The Beauty and Charm of a French Mirror

Dozens of elements work in tandem to make a room come together. For one, the lighting in a room can make a world of difference in the way the space looks and feels. Lighting can highlight portions of the room while drawing attention away from areas you don’t necessarily want people to notice. Flooring and decorative rugs also play major roles in the aesthetics and ambiance of a room. They can make a room feel much larger than it actually is or make it appear more open and airy. Furniture is essential as well because it can make a room more comfortable and functional while adding to its overall look and feel. 

Bringing Decor into the Mix

Today’s homeowners can choose from numerous types of lighting, flooring, furniture, paints, wall coverings, and other elements. Countless decorative options are on the market as well. From simple candles and family photos to elaborate pieces designed to be the center of a room, there’s certainly no shortage of options. French mirrors are also widely available. They, alone, come in numerous styles and sizes. If you’re thinking of buying a French mirror, it’s important to learn more about these decorative pieces beforehand. 

What Are French Mirrors?

As the name indicates, French mirrors first came into play in France. Designers during the 1700s created these mirrors to be ornate showpieces for wealthy members of society. Their design focused on elegance and top-of-the-line craftsmanship with creators paying utmost attention to detail. While these pieces certainly served the same purpose as all mirrors, they were primarily decorative and set apart by certain key characteristics. 

Also known as trumeau mirrors, French mirrors were generally large and made to truly stand out in a room. They were typically rectangular, though other shapes were also available. One of the most striking characteristics of these mirrors was their additional decorative features. They usually had ornate frames and bore elaborate carvings or beautiful paintings above the actual mirror. Some were also gilded to add even more aesthetic appeal and decorative flair. 

Looking at Modern-Day French Mirrors

Authentic trumeau mirrors from the 1700s are difficult to come by at present. That being said, a variety of mirrors based on the trumeau style are available. Some follow true French fashion with detailed carvings, gilding, or other designs incorporated for added decorative highlights. Some come in detailed frames whereas others are more simplistic in nature. As has always been the case, they’re available in a variety of shapes and sizes ranging from traditional large rectangles to smaller, round mirrors and other options. 

Decorating with a French Mirror

If you’d like to add a French mirror to your decorative repertoire, numerous options are at your disposal. Considering all the designs and variations available, you’re sure to find one that blends well with any type of decor. You can mount these mirrors on the wall using hooks or brackets. If they’re smaller, lighter versions of the classics, they can also be hung using adhesives. 

In many cases, though, the preferred option is to lean these mirrors against the wall. If you choose this route, it’s important to anchor it in place properly to prevent injuries or damage to the mirror and anything around it. Be sure to place the mirror and lean it in a way that allows it to reflect appealing aspects of its surroundings for the full decorative effect.