Buddha statues have become a very popular decorative piece among designers today.  In the classical Mandalay style, Buddha is often displayed as seated in vajrasana (a Yoga posture designed to remove drowsiness, strengthen the spine, help digestion, and enhance meditation) with the right hand in the bhumisparsa mudra and the left lying in the lap. The uttarasanga (the upper robe of the Buddhist monastic garment, the “triple robe” or tricivara) is worn in the open mode and the sanghati (the outer robe of this garment) is folded decoratively on the left shoulder.  The Mandalay style of Buddhist statue was developed towards the end of the eighteenth or in the early nineteenth century. Mandalay was the last capital (1860–1885) of the last independent Burmese Kingdom before annexation by the British after the Third Anglo-Burmese War in 1885. 

Although, during the 6th Century, Buddhism was welcomed by the ruling nobles as Japan’s new state religion, it did not initially spread among the common people due to its complex theories. During the Nara Period of the 8th century, the great Buddhist monasteries in the capital city of Nara, such as Todaiji, gained strong political influence. This problem of politically ambitious and militant monasteries remained a main issue for the governments over many centuries of Japanese history. A Japanese Buddha statue used as a decorative accent or as the main focal point takes one back to those turbulent times.

Theravada Buddhism has been the predominant religion in Thailand since early recorded history. For over 2500 years the people of Thailand have followed the peaceful and self-reflective teachings of the Buddha, or “Dharma.”  These teachings evolved directly out of the “dharma” of Hinduism, which in that context is “the way things work”. They inform all parts of the society within the kingdom, uniting the Thai people into a harmonious whole.  The Buddha’s air of majesty and mystery can be captured to enhance your home decor in an expertly crafted statue.

Many home decorators are featuring statues of knights in armor as accent pieces.  The education of a future knight began very early with lessons in courtesy and manners at home.  By the age of seven or eight, he would be sent away to serve as a page in the king’s household.  There he would learn cleanliness, religion, singing, dancing, playing an instrument, battling techniques, and sometimes reading.  His duties as a squire included the care of the horses, equipment, and armor of the knight who was his master.  The knight was his tutor and the squire was expected to accompany him into battle.  When the squire’s training was judged to be complete, he could finally become a knight himself. 

A pewter helmet, covering the whole head with just a slit for the eyes, conjures up images of chivalrous Medieval knights on gallant steeds who were brave in battle, always loyal, and ever ready to sacrifice themselves for God and their kings. At the beginning of the Middle Ages, knights were often poor; however, over time they became wealthier land-owners. Eventually, in order to hold this position, a man had to be nobility, meaning that either his father or grandfather had also been a knight. Even though they were the highest of class, they were still bound by the Code of Chivalry, the pact that every knight had to live by. It promoted courtesy, generosity, compassion, and most importantly, loyalty.

Plastic framed mirrors in vivid colors make great decorative bedroom accents that can be matched to your child’s bedroom theme.  If you are decorating your daughter’s room with a princess theme, a purple or pink crown-shaped mirror is a functional accent piece.  Or for your budding movie star, hang a silver, green, or blue star mirror on her wall.  Your child can be on television when he or she peers into a TV wall mirror complete with antennae and knobs.  Make your child’s bedroom into a fun and special place by decorating with colorful accents.

Ok, so we’ve talked about old, elegant, Victorian mirrors, the history of the mirror, and even the supersitions associated with mirrors, but how about kids’ mirrors?  As we switch gears now, get ready to replace cherubs and flourishes with neon colors and wacky shaped frames.  Funky puzzle pieces, bright stars, curvey hearts, ruby red lips - any of these are great shapes for a mirror frame.  Many kids’ mirrors are whimsical pieces of modern art that will brighten any room.

Through the centuries, many superstitions regarding mirrors have developed.  According to tradition, if you break a mirror, you will receive seven years of bad luck.  Why?  Some believe that the mirror reflects part of the soul, and so breaking the mirror breaks part of the soul.  After the seven years, the soul regenerates and returns, unbroken.  Another legend claims that a vampire will show no reflection in a mirror because he has already lost his soul.  Nevertheless, all of this is merely susperstition and through the centuries, people have  used mirrors in their homes as elegant decor and for personal grooming.

A very practical, yet ornate, decorative accent that greatly enhances home decor is the Victorian wall mirror.  Homes in the Victorian era were known for their elaborately decorated rooms.  This elegance has been captured in the designs of mirror frames made from modern materials such as fiberglass resin.  Cherubs, angels, flowers, and scrolls are the typical artistic renderings that grace these classic mirrors.  Mirrors were an important decorative home accessory in the Victorian era and continue to enhance home decor today.