Over mantle mirrors have their origins in opulence and majesty. The concept came over from France, from the palaces and mansions with their massive fireplaces. Those rooms were well lived in, as they brought warmth to the rest of the building. With fireplaces being plain, sooty features, the owners wanted to give these rooms some kind of class, to bring some life back into what was usually a dull room. Over mantle mirrors were the answer to that challenge, and the concept has made its way across the world. Over mantle mirrors provide extra light to a room with windows, and create a sense of added space through their reflections.

Traditionally, over mantle mirrors tend to be large, of the same scale as the mantle of fireplace they are hung above. There are many different styles to choose from. A classical rectangular style is best, as it complements the right angles of the mantle and fireplace below. The frames themselves can be made of many materials, from metal to wood. Wood mirrors frames are the better accompaniment to the mantle and fireplace - the wood of the mirror perched over the wood of the fireplace seems natural. Hanging something metallic will seem out of place with the fireplace, and will stick out like a sore thumb in the room. Wood frames also tend to be lighter, and easier to move as necessary.

When purchasing over mantle mirrors, think carefully about the size of the mirror. If it's too small, it will be dominated by the fireplace and, by extension, the rest of the room. If it's possible to buy over mantle mirrors that are too big for the room, the mirror will detract from the fireplace, which should typically be the center of attention in the room. A mirror sized just right will complement the fireplace, the mantle, and the rest of the room perfectly.

Think carefully about the color of the wood. The coloring of the wood should not conflict with the walls and the other fixtures in the room. If you can, think about how well the mirror frame will match the furniture in the room. And when you hang the mirror over the hearth, consider if changing the location of the lighting in the room will have an impact. Lighting that shines toward the mirror from across the room can create a brighter feel. There's a lot to think about when buying over mantle mirrors!

The best choice for over mantle mirrors is tailor made. As we've seen, there are a lot of factors to consider when making such an important investment in your home. Today, as it was long ago, the fireplace and hearth is often the center of the home, the place where everyone gathers to spend time together. At Mission Style Mirrors, I handcraft every mirror to order, finding the perfect color and size of wood, hand building the frame, and putting the finishing touches on your mirror. Consider a handmade over mantle mirror from Mission Style Mirrors for your home - I know you won't be disappointed.