Blimey, talking about mirrors, eh? Takes me right back to that tiny flat in Clapham I had years ago – the one with the single, sad little bathroom mirror that made the whole place feel like a shoebox. I spent ages, I tell you, *ages*, hunting for something to open it up. That’s when you really start noticing frames, you know? Not just the glass, but the whole blooming package.
Now, Kirklands. Oh, I’ve had a proper poke around their offerings, both online and in a store out in Kent last autumn. It’s a bit of a treasure hunt, really. What defines their mirrors? It’s not about one single "look." It’s more a… vibe. A very specific, cosy, "American farmhouse-had-a-baby-with-French-country" sort of vibe. The frames are the star of the show, almost always. You won't find many sleek, frameless numbers there.
The styles? Cor, where to start. If it can be distressed, weathered, or look like it’s been salvaged from a charmingly dilapidated barn, Kirklands has probably done it. Think chunky, reclaimed wood frames with visible grain and a whitewash finish. Or ornate, curved mouldings in a soft antique gold or bronze – not gaudy, mind you, but that sort of "grandma’s heirloom" warmth. Loads of them have these… added bits. Like a faux chicken wire mesh over the glass, or little hooks on the bottom rail for hanging towels or fairy lights. It’s all about that *layered*, collected feel.
Sizes are a proper mixed bag, which is handy. They’ve got your standard over-the-dressing-table rectangles, sure. But they also love a good oversized statement piece. I saw one in their showroom – must’ve been nearly five feet tall – with a massive, carved grey wood frame. Made my back ache just thinking about hanging it! Then you’ve got the sets: a trio of smaller round mirrors with rope detailing, meant to be hung in a cluster. Or those long, lean horizontal ones, perfect for above a sofa where a massive painting might be too much.
Here’s the thing you only know from seeing them in person, though. The weight. Or sometimes, the lack of it. Some of those chunky wood frames? Surprisingly light – they’re often a lightweight MDF with a *very* convincing finish. Others, the ones with more metal or solid wood, have a proper heft to them. You gotta check the specs, or better yet, give it a careful lift in the shop. Learned that the hard way after ordering one online that turned up and felt like it was filled with polystyrene!
My personal take? I adore the *idea* of their ornate, gilded ones. Had my eye on a sunburst style for a client’s hallway in Chelsea last year. But for my own gaff? I lean towards their simpler, wood-and-iron combinations. Feels more grounded, less like it’s trying too hard. Some of the super distressed ones can tip over into "shabby" without the "chic," if you ask me. It’s a fine line!
So, to wrap this ramble up… Kirklands mirrors are defined by frames that tell a story – a rustic, cosy, slightly vintage one. The sizes are there to make a solo statement or to play as part of a group. They’re less about reflecting a perfect, minimalist reality and more about adding a bit of character, a bit of *texture*, to your wall. Just mind your back when you unbox them!
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