What Type of Focal Point Does a Mirror Have?

Focal point and reflection

Each room needs a focal point. This is by definition an object which resides in a certain spot in the space. Generally, though not always, the focal point is seen immediately upon passing the threshold of a doorway. A mirror of significant size or style could be a focal point. Due to a mirror's capacity to reflect light, it could also be used as an element that would cause the focal point to change slightly in appearance throughout the day or night.

The Mirror as Focal Point

Any mirror properly positioned could be the focal point for a room. Even a mirror only 18 inches wide by 28 inches high could be a focal point in a room. The key to remember is that a mirror with small proportions should be dressed in an eye-catching frame. One such frame is the gilded and gesso wood frame for traditional and period design schemes. A larger frameless mirror could easily be the focal point for a contemporary design scheme.

The Mirror and Sconce as a Wedded Focal Point

A wall mirror measuring 36 by 48 inches is large enough to be hung even without a frame. Depending upon the interior, the mirror could be visually wedded to wall sconces just a few inches away. For an interior with symmetry as the backdrop, the sconces would need to be mounted to the left and right of the mirror. For an interior that can rhythmically use asymmetry, the sconces could be hung only to one side. This would hold true for mirrors with and without frames.

The Mirror as a Crown for a Focal Point

Crossing into a room of period design and seeing a Chesterfield sofa upholstered in forest green leather is a wonderful sight. The drama of the sofa as the focal point could be enhanced by crowning the sofa with a frameless narrow mirror hung 3 feet above the sofa. The same mirror with a coordinating forest green leather frame would also serve as the crown of the sofa as focal point.

The Mirror as an Anchor for a Focal Point

There are some decorating accessories which in and of themselves are too diminutive to be used alone as a focal point. A selection of dried flowers or a sculpture made of cords of light are two examples. In these situations, a proportionately sized wall mirror will serve as the visual anchor for the focal point.

The Mirror as a Counterpoise for a Focal Point

The focal point is intended to enjoy the visual prominence in a room by having the loudest voice. Not all situations are ideal. For those focal point solutions that are less than ideal, a large mirror on an opposing wall reflecting light into the space serves to enhance the voice of the focal point. In some such cases, the mirror serves as a counterpoise to the weak focal point.