Oval Mirrors

Few decorations are as classic and timeless as an oval mirror. The classic shape of the oval mirror seems to bring out the most creative impulses in designers. It's as if each designer wants to leave his or her highly individual mark on this timeless design. As such, you'll find that some of the most interesting, unexpected mirrors are designed around the basic, oval shape.

Oval Mirrors, Rectangular Frames

For instance, many designers like to set plain oval mirrors within ornate, rectangular frames. Picture a small, oval mirror set within an antique silver frame. The frame is square in shape, and molded with silver garlands, flowers and leaves. A mirror like this would look fantastic against cooler colors, such as a robin's egg blue entry way or jade green dining room.

Some of the most interesting oval mirrors are framed with natural materials. Imagine a large, oval mirror that is framed by braided rope. The nubby texture of the rope plays nicely against the smooth, sleek finish of the mirror.

Other unique framing materials include leather, painted wood and bark. Frames can also be made to look unique by the application of interesting washes. For example, an oval-shaped, metal frame that has been finished in dark brown, then distressed with a dark gray wash, will look as rich and appealing as burnished leather. Complex coloring such as this looks particularly beautiful against plain white walls.