Bring the Outside In with Round Beaded Wall Mirrors
Looking to add a touch of natural style to your home decor? Consider hanging a rustic and bohemian-inspired round beaded wall mirror. With their tactile wooden beads and organic shapes, beaded mirrors infuse spaces with the texture and coziness of the great outdoors.
You'll discover how they can reflect light, expand small spaces, and bring a relaxed, earthy vibe to your bedroom, bathroom, living room, and more.
What Are Beaded Wall Mirrors?
Beaded wall mirrors feature a frame covered in tiny, rounded wood beads. The beads bring visual interest and handmade appeal to an otherwise ordinary mirror. Popular styles range from the casual boho chic look with uneven natural beads to more uniform vintage designs.
To create a beaded frame, artisans carefully string each tiny bead by hand and secure them tightly to the frame backing. Depending on the technique, the beads may be individually tied or strung closely together on a cord. The frame is then affixed to the mirror's reflective surface.
Beaded mirrors come in oval, rectangle and circle shapes. Smaller styles can be hung with hidden hardware while larger mirrors may need central hangers or hooks. Sizes range from intimate 15-inch diameter styles for small spaces to dramatic 40-inch mirrors perfect for grand entryways.
Materials
For an authentic natural look, beaded mirror frames use real wood materials like oak, walnut, pine and teak. The natural variations in the wood's grain and color add depth and visual interest.
Other organic materials like abaca or rattan are sometimes used for a beachy vibe. Many beaded mirrors today also incorporate eco-friendly production methods and sustainably sourced woods for an earthy style that's gentler on the environment.
Craftsmanship
From selecting and hand-stringing each small bead to affixing the finished frame, beaded mirrors require skilled artistry. Experienced beadworkers expertly shape, stain, and assemble the wooden components.
Conscientious techniques like tight beading patterns and durable hanging hardware ensure the mirror's longevity. Those opting for custom sizes or made-to-order finishes can achieve the ideal look for their space.
Benefits of Beaded Mirrors
Reflect Light
With their reflective surface and often rounded shape, beaded mirrors help bounce and amplify light. Hang one on darker walls or in a dim hallway to brighten up the space. The light-reflecting qualities also make rooms feel more open and airy.
Place a beaded mirror to reflect exterior views from windows or opposite attractive artwork to double their impact. The mirror frames the view, showcasing it in a new way.
Expand Space
The reflective qualities of any mirror visually expand the space it's in. A beaded mirror on the wall across from a window makes the room feel significantly larger by reflecting the light and view. The effect works best when the mirror is hung around eye level.
Even small round beaded mirrors can help diminish the closed-in feeling of tight spaces like powder rooms, entryways, and studios. Just be sure to allow proper clearance so the mirror's frame doesn't become a nuisance.
Natural Style
With their tactile wooden beads and handcrafted appeal, beaded mirrors bring the beauty of nature indoors. The rustic yet refined look works in casual bohemian spaces as well as more elegant farmhouse designs.
The organic shapes and natural materials create a relaxing, welcoming look and texture. Just looking at a beaded mirror evokes the laidback feeling of a cozy cabin or spa retreat.
Versatility
From modern lofts to traditional homes, beaded mirrors complement a range of decor styles. They pair just as well with sleek mid-century furniture as they do with cozy cottagecore vibes. The eclectic look also works with various wall colors and art styles.
While circular styles mounted individually create a striking focal point, creative clusters of different sized beaded mirrors can make a serious style statement. Their versatility makes them a go-to accent piece.
Styling and Placement Tips
Entryway
Welcome guests to your home with a chic beaded mirror in the entryway. Hang one above a console table or directly on the wall. Open up small foyers by hanging a mirror opposite the front door to reflect light and views outdoors. If the mirror is by the door, guests can quickly check their hair or straighten coats and accessories on their way out.
Bedroom
A round beaded mirror is right at home in bohemian and cottage-style bedrooms. Hanging one above a dresser provides a pretty focal point for the room. Try mirroring bedroom windows with an opposite beaded mirror. The reflection makes cramped spaces appear more open and airy.
Make a dramatic style statement by hanging matching beaded mirrors on either side of the bed. The organic wood texture adds warmth and atmosphere to the intimate space.
Bathroom
Beaded mirrors lend bathroom spaces a soothing, spa-like vibe. Hang a small style opposite windows to reflect light and views, instantly expanding tiny powder rooms. Or place an oval beaded mirror above the vanity to complement marble, woven baskets, and fresh flowers.
Use rectangular beaded mirrors to line up with tub and shower proportions for a custom built-in look. The warm wood tones add natural beauty to tile and stone materials.
Living Room
In laid-back living rooms, a single large beaded mirror makes an earthy focal point when hung above the mantel or fireplace. Add warm ambient lighting to create a cozy cabin atmosphere. Incorporate natural elements like woven blankets, pinecones, and driftwood decor throughout the rest of the space.
Cluster an eclectic arrangement of different sized round beaded mirrors near seating areas to add bohemian personality. Contrast the organic shapes with sleek mid-century sofas and polished concrete or marble coffee tables.
Dining Room
Define the dining space and reflect hanging pendant lights above the table with a large circular beaded mirror. For homes with picture windows, hang it across the room to showcase views of the backyard or cityscape.
Incorporate wooden dining chairs, natural edge tables, and dried floral centerpieces to complement the mirror's earthy vibe. Or try it in sleek modern dining rooms to soften cold metal and glass.
Sourcing and Shopping Tips
While you can often find beaded mirrors at neighborhood home stores like Target or IKEA, boutique home decor shops and handcraft marketplaces offer more unique artisan styles. Etsy, Anthropologie, and West Elm are great sources with broad online inventories to browse.
Brands like Golden Vintage and Threshold offer very affordable mass-produced versions. Look for sales around holidays like Black Friday and Labor Day. Beaded mirrors make great Christmas gifts too.
Consider scale carefully - a frame that's too small looks out of place and skimpy above a fireplace or sideboard, for example. Measure the wall area ahead of time if shopping online.
When evaluating quality, check that beadwork is evenly spaced and tight. Run a hand gently over the frame to ensure none of the beads are loose. Avoid mirrors with glue showing through beads. Check that hanging hardware is secure.
Source decor like woven wool throws, rattan side tables, dried grasses, and silk plants to complement your new beaded mirror. Keep wood tones cohesive for a pulled together look.
Caring for Your Beaded Mirror
While beaded mirror frames are designed to remain secure for years, take some basic precautions to help your mirror maintain its good looks.
Gently dust the beads every week or two to prevent buildup of dirt and grime. Wipe down with a slightly damp, soft cloth if needed - avoid over-wetting the wood. Test specialty cleaners in an inconspicuous spot first.
Keep beaded mirrors out of direct sunlight, which can cause fading over time. Consider spraying surfaces with transparent hairspray to help beads adhere if any become loose from cleaning or vibrations.
When moving homes, carefully pack mirrors with plenty of cushioning to prevent jostling and damage to beads. Check for loose beads and restring as needed after a move.
Bringing the Outside In
One of the wonderful qualities of natural wood beaded mirrors is their ability to bring the feeling of outdoors inside. They evoke forest hikes, beach strolls and mountain cabins in any room you hang them.
Play up the organic vibe with natural wood frames on artwork, woven wicker baskets, and sleek concrete planters. Incorporate real plants like trailing ivy, orchids, and succulents to complement the woodsy surroundings.
Use layered natural fiber rugs, cotton pillows, and yoga mats to create a relaxing sanctuary-like feel. A few focused aromatherapy or Himalayan salt lamps can help complete the zen spa ambiance.
If you're looking to infuse any living space with natural texture and cozy warmth, consider hanging a rustic and bohemian-style round beaded wall mirror. With artisanal details like wooden beads and organic shapes, they create a relaxing and eco-friendly focal point.
Use creatively placed beaded mirrors to reflect light, expand tight spaces, and complement a range of casual to elegant decor styles. Follow our tips to style them in entryways, bedrooms, bathrooms, living and dining rooms. Just looking at a handcrafted beaded mirror evokes feelings of comfort, calm and the great outdoors.