Mirrors like these help drivers on switchback roads spot oncoming traffic before they turn the sharp corners. Mirrors in our homes can be almost as useful if you think carefully before you choose and position them.

Mirrors actually almost turn into pictures, framing a reflection instead of art. This makes it critical to take a look at what a mirror will show before placing it on the wall.

Is your mirror merely decorative or also functional? Setting a mirror just inside a commonly-used home exit provides an opportunity for family members to do a quick final check of how they look before leaving. However to make this work, the shortest and tallest family members need to be able to see themselves. This often means hanging a mirror lower than you expect. Find an average eye level that will work for everyone.

Mirrors can also brighten a room by reflecting window light. Consider adding a mirror in a dark corner positioned to grab some light from elsewhere in the room. As before, experiment with placement to make sure it meets your light goals well.

You have other opportunities to create reflections in your home. Using shiny or metallic accessories provides reflective surfaces. A well-polished wood floor or some tiles also add a reflective quality that can add light or interest to a space. As you plan or rearrange your home, pay attention to how reflections can add style and personality to your home.

This screened dining room is perfect for summer and warm days any time of year. This room may have been created from a simple balcony but now feels like a room. It’s got an indoor/outdoor feel to the space. The French doors, all three of them, open the interior of the home to the outdoors.  The screen walls make the room feel like it is floating in the tree tops, like a modern tree house! The screen protects against wayward insects and menacing mosquitoes.

The  light painted floors open up the space. The sleek table and benches in warm wood feel modern but not cold. The tree in the corner really brings the outdoors in, as does the plant in the simple terra cotta planter on the table.  A ceiling fan is a wise choice to keep the air moving and provide relief from the heat if there isn’t a breeze.  This is a simple space that manages to have a lot of style.

A few things we might add to the space would be seasonal accessories.  A roll down natural reed or bamboo shade to cut the heat and bright sunlight during the day would be a smart addition to the long screen wall. We also might add long, loose cushions to the benches to make them more inviting to linger over a meal or drinks.  While we love the idea of a ceiling fan in this space, this one feels a little small. Perhaps a slightly larger fan with a light source would be better. Although, we do like the idea of candlelight suppers in this space.