Mirror sun: history of a decorative element
Many have at least once seen a mirror in the shape of a sun and were at a loss as to how this original accessory came to be. Let us remember the European king Louis XIV, who stayed on the throne longer than other rulers.
The extraordinary ruler was very fond of art, architecture, and unusual decorative elements. It was under Louis XIV that the Baroque era flourished, the trends of which are alive in modern directions.
Every year the king organized court balls, in which he himself took an active part. He chose for himself the role of the sun - he spread rays of warmth and light around himself, bestowing attention on everyone. Since then, accessories and clothing with the image of the celestial body began to appear. And in the royal palace they hung several mirrors in the shape of the sun. This element has also gained popularity in modern interiors - now it decorates the houses and apartments of connoisseurs of the heritage of Louis XIV.
This is just one of the legends of the birth of the accessory. However, it sounds quite plausible.
Portrait of King Louis
A little history
It is unknown when exactly the first sun-shaped mirrors appeared , but they can be seen in the paintings of ancient artists starting from the 15th century. For example, the painting by artist Jan Van Eyck “Portrait of the Arnolfini Couple”. In the background you can see a mirror that vaguely resembles a sunburst. At that time, such mirrors were made convex, so they greatly distorted the image.
In the Middle Ages, such mirrors were hung in churches; they symbolized deity. They always “looked” at the parishioners.
the highest popularity under the “Sun King” Louis XIV . There is an opinion that it was he who came up with this design, but this is not so, he only made it very popular. Such a mirror is fun in royal chambers. Every morning the king looked into it. The mirror disk was not large, so it looked as if the rays were emanating from the king’s very face. It’s as if he himself is the sun.
After Louis, sunburst mirrors came into fashion only 200 years later. Then mirrors ceased to be a luxury, so designers began to actively experiment with shapes and sizes, also inspired by the heavenly bodies.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Art Deco style became popular , one of its main features was its appeal to the sun's rays. Therefore, it could not be done without solar mirrors. And already in the middle of the 20th century, mirrors - suns became mirrors - stars, due to the fact that the whole world began to actively become interested in space.
And even in the 21st century, interest in mirrors in the shape of the sun does not fade away. People actively use sunburst mirrors to decorate their homes. For more than two centuries, the mirror sun has found its connoisseurs.
Solar frame design: interesting options
Designers have created many options for the accessory. Only two elements remain unchanged - the mirror surface in the center of the composition and the rays emanating from it.
There are products on sale in gold and silver frames, with mirror beams, and with a scattering of miniature decorative elements. The frame can be made of metal, wood, plastic, glass.
Materials and their advantages
Name | pros |
Tree | Durability, environmental friendliness, aesthetic appeal, versatility. |
Plastic | Low cost, conciseness, lightness. |
Metal | Strength, durability, luxurious look. |
MDF | Versatility, low price, environmental friendliness. |
The mirror and beams can be made of the same material. The elements visually merge with each other and form a magical, brilliant composition. Do you want a festive atmosphere in your home? Then this option is for you. The product will look great on a dark wall.
Some mirror models look more like a star or a snowflake than the sun. To understand the differences, just look at the photo.
Decorative frame with mirrors on the beams
Decorative frame with mirror beams
Decorative frame with long wooden beams
Decorative frame with long metal beams
Decorative frame imitation metal with mini mirrors
Mirror with rays: a functional element or an art object
Usually mirrors are bought to look at and evaluate your appearance. And this accessory serves as an exquisite decor. Only you can decide how to play with the item in the interior - there are many options, and all of them have the right to be implemented. Let's suggest three ideas that designers often use.
Add light
There is a little trick that designers willingly resort to. Place a mirror in the shape of a sun with rays opposite a chandelier or table lamp. The laws of reflection and dispersion will play into your hands - the room will become much lighter.
Mirror-sun in the bedroom opposite the lamp
Bring magic to your nursery
The symbiosis of thematic prints and the sun mirror will appeal to children of any age. Place the piece above your child's bed or on an accent wall. You can purchase several models of different sizes and hang them in any order.
Mirror-sun in a laconic frame for a children's room
Advice! Do not choose a too pompous version of the accessory for the nursery - it visually “weights down” the interior.
Decorate the room in an original way
You can use the product as an independent interior decoration or combine the mirror with other decorative elements. For example, wall paintings, paintings, plaster animal heads, figurines, stucco moldings. However, the accessory will look great on a plain, empty wall.
Mirror-sun as a living room interior decoration
What it is?
Mirror sun or “sunburst”. A shaped mirror consisting of a round plate and rays of different sizes and widths emanating from it. Most often, the central disk is made small and the rays long . They can be decorated with small mirrors, small LED flashlights, glass, rhinestones, and look like a snowflake, flower or star.
The golden mirror symbolizes the sun, the silver one – the star.
The design of sun-shaped mirrors is very diverse, so such an item can fit into almost any interior.
Decorative sun in different interior styles
Unique decorations in “radiant” frames are most often used in the Art Deco direction. The main features of the style: luxury, abundance of decor, pomp and even some pretentiousness. When decorating rooms, feel free to follow the principle - the more details, the better. You can place mirrors in the bedroom, living room, nursery, kitchen, hallway and even in the bathroom. In the Art Deco style, this design will go well with dark wallpaper and floor tiles.
Such a mirror also has a place in the classic style. One copy in the bedroom, living room or hallway is enough. The item will harmonize well with wooden furniture and paintings in wide frames.
A sun-shaped mirror will also fit into other interior styles: country, eclectic, glamor, modern, neoclassical. Models with long golden rays look especially elegant in these directions.
If you haven’t found a suitable copy for a modern interior, make a frame yourself. See how to create your own budget design masterpiece. This product deserves to take pride of place in your home.
Sun mirror in a modern living room interior
Mirror-sun in the interior with fusion elements
Mirror-sun in the interior of an Art Deco living room
Mirror in the interior: reflection of reality
Magical properties are attributed to mirrors in the interior for a reason. They fantastically transform any space, push its boundaries, raise walls and modify geometry. It's not surprising that a designer mirror can cost more than a solid leather sofa. But most often, the “play of reflections” is considered a budget-friendly way to add a fresh twist to the design of a room.
The use of mirrors in the interior
Don't shy away from mirrored surfaces: they have fantastic design potential - both from an aesthetic point of view and in terms of expanding space. Of course, it is unlikely that it will be possible to turn the Khrushchev building into a castle, but visually lengthening the corridor is among the real possibilities.
There are several rules for using mirrors in the interior:
• You should not hang reflective surfaces opposite each other, this crooked labyrinth from the world of Through the Looking Glass will harm your spiritual comfort. • Make sure that the magical properties of the mirror are not in vain. Think in advance about what will be reflected in the mirror in the interior of the living room or hallway. These could be beautiful vases standing on the dressing table, photographs of loved ones on the opposite wall, a chic chandelier or a natural view outside the window.• The mirror should fit into your chosen design style: not everything that is appropriate in classics and art deco looks good in modern and avant-garde.• The idea of universal gloss can be emphasized with shiny chrome lamps, silver trays, glass vessels, shining tabletops and other things that can reflect reality.• The frame is given no less attention than the surface.• Decorative mirrors can be coated with a matte finish, and also motivational inscriptions or prints.• Play with the shape and number of placed objects, creating whimsical compositions. There may be several mirrors - round, square, elongated - different sizes and types of frames are welcome.
Don’t forget: multiplying decorative objects is an important function of mirrors in the interior of an apartment. Luxurious palms and ficus trees, velvet sofas, fur skins, designer vases, elegant lamps hanging from the ceiling on extended cords... All this can be doubled!
Mirror in the bedroom interior
A correctly selected mirror can mask planning errors and repair defects, as well as adjust the proportions of the room and add light. If your bedroom is dark or has a small area, then reflective surfaces are just a godsend for an intimate interior.
An oval, arched or round mirror resting on a dressing table looks elegant. This solution is practical if the lady is used to applying makeup and doing her appearance in the bedroom, and not in the bathroom.
A round “Sun” mirror in the interior, complemented by an expensive gilded frame in the Art Deco style (with rays, a wreath of leaves or flames), will ideally fit into a luxurious living room or bedroom. The most appropriate place for it is above the bed, sofa or fireplace. The rounded shape and pretentious frame will soften the “rectangular” severity of the design.
Ceilings sprinkled with reflective elements improve lighting in the space and visually lift the walls. The mirrored ceiling looks especially exotic in the matrimonial bedroom. If you are not yet ready for such a creative story, but still want to excite your imagination, place a large floor mirror in a rich frame opposite the bed.
Decorative mirrors for interior
Mirror panels are popular in design. Woven from squares or strict “splintered” elements, they become inimitable art objects. A mosaic made from mirror pieces is an extraordinary way to reflect your worldview and show your individuality. The avant-garde and modernist movements will be most pleased with this decor.
When choosing a mirror for the bathroom, avoid boring and typical solutions. It can be in the form of an arch, framed by golden monograms, or in the form of a sun, cutting the surface of the wall with its rays. In combination with glossy mosaics, majestic marble and elegant shine of plumbing fixtures, this solution sounds noble and royal.
In modern interiors, mirrors find their use on the ceiling, in front of the bathroom, on the mantelpiece, above the bed, and simply on the floor. They can modestly lean against the wall or sway imposingly in the air on cords. And in any case, they bring elegance, freedom and magic to the room.
Photo source: pinterest.com
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Where to place the solar mirror
When using a bright decorative element, it is important to think through the composition in advance. The goal is to position sun mirrors so that they attract attention and at the same time harmonize with other interior items.
Variations:
- If you have one mirror, place it on a solid-colored accent wall. Is the surface covered with wallpaper with fancy patterns? Appreciate how organically the decor fits into this ensemble. There are such compositions in design projects, and they look quite attractive.
- Create a composition of round mirrors with rays. Arrange the products in random order relative to each other. The principles are not important here - the main thing is to avoid stylistic dissonance. To realize the idea, models of different sizes, but similar shapes and types are suitable.
- Place mirrors on one wall symmetrically. For example, in the bedroom above two bedside tables standing on opposite sides of the bed.
- Hang a mirror opposite the window opening. This technique will help create a light “portal” in the room and visually increase the area of the room.
- Secure the product above the head of the bed. In this case, models with long thin rays will look great.
“Solar” products go well with regular wall mirrors. If the original copy is already hanging on the wall, try combining it in tandem with the main character of the article. You can play with several objects in an interesting way - imagine them in the form of planets and celestial bodies.
Mirror-sun in the bedroom interior above the bed
Mirror-sun in the interior of the hallway on an accent wall
Advice! Try not to place the mirror in front of a cluster of things or bulky objects. These things will be reflected in the mirror surface and spoil the aesthetic picture.
Why is a mirror in the bedroom undesirable?
Here are the main negative aspects due to which an object with a mirror surface capable of reflecting should not be in the room for sleeping and resting:
- by reflecting, it increases the amount of negative Qi energy;
- leads to discord and quarrels in the family;
- provokes infidelity of both spouses;
- The faint flicker of a mirror surface causes stress.
On a note! The worst thing for a person is if an object reflects him while he is sleeping.
In this regard, in Feng Shui there is a division (according to impact), whether it is a matrimonial bedroom or a room for one person. The reflection and subsequent multiplication of negative energy flows of Qi necessarily ends with the beginning of disagreements, discord, quarrels, and scandals between spouses. If the bedroom is intended for one person, bad energy, enhanced by mirror reflection, leads to his vulnerability to illness, illness, and disrupts the harmony between the spiritual and physical principles. Therefore, if a person suddenly begins to get sick for unknown reasons, it is worth looking for an incorrectly positioned (hanging) mirror in his bedroom.
If a married couple is reflected in this accessory at night, this could end, according to Feng Shui, in adultery. The couple reflected in it loses integrity, unity, and people cease to belong exclusively to each other. Through reflection, the opportunity opens up for multiplication, for the appearance of someone else, which will invariably end in betrayal.
There is another reason why modern scientists and doctors completely agree with the ancient teachings regarding the prohibitions of these accessories in bedrooms, especially children's ones. If a person wakes up at night in the dark and sees a reflection, he can be seriously frightened, he can imagine anything. And this will lead to stress, fear, and any other negative reaction. However, ancient laws and modern trends can agree and come to constructive agreement. As a result, Feng Shui already allows a mirror in the bedroom, but with some mandatory adjustments for placement.
How to choose a wall mirror-sun
There are several parameters that you should consider when choosing a product. The first factor is size. If you have a small room, a massive mirror will look out of place. The opposite effect will be caused by placing miniature “sun” decorations on a long wall in a spacious room - the details will simply be lost in the interior composition.
The second parameter is the frame material. This element is the key one in the design. At the peak of popularity are sun mirrors with wooden beams coated with special paints and a composition for artificial aging.
Do you want a sun-shaped mirror in a metal frame, but are you afraid it will look too bulky? Again, products in a wooden frame painted to resemble metal will help out. You will not immediately understand that this is a “copy” - the shine, solid appearance and clarity of shape will be like the original. Such models are good for spacious rooms in the Art Deco style - they will add freshness and sophistication to the interior.
Advice! If your home is decorated in a modern style, pay attention to round sun mirrors in a narrow plastic frame. They look somewhat simpler than other model variations. But the products are more versatile, so they are worthy of complementing the laconic design in Scandinavian and American styles.
When choosing decorative mirrors in the shape of the sun, you should listen to the voice of fantasy. Perhaps you have long dreamed of some model, but put off the purchase. Now is the time to let an original design miracle into your home.