attractive view like a pretty ceiling light or window to increase your sense of light and space.

To us, a blank wall is like an unfinished sentence.

At Decorexi, we use mirrors as a design and styling tool that works just as hard as it looks good.  We use mirrors as a practical tool - not as an afterthought - to give your space form, function and aesthetic style the Decorexi way.

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