While reading 'The private world of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor" by Hugo Vickers, I noticed these fantastic mirrored doors in the Chinese Room of the Duke's bachelor quarters at York House (St. Jame's Palace).
These are not your developer grade sliding mirrored closet doors. I think they help what would otherwise be a rather dull but undeniably beautiful room come to life. I think this room looks very current, don't you? Do you like the idea of mirrored doors?
I wonder if they merely slide to one side or into the wall? Lovely room though, safe, but lovely.
ReplyDeleteI do and in our bedroom we mirrored the windows in our French doors -- for privacy from the other side -- it's magnificent!
ReplyDeleteEspecially at night when the lamps and chandeliers seem to go on "forever"!
I love the idea of expanding a room with a wall of mirrors and mirrored doors!
ReplyDeleteKarena
Art by Karena
I loved mirrored doors like Martha described, and mirrored the door from our master closet to the laundry room at the condo and it was terrific. But some panels or mullions make all the difference.
ReplyDeleteThere is a closet in our current master that has plain mirrored sliding doors. They're not great at all. That closet is getting closed up and added to the bath, I won't miss those doors at all.
Ahhh...vewwwy, vewwy clever...XXOO
ReplyDeleteGreat minds AD as I was getting ready to put together a post on the Duke's sense of style. The bachelor quarters are quite handsome and the mirrored doors are a brilliant design choice wouldn't you say?! Taking a step back and looking at them makes it appear like another room. Thanks for sharing the images!
ReplyDeleteBest regards,
Reynolds
LOVE THAT BOOK...love the Duke and Duchess of Windsor as well. From what I recall, didn't Elsie De Wolfe do all the homes for him, from the time he met Wallis? This looks so Moderne, so Elsie...to create the illusion of an open archway to another room with mirrors, her favorite magical tool. If you look closely, you can tell that the photographer gently opened the left door to let one know the illusion. There also seems to be a clear crystal/lucite round pull/knob on the same door. Clearly these are not pocket or sliding doors.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post on a lost trick the trade...or shall we say "Royal Ruse"
I am not a fan to often, but I think there is an exception to every rule, it would depend where and for what reason...
ReplyDeletesuch a good room. well scaled, traditional but fresh, comfortable...and mirrored doors and chinoiserie wallpaper...I'll take it!
ReplyDeleteAw, smoke and mirrors-On our honeymoon, many years ago, I fell in love with his and hers french door closets, with mirrored panes.
ReplyDeleteI must find a snap and send to you. In the middle was the loveliest vanity to apply make-up or to write a post-card.
Happy Easter to you!
pve
Here they look absolutely wonderful, as does the room....Have a very happy Easter, xv.
ReplyDeleteS-
ReplyDeleteThe room is so understated. There's nothing too pushed or forced or even expensive-looking. Even the carpet looks cheap-ish, but perhaps was not. It was only his 'bachelor quarters', not for formal entertaining.
It's English understatement at its best.
The mirrors work well--and are quite simple and restrained (they could have been bevelled to a fare-the-well.
This is a great, simple and truly useful idea, thank you.
cheers, DIANE
www.thestylesaloniste.com
I like it, because it extends the room, which makes your eyes think there is more to see. Also, it adds light to the room as well. Neat idea!
ReplyDeleteYes, so much better than the sliding version. I wonder if they worked like regular doors. Loved taking a peek into the Duke's quarters.
ReplyDeleteI have just discovered your blog, very interesting. Also I didn't know that the Prince of Wales had Chinese or chinoiserie wallpaper at York House - I wonder if it is still there?
ReplyDeleteI think the Duke and Duchess of Windsor were both morally and politically repugnant people, but oh my goodness they had style. How did you get pictures from inside St James Palace? Brilliantly done, you :)
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