The mirror as an interior design highlight

As a wardrobe basic or special decor, mirrors have never actually been entirely out of fashion in interior design. However, whether bathroom mirror, enlarging cosmetic mirror or the narrow Ikea mirror behind the cabinet: most importantly, mirrors should be functional and practical. In the 1970s mirrors were even used over large surfaces and optically doubled the square metres of small corridors. Mirrors have become increasingly popular in recent years. Especially round wall mirrors are providing trendy decorative accents, not only in the entrance area of the apartment. As one could determine at this year's imm cologne, designers and design labels are conceiving of the mirror as a cool element of interior design.

A quick look in the mirror when leaving or the familiar image while grooming in the bathroom in the morning – a mirror is actually an everyday product and must function in an uncomplicated fashion, be well-mounted and well-lit. The typically round shaving mirror has accompanied men for decades. The brilliant duplication of spatial conditions with large wall mirrors truly reflects the urban trend toward smaller apartments. Small hallways and bathrooms can thus seem to increase in size. However, not just size in terms of space – mirrors also gain aesthetic ground. And beyond their functionality, they are presently most appreciated as stylistic devices.

The very first inspiration for the Mimic Mirror from the Scandinavian design label Muuto was provided by the interior of a Paris hairdresser salon: Jean-François Dingjian and Eloi Chafaï (together they are the French design duo Normal Studio) were inspired by the simple plastic mirrors often found there to translate their characteristic pattern on the back in their own language of form. The design is an interplay of contrasts: the plastic-coated mirror is fastened onto a column-like base framed in concrete – light meets heavy. The juxtaposition of two such different materials lends Mimic Mirror a sculptural and at the same time friendly expression. The name is the programme, because Mimic Mirror brings together various repetitive elements: the facets around the base, the pattern on the back of the mirror that plays with the triangle, and of course the mirror surface itself play with the concept of imitation. Thanks to its graphic expression and practical handling (the mirror surface can be tilted upward or downward as desired), the modern tabletop mirror, full of character, is a refinement for any room. Even when it isn't being used for its defined purpose.

The mirrors of the new Tivoli collection, with more than 300 design objects from the Danish design label Norman Copenhagen, tell a story that is based on the 175-year history of the world famous amusement and leisure park of the same name. The common denominator of the collection is a playful and international look. Normann Copenhagen worked with various forms like grids, grooves and dots, as well as with harlequins and golden accents. Design elements like repetition, combination, transparency and movement were applied in the collection, whereby language of form, patterns and colours provide the various product groups with a common DNA. These have also been used in the three mirrors, which, in the set, can easily be placed on the floor as a collage or occupy their traditional place on the wall.

The French designer Inga Sempé designed four different mirrors for Magis, which can be used either as an individual product or as a collage. The models can be hung both vertically or horizontally, or simply lean against the wall. The various coloured surfaces are surrounded by a frame of flexible plastic. "In antique stores one will often find mirrors referred to as Venetian; they have a central glass element that is surrounded by small pieces of mirror. This is a useful and beautiful solution that is at the same time both frame and mirror. I wanted to further develop this idea in the Vitrail collection and combine transparent and coloured mirrors", says Inga Sempé of her stylish creation.