Mirror by Design

Book excerpt: She begins with an intriguing tour through the history of the mirror, from its origins in prehistory right up to the present. With the help of 200 spectacular photographs, she demonstrates the many remarkable ways in which mirror has been used over the past three centuries to transform spaces of every size and shape. Using dozens of examples, ranging from the Palace at Versailles to a modern shoe store in New York City, she describes techniques developed by architects and designers to alter perspectives and change the way people respond to both private and public spaces. Ms. Heyne explores the use of mirror in a variety of settings - from bedrooms, living rooms, exercise rooms, and nurseries, to restaurants, lobbies, clothing stores, and hospitals. She offers valuable technical advice on the uses and misuses of mirror in a wide variety of settings and summarizes what is known about the psychological impact of mirror in each setting.