Mirrors in architecture have somehow gained the reputation of being cheap trickery. Part of this bad rap stems from the dreadful gold-veined mirror tiles that were so popular during the 1970s. They were applied haphazardly by laypeople and decorators alike, and became associated with all the other excesses of this period.

Such kitsch aside, mirrors are one of the simplest and most effective ways to enhance interior architecture. But to be successful, they must be integrated into the architecture, not applied as an afterthought.

1. First, make sure you buy good-quality float or plate glass mirrors. Cheaper mirrors have ripples that distort the reflection, as well as thin silvering, which will quickly corrode. Also, for a really clean installation, attach mirrors with mastic rather than clips (you may wish to have a glazier do this for you). Mirror size is limited mainly by cost and by the clearances available in your house; floor-to-ceiling mirrors up to 4 feet wide are not uncommon.