Almost every time I'm asked to do an initial consultation of a newly purchased condo of a certain vintage, my prospective clients open the door and there I am, seeing multiple images of myself in miles and miles of unadulterated 1970s wall-to-wall mirrors. More often than not, the clients then proceed to tell me how much they love the mirrors — because they reflect the view. Right there and then begins the arduous task of convincing them that the mirrors must go.

The question to ask is: Upon further reflection, are mirrors really the way to go?

Like an important painting, the views should be enjoyed for what they are and the beauty they provide. The idea that one can actually improve the view by adding mirrors is a contrived concept. Wall-to-wall mirrors actually date the decor, as it was a staple design element of the 1970s and '80s.

Let's set the record straight. I'm not against mirrors, but sometimes — OK, most of the time — they are overused. Mirrors can have a magical or disastrous effect. When used appropriately, mirrors can make a small room appear larger, and they can also help to "bounce" light into dark, cave-like rooms.

The downside of using too many mirrors is that sometimes they can create an "Alice in Wonderland" effect by distorting reality. This could cause a person to think they are suffering from vertigo. Mirrors can cause a "backlash" effect, reflecting the backsides of furniture and multiplying the unsightly views of unfinished cabinetry and electric-cord mayhem running to and from lamps. In addition, as we age, wall-to-wall mirrors become an unfaithful friend, revealing to us, in full detail, all that is wrong with the passing of time.

However, mirrors can be used effectively to reflect architectural features such as columns, fireplaces and even off-centered windows. The objective is to give a room balance. One clever use of mirrors is as reflective surfaces for light, accomplished by lining the casing of a window in order to bounce light into a dark room.

Other effective methods for using mirrors include lining the back of a bookcase or etagere. In addition to reflecting light, this enhances the perception of depth in shallow or narrow rooms. Mirrors can also be used to highlight the beauty of an objet d'art so that it can be viewed from all angles. Framed mirrors are also a way to introduce light and the perception of depth into a room. Framed mirrors can be traditional or contemporary in style, and they help create a room's focal point or act as an accent in a room.

A current trend is mirrored furniture. Talented interior designers used mirrored furniture as a way to add some sparkle to a room. When used judiciously, mirrors can enhance a room. However, this is certainly a case of "less is more."

Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Florida. To find out more about Joseph Pubillones, or to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: at Unsplash