Not only is a mirror a good place to take a final look at your outfit before leaving the house, it's also a clever design feature that can be used to make an impact and make the space seem larger.
Especially useful in rooms lacking natural light, mirrors can instantly make a small space feel open and airy by simply reflecting light. Plus, did we mention how much style and personality mirrors can bring to your room?
“Mirrors are the easiest decorative items to incorporate into a space, changing the perception of a space through their shape, style and placement,” says Clotilde Passalacqua, interior design manager at IKEA UK and Ireland.
If you're short on inspiration, here are 13 clever ways to use mirrors in your home to give it that 'wow' factor.
1) Hang it above the mantelpiece
Hanging a large mirror horizontally above the mantel and between the alcove cabinets creates an instant impact and makes the room feel larger. “A well-chosen shape and design can add great personality to a room,” says designer Garrett Harper of Bespoke Carpentry London.
Be sure to install it at the correct height and be careful not to place it too high above the fireplace. A general rule of thumb is to make sure the space between the mantel and the bottom of the mirror is 4 to 6 inches.
Anita Taraniuk
A gold asymmetrical mirror adds impact above the mantel at Bespoke Carpentry London
2) Show the view of the room
Using a mirror to reflect the view from one side of the room to the other works beautifully in a bedroom or living room. Think carefully about what you want to see in the mirror – artwork, shelves, lighting, plants, furniture, walls, etc.
Another useful trick is to carefully position mirrors so that they reflect different rooms. For example, place a mirror above the fireplace in the living room that looks into the hallway.
While we recommend choosing a mirror to match the style of your space, Daniel Le Vaillon, head of photography and film at Cox & Cox, recommends choosing a mirror with a window-shaped frame. I prefer mirrors. “Arrange it so that your favorite scenery is reflected in it.” The angle of the room indoors, or the view of your garden outdoors. And of course, this is the obvious choice of mirror frames for rooms without windows. ”
3) Make a small room look bigger and brighter
This is the oldest trick in the book, but mirrors can instantly make small spaces look bigger and brighten dark rooms.
A general rule of thumb is to strategically place large mirrors near a light source or on the opposite side of a window to reflect and amplify natural light. “Strategically placed mirrors can instantly make a space seem larger and more open,” says Sam Greig, senior designer at Swoon. “Mirrors create the illusion of depth by reflecting light and bouncing it around the room, making even the smallest room feel larger.”
Alternatively, you can achieve a similar effect by placing a table or floor lamp next to the mirror. For best results, use ambient or warm lighting instead of cool white to reduce glare after reflections.
4) Make it round
“Placing a mirror above a sofa or large sideboard creates a dramatic focal point while adding depth and making a room feel larger,” says Lisa Jones, Editorial Design Manager at Dunelm. says Mr. “Depending on the size of the room, it's also worth considering choosing a mirror that fits the wall and doesn't overwhelm the space. Round mirrors add softness and are suitable for both traditional and contemporary spaces. ”
5) Create a striking focal point
Just like a feature or statement wall in a room, a decorative mirror can create a focal point and can also add personality and visual interest to a room.
“Create a statement that reflects the focus of your 'style spot,'” agree Jane Lockett and Lucy St. George of Lockett St. George. “Whether placed on a sideboard, on a console table or on a mantel, it adds the finishing touch to a carefully curated collection of decor and accessories.”
John Lewis John Lewis Round Art Mirror, 80cm, Blue Credit: John Lewis & Partners
Beauty Alyssa Pink & Green Glass Wall Mirror Credit: Oliver Bonas
Beauty Isabella Resin Wall Mirror Medium Credit: Oliver Bonas
6) Create a mirror gallery
Basically, a mirror gallery is a carefully selected group of accent mirrors to create visual interest in a room. You can lean it against a wall or shelf, or hang it. If it's the latter, plan the layout by placing all the mirrors in their desired positions on the floor. Start in the center before moving to other mirrors around you. Of course, make sure the mirror is securely fixed to the wall.
“A gallery-style wall of small mismatched mirrors creates a beautiful effect with multiple reflections, creating a vibrant, sociable atmosphere, perfect for rooms where you entertain, such as the living room or dining room.” says Daniel.
From coastal to jewel tones, you can mix and match different themes to instantly enhance the look of a blank wall and create a unique and striking mirror gallery that will impress your guests.
Danielle Le Vaillant / Cox & CoxCreate a mirror gallery by combining different styles.Shop at Cox & Cox
7) Add dimension to the stairs
Stairs are often forgotten, especially narrow ones, which can feel very dark and closed in. Of course, mirrors are a clever way to expand a space and add light and dimension. “If your stairs are narrow, incorporating mirrors along the walls can make them appear larger and add an element of elegance,” says Sam.
Another idea is to hang a large mirror or full-length wall mirror opposite the foot of the stairs. This makes the stairs you climb reflective, creating more depth and making you feel less claustrophobic.
Rectangular Necklace Link Mirror Credit: Pooky
Curved wall mirror black 150 x 60cm Credit: Heal's
2 Oval Section Wall Mirror Antique Gold Credit: Barker and Stonehouse
8) Make a DIY mirrored wall
A modern way to spruce up a blank wall in DIY style is to opt for mirrored walls. Mirroring the entire wall gives the illusion of more room to move around, creating a sense of openness. It can also make low ceilings look higher.
“For something simpler, create your own mirrored wall to suit your tastes. You can attach as many mirrors as you like to the wall using double-sided tape, making it completely customizable.” says Clotilde.
Mirrored wall at IKEA Brodlen, IKEA
Metro Tile Mirror Set of 6 Credit: Dunelm
Set of 4 square frameless wall mirror tiles Credit: B&Q
9) Hide defects
If you want to hide small imperfections in your walls, you can use mirrors to hide them without repainting the walls. Remember that decorations with mirrors do not necessarily have to be in the traditional rectangular or square shape. Create a stunning accent or focal point on your wall by choosing geometric patterns or statement designs. Alternatively, some styles come in sets of three or five.
Pooky Antique Gold Circle Link Mirror, Pooky
10) Choose mirrored doors
If you don't want to have big mirrors everywhere, why not choose a door with a mirror? Usually suitable for bedrooms, sliding wardrobe doors can greatly expand the space and add even more character to your bed. You can also invest in a handy storage cupboard with sliding mirrored doors.
sharp objects
11) Make it a mirror splashback
We tend to use ceramic, natural stone tiles or marble splashes in kitchens and bathrooms, but mirrors can make for a striking splash, says Sam.
“If you don't mind creating a unique effect in your home, try using a mirror as an unconventional backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom. A mirrored backsplash not only adds glamor and elegance, but also , which creates a bright and airy atmosphere in the room,” explains Sam.
12) Use in the hallway
Whether your hallway is small or uncomfortable, mirrors can instantly transform the space, making it appear larger and adding a touch of glamor to your hallway.
“Hallways are often overlooked when decorating with mirrors, but they're a great opportunity to create a stylish, bright and inviting space,” agrees Lisa. “Place them near or across from a window or door to reflect natural light, or on the opposite side of a light fixture, to brighten hallways and create a more inviting atmosphere.”
13) Place one outside
Mirrors are not only great for installing inside your home, but they also work great outdoors. Garden mirrors are becoming increasingly popular because they can make a space look magical and reflect the beauty of plants.
“While we're fine with using mirrors around the house, they're also great in the garden to make a small garden look larger or create a talking point (or both),” Jane and Lucy say. say. Hang a large freestanding mirror against the wall of your patio or terrace to reflect your cute collection of flower pots and outdoor furniture. Alternatively, use a Crittall-style mirror to create a focal point. Strong, graphic lines create surprising contrasts in a freer-flowing space. ”
Garden mirrors with elegant, rustic window-style frames create a striking, decorative feature that complements your indoor space. Before installing your mirror outdoors, be sure to check that the mirror is designed for outdoor use and take safety measures to protect it from extreme weather conditions.
WayfairSamode Indoor and Outdoor Area Rugs, Wayfair
Garden Mirror Credit: Primrose
Beatriz Wall Hanging Accent Mirror Credit: Wayfair
Churchgate Arched Indoor Outdoor Wall Mirror Credit: Dunelm
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