Claire used this technique in last week's house tour, Claire's Twin Ready High Design, to create the illusion of more windows, more views, and more of the outside coming in to the living room. This is an excellent 'space creating' idea and perfect for apartments with deeply set windows. Any glass store will create mirrors to fit your specs that can easily be glued or clipped into place. The expense and installation is minimal, so whether you rent or own, it's a hot tip.
This truly was one of things that leapt out at me during that slide-show that seemed the most why-didn't-I-think-of-that kind of thing that the most people would be able to (and should) do themselves.
i've already ordered my mirrors!
there may be other examples, but i first saw this done in sir john soane's house in london. not only does it expand the view, it helps brighten a room as well.
I was thinking of doing something like this but on the bottom surface of the sills, mainly to cover up ratty, pitted sills, and to reflect light. The best ideas are often so simple.
I love this. I used to think using mirrors to create the illusion of more space was tacky, now I love it. I think it has to with how and where you use mirrors - the more unique, the better. This idea is excellent.
And its not only a good trick for windows - I recently bought my first nyc apartment and did an "almost gut" rennovation (thanks AT for the many helpful posts and ideas) and decided to push back the bathroom reno for a couple of years. instead i put a 4x6 mirror on the main wall and everyone who has seen the before and after assumes i renovated it!
House & Garden had a fantastic article this month about the architecture of Jean Nouvel--he did the same thing at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. His other projects are really fascinating too--you should check it out.
Great issue this month-also thought the landscape architecture article was stellar.
I'm in a rental: how would I glue the mirrored panels on the windows so that they could be removed easily down the road?
How does one finish the edges to protect from cuts? I can't tell from the photo...
I have two different sized walls next to my windows - one is 10.5 inches wide, the other is only 6 inches. Would doing this emphasize the difference, or just diffuse the light?
I've used this technique, except for the windowsils. It's great for reflecting light into the room, and Marm, you're right, it's great for covering up chipped, ratty sils. It's also easier to clean the mirrors off than it is the regular windowsils, as they do get dusty quickly.
Ksenia, when you order your mirrors from a mirror shop, they'll smooth/buff the edges so they are not sharp.
Where can one find a mirror shop in NYC to do this?
Is the general thought regular or beveled mirrors? And I also would like to know of a quality mirror store with low prices. There is the glass and mirror shop on 3rd in the 70's, but they are kind of pricey.
Thanks............
Marily--don't use glue: just mirror clips.
Or, use lots of velcro strips.
I had to look at that picture for a really long time to figure out what the technique/trick in question actually was. What a great and effective illusion!
i love the idea! but it is kind of creepy because people can use those mirrors to peep on you from new angles.
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