Rebstock Design

On / In Mirrors

July 28, 2008 – 7:37 am

I came across a really interesting article the other day in the New York Times. Their “Science” page is very well edited. The article is about mirrors and their history and how people perceive themselves and other objects in mirrors (it’s complicated!). They even have a graphic explaining the science of mirrors.

Most of us use mirrors every day—even several times a day—but we rarely give much thought to what they do for us and how best to use them. The most obvious use of mirrors is for showing people their reflections, so they can make sure their false eyelashes are on straight or that they haven’t missed any belt loops while getting dressed. The best mirrored medicine cabinets now come with lots of interior features: color options, lighting, swing-out magnifying mirrors, electrical outlets, and even refrigeration—to keep those expensive lotions and creams nice and fresh and cooling to sensitive skin.

Full-length mirrors haven’t gone so high-tech. We seem to make do with the wall- or door-mounted version, or the Cheval mirror, or the good old mirrored sliding shower door. That said, what some full-length mirrors lack in upgrades, they more than make up for in detail (this one’s a dilly!). From the days (OK, years) when I watched All My Children, I remember the lovely and scheming Erica Kane always had a mirror by the front door. True to character, she never failed to check her reflection and fluff her hair—before answering the door or stepping out.

But beyond their use for confirming one’s own comeliness, what else can one do with mirrors? Well, the mirrored bedroom ceiling certainly comes to mind. Remember that urban legend from the swinging 70s? I’ve never seen one, but I’m sure they hung over many a round, satin-sheeted bed (except in earthquake country). Some friends recently told me of their tour of Mill Valley home some family members were renting. They didn’t know when the home was built, but it had been remodeled most recently during the 70s, and the bar still featured a ceiling-height backsplash of smoked mirrored tile with gilded streaks. During that same era, as I recall, entire walls were clad in mirrors to visually “expand” rooms to up to twice their normal size (or was it one and a half?). I always hated to see that done, because even as a child, I pegged it as a form of fakery, of cheating. Sure, it had its function, but that function was foolery and I wasn’t having it. What good is a “room” that you can’t walk into—that greets your very attempt with a bang to the face?

But aside from the design foibles of the 70s, mirrors can be used more subtly to wonderful effect for adding light to rooms and reflecting colors and interesting features. They always catch the eye with reflected light, and keep our attention because we’ve trained ourselves to look at them. Mirrors can also be used distract the guest from less-than-beautiful views. And mirrors need not reflect images exactly: mirrored wall tiles can take on color and other features to create a different mood or decorative effect. Feng shui practitioners claim that mirrors can be used to direct the flow of energy (chi) around a space.

So what’s new in decorative mirrors these days? In a word: convex (i.e., bulging!). When I went to this year’s decorator showcase house with my designer friends Stacia and Andrea, we all remarked upon the fact that almost every room featured a convex mirror. And while I hope they won’t become terribly commonplace, I have to say that convex mirrors are one of my all time favorite decorative items. Not only do they reflect images and light, they provide depth as they project from the wall into the room. And they also show us a distorted vision of reality that’s fascinating at any angle. (Plus, any word that contains both a “v” and an “x” is cool with me. Say it: “con-VEX!”) Convex mirrors are often used in modern ships to help navigate tight quarters, and you can often find used ship’s mirrors for sale at antique shops and auction houses. Highly decorative “girandole” mirrors were popular in England and the United States during the Federal period, and both originals and reproductions are easily acquired—for earnest use in your period-perfect Rococo manse or ironic use in your urban loft.

The most popular convex mirrors right now are what we call “sunburst” style—with the central reflecting disc surrounded by stylized “rays,” which might themselves be mirrored, or made of wood or metal. The most gorgeous versions, in my opinion, are made right here in the Bay Area by a company called Hayes de Fer. Another nice, and comparatively affordable sunburst mirror is sold by my friends at Kenneth Wingard. Their version is based on mid-century designs.

Finally, just a musing: if your eyes are the window to your soul, and you can only see your eyes in a mirror, does the mirror reflect your soul, or only a simulacrum?

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Image © M.C. Escher. Low-resolution image used for purposes of critical commentary.