Home Mirror: 10 Secrets To Placement (Kitchen Design)

Mirror in the kitchen - why not! While some like to look at it while in the process of preparing a romantic dinner, others use it in a different capacity ...

The use of mirrors in the interior is different - from decorative to functional. For example, to make a small kitchen visually large, many techniques are used, one of which is mirrors.

The sun's rays, reflecting off the mirror surface, fill the room with light, illuminating every corner of it.

So what can be mirrored in a room? We understand everything in detail.

What is the mirror made of? The material matters.

Before rushing into the search for a mirror of various places in the open spaces of the kitchen, let's turn to the source of the question. Let's talk about its production. The mirror can be based on polystyrene, acrylic, glass.

• Mirror polystyrene (plastic) has a glossy surface, like a glass mirror. In the production of mirror-effect plastic, a metal foil is used, which is located between the transparent laminating film and the impact-resistant base.
  Mirror polystyrene can be used to decorate any room, including the kitchen. The surface of the material is available in two colors: gold and silver.
  Among its advantages:
  - long service life,
  - impact resistance,
  - low sensitivity to any mechanical damage,
  - resistance to low temperatures, humidity,
  - does not change color over time,
  - the lightness of the material,
  - ease of care,
  - ease of installation - only liquid nails are needed to decorate kitchen surfaces,
  - environmentally friendly material, does not emit toxins and other toxic elements during combustion.
• Mirror acrylic plastic (plexiglass) - a kind of mirror polystyrene, and, accordingly, has all its advantages. The main drawback of acrylic is its softness; scratches and other mechanical damage easily remain on the surface of this material. Therefore, a protective coating is used to protect acrylic mirror surfaces.
  Mirror acrylic is less flexible than polystyrene. At the same time, it is more durable, smoother. It can be made in any color.
• Glass. This is the most common and quality material. The technology for creating a mirror on glass is easy to understand. Both glass surfaces are carefully polished to ensure that the reflection is free of distortion. Then the surface is coated with a chemical composition (usually a silver solution), after which everything is covered with a special protective layer. Unlike acrylic, glass is heavier, so these mirrors will weigh much more. The cost of a glass-based mirror is much higher.

Mirrors in kitchens of different styles

It is believed that the mirrored surface is suitable for any style of room. Most mirrors are suitable for high-tech kitchens, classics, modern. Interior decoration with aging effect mirrors is best suited to styles country, Art Deco, fusion. Such mirrors are created only in production, with a wide range of colors offered: from classic silver, bronze to colored.

Mirror wall in the kitchen

If your elongated kitchen or small in size, then the mirror wall will help out a lot by increasing it visually. In this case, it is not necessary to turn the entire wall into a mirror, unless you just want to create the illusion of a crystal house.

You can mirror a part of the wall, create a mirror decor on the wall, etc. The design of the mirrors can be anything - you can create your own unique pattern. At the same time, the interior of the kitchen will “sparkle” with new colors. If kitchen combined with living room, a decorative wall that is partition between roomscan also be mirrored.

The mirrored wall has not become a nightclub or cafe association for a long time. And you can’t call it bad taste. The main thing here is not to overplay, not to harm, because from lightness and airiness you can involuntarily go to burdening and sugary. The installation of the mirrored wall depends on the selected material. Let's consider them in more detail.

Mirror panel

Panel - this is a single composition on the kitchen wall, made of several mirror segments. In this case, the individual elements of the panel do not necessarily have the same size, shape, pattern. As is the case with any kind of mirror, the panel can be artificially aged (this is especially suitable for some styles of kitchens, for example, country).

Mirror elements can be volumetric, which allows you to create abstract, incredible, mesmerizing, cosmic compositions. By sandblasting a picture, a mirror panel can have a certain picture on the wall. It is also possible photo printing, where a color picture is applied to the surface of the elements. The resulting mirror composition can both complement the interior and be a kitchen accent.

If you place a sconce or another lamp next to the panel, the kitchen will be filled with additional lightreflecting off mirrors. If you put a plant next to it, it will repeatedly bounce off the mirror segments, refracting and doubling the amount of greenery in the room.

Mirror panel is perfect for room zoning. This is most relevant in the case of a combined kitchen with a living room. Then it would be most correct to place the panel in dining area. In this case, both classic mirrors and an abstract composition are suitable.

Mirror tiles

Mirror tiles placed on the kitchen wall do not differ in shape from other types of tiles. This is a classic square or rectangle, with a pattern, an embossed surface, tinted, with a facet (facet - decorative glass edge processing), with inserts, with holography, etc. The edges of the tiles are processed in production to completely protect the client.

An alternative to classic mirror tiles on glass is polystyrene tiles. The upper part is covered with paint with metal particles that reflect light. In terms of material quality and reflectivity, polystyrene is very inferior to mirror tiles, so its price is lower. The advantage of polystyrene lies not only in cost, but also in ease of installation. Such material is easily cut, and due to the self-adhesive film, the installation can be done independently.

Of the main disadvantages of using mirror tiles, we note that over time, due to the influence of high temperatures and humidity, darkening may appear on the surface of the material. We also add that the cost of tiles is higher compared to traditional tiles.

Mirror tiles have many advantages:

• variety in shape, color,
• long service life,
• flexibility of the material (mirror tiles based on plastic) - this will allow you to cover, for example, the intended bend of the wall,
• resistance to chemical liquids, moisture, corrosion,
• ease of maintenance (with the exception of seams, where dust and dirt can accumulate).

Mirror Panels

At the heart of the mirrors panels, as we already wrote, there is either plastic or glass. Accordingly, the differences between them will be in weight, cost, ease of installation, because the heavier the material, the more difficult it is to work with it. Mirror panels can be made in the classic form, with the effect of an aged mirror, with drawings, in different colors, with a relief surface.

Plastic backed panels can be installed even on uneven walls. It will be more difficult to do this with a glass base; also, with a mirror surface, any unevenness of the wall will turn into a distortion of reflection. Therefore, the wall should be as flat as possible in any case.

High temperatures can ruin plastic mirror panels, so don't place them on the wall next to the stove. It is also necessary to carefully install sconces and other lighting fixtures that have high incandescent temperatures.

When installing mirror panels, glue is used. But in the case of a material with a glass base, it will not work out neatly to dismantle - the mirror cannot be reused, it will be damaged, no matter how hard you try. For plastic panels, you can use screws, nails, staples. You can also purchase panels on a self-adhesive base - there will be no installation problems at all.

Mirror Stickers

To decorate the kitchenwithout loading it with multi-colored drawings and pictures, you can purchase mirror stickers (stickers). They are glued to any surface using a special tape, usually included in the kit. For stickers, a wall is most often chosen, preferably a one-color one. Mirror stickers are suitable for any shade of the wall, except, perhaps, white and light gray, on which they will be lost. In this case, it is better to choose mirrors colored or with an aging effect.

The stickers are based on acrylic mirrorwhich can be easily glued to the wall (wallpaper, wood, glass, plaster, paint). At the same time, you should not be afraid that over time they will fly off. The shape of the stickers is very different: from circles, squares, stars, to a scattering of small mirrors, words and even full-fledged compositions.

Sunlight falling on the stickers will “play”, filling the kitchen with sunny bunnies and good mood. Even the smallest decor will be visible. Let's share a little “secret” on how to make the reflection of mirror stickers colored. If opposite them will be located, for example, a bright yellow sofa or red refrigerator, then naturally this color will be reflected.

Among the varieties of mirror stickers can be distinguished vinyl wrap. But its characteristics are much weaker than stickers, the quality of the goods is also a big question. Mirror film will not work for wall decoration. Due to the self-adhesive base, it can be placed on any kind of surface, but the reflective effect is far from the mirror. This film is based on polyvinyl chloride. Its cost is low. More expensive, but much better quality material - polyurethane.

Mirrored wallpaper

The use of a mirror as a decor, including in the kitchen, began not so long ago. Now you can make almost everything mirrored: furniture, floor, ceiling and even wallpaper. They are made on a non-woven or paper base, on which a layer of aluminum foil is applied (hence another name for wallpaper - "metallized"), a pattern is applied on top. All is covered with a layer of transparent varnish.

The palette will delight the client: shades of silver, bronze, gold. In addition, the coating can be matte or glossy - whatever you want. Mirrored wallpapers are suitable for the walls of kitchens of different styles: classic, modern, modern, etc.

The main advantages of mirrored wallpaper:

• They are not afraid of moisture, as they do not absorb moisture. This means that fungus, bacteria and mold are not afraid of them. Wallpaper can be wiped with a damp cloth or sponge, wiping off dirt and dust.
• Long service life.
• Over time, it does not lose color, does not fade in direct sunlight.
• A wide range of patterns and wallpaper shades.
• Creation of beauty, nobility and comfort in the kitchen.

Among the shortcomings, we note:

• Poorly protected from mechanical damage. Even scratches can severely damage the wallpaper. Therefore, if there are small children or animals in the family, those who like to scratch not only the owner, but also furniture and walls, this option will not work.
• Mirrored wallpapers require a smooth kitchen wall surface. Otherwise, the reflection will be distorted, and bumps, pits and irregularities will be very visible due to glare.
• High cost compared to conventional wallpaper.

It is difficult to attribute to the disadvantages the following fact about mirrored wallpaper. When gluing them, it is necessary power outage - this is their feature. The composition of the wallpaper contains metal components, as we have already written. They conduct current well, which can be dangerous when gluing wallpaper damp from glue. Light is recommended turn on after complete drying wallpaper.

Separately, it is worth mentioning that you can purchase self-adhesive mirror wallpaper, which can be used to decorate individual sections of the wall and even furniture. The rolls of such wallpaper are not wide, so they are not suitable for every idea. In terms of quality, such a self-adhesive film will be inferior to mirror wallpaper, but it suits well as a small decor.

Mirrored wallpapers add chic and elegance to the room. Unfortunately, their price is high enough for anyone to purchase.

Mirror kitchen set

Facades of kitchen sets break all stereotypes. Photo prints, any color, reliefs, materials - everyone will find something of their own. The time has come for mirrored kitchen facades, and their presence in the house for some will be a whim, for others - a necessity. It's all about the property of mirrors to increase space.

If you want to hide as much as possible furniture in the kitchen, order a mirror headset. It can be either separate mirrored doors or a complete facade. The use of mirrors on the facade of the kitchen unit is possible in 3 versions:

1. One-piece mirror facade. Here mirrors are installed over the entire surface of the façade. When fully covered, the headset will feel like no furniture in your kitchen.
2. Mirror inserts. Here, the frame for the mirrors will be the base of the kitchen set, for example, chipboard. At the same time, mirror inserts can be made both on all doors, and on individual ones.
3. Dot decor. Here, the facade decor with mirrors will depend on your desire - shape, color, number of elements. When ordering a new headset, specialists will make mirror decor, but you can transform existing furniture by gluing self-adhesive mirrors yourself.

In order not to constantly wipe the furniture, you can order embossed, aged or covered with a matte pattern mirror surfaces. Less easily soiled - embossed or artificially aged mirror facades. They are suitable for a variety of kitchen styles.

Mirror island

Island, as a rule, it is done in a spacious kitchen, otherwise there will be no place for it. Even in this case, this part of the furniture can be made invisible - the room will become even more spacious and bright. The entire island is covered with mirrors, even the tabletop if desired. If you want to create an atmosphere of mystery and romance in the kitchen, consider LED lighting. It can be placed under the table top around the table perimeter, as well as on the floor, creating the effect of a floating island.

Mirror floor in the kitchen

The simplest and most common type of mirrored floors in the kitchen is tile. The standard shape is a square, but the manufacturer will make any shape and size to order.

Tile based polystyrene costs less. On its surface paint is applied with metallic elements for reflection. Some tile models have a self-adhesive film, with which you can easily attach them to the wall yourself.

Mirror tiles based on glass. Such material will be more expensive, installation is more difficult, but even after years your floor will not fade or deteriorate.

Another type of floor slabs - acrylic mirror. There are no complaints about the quality. It is considered safer than glass, moreover, it is almost 2 times lighter. But the disadvantages are a soft surface that is easily scratched, as well as the high cost of the material. Therefore for kitchen floor not very suitable.

Let's move on to more durable materials. Ceramicsmade of clay and quartz sand, and porcelain stoneware - pledge of guarantee, quality and safety. To obtain a mirror-like surface, porcelain stoneware undergoes a thorough, complex polishing technology. Accordingly, this increases the cost of the tile, and its appearance deteriorates over the years.

Another option for the floor in an apartment or house is a laminated parquet with a mirror shine, which has a multi-layer structure. The material is protected from scratches, its surface is antistatic, so dust will not be attracted to it. The cost of the material is high.

The mirror-gloss effect of laminated parquet was first proposed by a German manufacturer Hdm elesgowho presented their mirrored floors in the collection Superglanz floor. In this case, the color of the floor can be any. Unfortunately, the service life is short - up to 5 years.

Mirrored ceiling in the kitchen

The main advantage of placing mirrors on the ceiling is the feeling of spaciousness and freedom. A mirrored ceiling from edge to edge will give the feeling of no roof over your head. This technique is especially true for a small kitchen. What material will turn the ceiling into a mirror?

Mirror stretch ceiling

Glossy stretch ceiling also reflects light and acts as a kind of mirror. But technology has gone further - now it is possible to order a mirrored suspended ceiling. Of course, a mirror sheet will not replace a real mirror and will not be able to reflect objects 100%. But its mirror effect is quite noticeable and effective.

The main and only difference between the mirrored stretch ceiling and the usual one is the canvas itself, on which a special mirror coating is applied - a thin but very durable polyvinyl chloride film. This does not affect the installation and quality of the material. In this case, you can choose any color of the mirror sheet.

For kitchens with low ceilings this option will not work. After all, the installation of a false ceiling, including a mirrored one, will take up to 5 cm of the height of the kitchen.

Among the main advantages of a mirrored stretch ceiling, we note:

• long service life,
• material quality,
• does not lose color and strength over time,
• able to retain water when flooded by neighbors from above,
• wide range of colors,
• resistance to moisture,
• easy care,
• installation of any kind of lighting fixtures,
• low material cost.

Let's look at the disadvantages:

• does not replace a real mirror in terms of its reflective characteristics,
• accidental mechanical damage with a sharp object will damage the canvas,
• Will "steal" a few centimeters of the ceiling height, which is unacceptable for kitchens with low ceilings.

Mirror slatted ceiling

Mirrored rack ceiling - these are profiled strips made of aluminum or plastic, covered with a reflective material (chrome). Plastic slats cost less than aluminum ones, but in appearance they are in no way inferior. But the characteristics of the materials are slightly different.

Of the main advantages of an aluminum slatted ceiling:

• incombustibility of the material,
• long service life,
• resistance to high temperatures and humidity,
• lightness of the material, which simplifies installation,
• ease of care,
• heat and sound insulation,
• the material is not subject to corrosion.

The listed advantages speak in favor of using a slatted ceiling in your kitchen. At the same time, the ceiling can be completely mirrored, as well as with mirrored inserts, separate sections - as intended by you or the designer. And with the help of a special surface treatment of the material, the slats can be matte or the color of gilding, chrome.

The ease of use of rack materials lies in the ease of installation of any type of lamps. This ceiling is based on aluminum or plastic. They do not corrode, so they are well suited for kitchen ceilings.

Another advantage of the rack material is its design. In the case of a flat ceiling, the manufacturer offers a strip flat rail; for an irregular or more complex ceiling shape, you can purchase a rail rolled into a coil. When renovating a kitchen, do not forget that installing a mirrored slatted ceiling will “steal” from 4 to 10 cm of the height of the room.

Mirror Panels

A common type of kitchen ceiling material is mirrored plastic panels. Their main advantage is their low weight, because they are based on plastic. The lightness of the material will not bring problems during installation. And its flexibility will allow it to cover almost any surface. At the same time, any ceiling material is suitable for mounting panels: concrete, wood, stone, etc.

Among the shortcomings, we note that it is not recommended to install the luminaires on a mirror plastic panel - the incandescence temperature will damage the ceiling surface. For this, it is necessary that they be treated with a special coating. The maximum temperature at which the panels will be “safe” is up to 60 ° C.

Mirrored panels on the ceiling of the kitchen

Mirror plates

To cover the ceiling with mirrored plates, a frame of profiles is first installed. Then, as is the case with traditional ceiling materials, mirrored slabs are hung.

Mirror plates and panels are of different shapes, sizes, decorated with a pattern or facet. Installation is carried out in several ways:

• like Armstrong, where ceiling slabs are installed on suspension systems,
• plates are attached to a structure made of metal profiles,
• on glue - for this, the ceiling surface must be perfectly flat.

Mirror plates on the kitchen ceiling

Combined mirrored ceiling

In this case, you need to give free rein to fantasy. Mirrors can be combined with any material. On the ceiling, you can create separate compositions of mirrors, install mirror panels and even mosaics, in combination, for example, with plasterboard, stretch ceiling, etc.

Caring for the mirror in the kitchen

The mirror has been present in our lives since childhood. And we know that water droplets, fingerprints and other dirt are visible on it. How difficult is it to maintain a mirror in a kitchen where there are drops of grease, steam, high temperatures and humidity?

The mirror surface is not afraid of the effects of acids, alkalis, and other chemicals, so there is no mold or mildew on it. The smooth, even surface also does not absorb dirt and odors. But the slightest spots are visible on the mirror, so frequent wiping is guaranteed.

When considering the issue of leaving mirrors, factors must be taken into account:

• The location of the mirrors. If you have a mirrored apron in your kitchen, then it will need to be wiped after each cooking. If the mirrors are on the wall or ceiling - much less often.
• The presence of small children in the house. If the kitchen wall or dining table is made of a mirror, then stains from small handles will force them to be washed very often. Accordingly, they are unlikely to get to the kitchen apron or ceiling.
• Frequency of being in the kitchen as a cook. Cook often - wash your mirrored apron often.

Perhaps every housewife knows that it is not difficult to wash off dirt from a glass / mirror surface. To do this, you only need a detergent and a rag. You choose the quality, as well as the manufacturer of the cloth / sponge / napkin: with microfiber, bamboo, suede, etc. Exactly like with chemistry.

Remember that when cleaning the mirror, do not use abrasive cleaners containing solid particles to polish the surface.

Installation of a mirror panel. Video