To the uninitiated, it's easy to assume that a mirror is a mirror is a mirror. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, it's true that a flat, rectangular mirror will always reflect faithfully what's in front of it - but it's also true that the way the mirror is framed, where the mirror is placed, and the shape of the mirror is what gives it a unique character. The same mirror in a different room might serve a completely different purpose, and have a completely different feel. And surely, using a lighter wood sets a different mood than a darker wood would, right? So when you're thinking about decorating your mantle - mirror and all - there are things that you definitely don't want to do, mistakes you want to avoid.

When is it kosher to place several smaller wood framed mirrors above the mantle of a fireplace? The answer is almost certainly, "Never!" Even if the frames of each mantle mirror match the décor of the room exactly, the power of all those small objects is dwarfed by the much larger fireplace. When you look at those mirrors, all you see are reflected fragments of random walls and bits and pieces of artwork. If you're going to hang a mantle mirror, make sure that the mirror is roughly similar in size to the mantle and fireplace.

What about mantle mirror shapes? You have a standard fireplace, a rectangular hearth with a gorgeous mantle. Is this the place to go all art deco and put up your Z-shaped mirror? Maybe, for you, the answer is yes, but beware - not everyone is going to get what you're trying to do. Your room will be far more harmonious if you stick with a variant of the standard rectangular design. Symmetry will be preserved, and your guests won't sit in front of your fire wondering whether or not they should be starting at your oddly-shaped mantle mirror - unless, again, that's the effect you're going for.

Imagine a living room with a fireplace below a mantle. You have the room decked out with your favorite furniture, and your favorite artwork on the walls. What color of wood is the trim of your furniture? Deep mahogany? Cedar? Standard IKEA brown? Now imagine your new mantle mirror, hanging above the fireplace, but with a frame stained nearly black. Is the mirror going to stick out like a sore thumb in this room? Most likely, yes. When you order your mirror, you should think carefully about the color of wood that works best for you. The color is just as important as the design of your frame.

Rick at Mission Style Mirrors is here to help you get the mantle mirror that's going to best fit your home. Let him help you determine what works and what doesn't - he has a wide range of woods and colors to choose from. He can accent the grain of the wood, or diminish it. He can create an exact frame design that works with your mantle. Why not let Rick help you today?