Mirror Mirror on the Floor.

Before the invention of the mirror, a fascination with all things shiny began with the dawn of man and woman, when they first espied themselves in a pool of water.

 

 

Chinese mythology says that an alternate world existed behind every mirror -- a world filled with fantastical creatures which easily traveled between the two worlds -- until they began to wreak havoc. The portal would then be permanently sealed.

 

An updated stainless steel take on a
classic Chinese chair by ACF China.

 

Sideboard by Julia Gray Ltd.

 



 

In Greek mythology, Narcissus, not realizing that he was seeing himself, fell in love with his own reflection.


Narcissus marble by John Gibson,
1838.

 

Side Table from Century
Furniture.



Grove nickel-studded console.














Masters of the Surrealist movements from Jean Cocteau to René Magritte have utilized the mirror as vehicles to blur the line between dreams and reality.

Jean Marais in Cocteau's 1950 masterpiece, "Orphée"

 

By Rene Magritte, 1937.

"The Dangerous Liason" by
Rene Magritte.

Perhaps the mirror's position as between dimensions continuously draws us to them. Do they exist merely to satisfy our vanity? to check for fly-away hairs? cat hair on our black jackets? to re-apply lipstick?  Or are they meant to convey a truth in a much more profound and ethereal way?

I don't know.

Mirrored console from Neiman Marcus.




For me, I've always been drawn to mirrored furniture -- perhaps because I am a fan of Old Hollywood. The past, because it is no longer in existence...at least in our dimension...has a romantic appeal which the glamour of Old Hollywood certainly satisfies. It was all about vanity and, let's face it, most of us are vain. 



 

Accent tables from Neiman Marcus.

 

 

Haute House Claire mirrored
ottoman from Horchow.

End table from Hooker Furniture.



Side table from Arteriors Home.

Sophia Buffet available at Macy's.

 



Designer tip #1: Less is more when it comes to bold statements like mirrored furniture; if overused, mirror pieces can easily spill over the border into "tacky-land".  However, if you dare to make an over-the-top statement, do it with taste.  And for that, you may need to consult a professional...with taste.
Designer tip #2: No mirrors on the floor or ceiling.

 





 

*Thanks to Jennifer Vandemeer for correcting my grammar once again.