From its ability to accentuate the light around a room to its status as a glamorous décor piece, the power of mirrors needs no explanation. For centuries, this decorative item has made a lasting impact on spaces, and its appeal continues through all seasons.
Decorating with mirrors increases light levels and instantly maximises the sense of space in your home, so it's no wonder they remain at the top of designers' to-do lists – but they're not the only professionals looking to use mirrors to improve spaces.
Real estate agents also suggest that mirror staging is one of the best ways to increase the value of your home, so if you're trying to sell your property, how you use this piece of furniture could be the solution.
5 Ways to Decorate Your Home with Mirrors – According to the Experts
Whether you want to enhance your hallway mirror ideas or are thinking of carrying this impression into your garden, these staging tips will transform your space in no time.
1. A statement piece that is both functional and beautiful
(Image courtesy of Future / Brent Darby)
When decorating with a mirror, it's natural to start with a focal piece in the room. Antiques expert and founder of Renaissance London, Owen Pacey, suggests choosing a decorative mirror that combines functionality and beauty, because a good-looking mirror is the best way to enhance a space.
“Statement mirrors come in all shapes and sizes. From Italian gold leaf mirrors with golden acanthus leaves to 1970s Murano glass in the lustrousest pinks, emeralds and sapphires, vintage mirrors are real conversation starters,” he says. “They also act as a reflection of the larger areas of a room, enhancing the perception of space and making it feel more spacious.”
2. Consider reflections
(Image courtesy of Future / James Merrell)
While a mirror's appearance is important, its reflection can have an equally big impact on the staging of your home. Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin, suggests hanging mirrors around adjacent rooms to create flow between spaces.
“When it comes to placement, think about what you want to reflect,” he says. “You could hang a mirror opposite a window to bring the view outside inside, or place it by a door as a keyhole to see what's in the next room.”
And taking into account the mirror's reflection goes beyond aesthetic appeal: if you don't know why you would hang a mirror over your fireplace, the reason may be found in the teachings of Feng Shui. Experts recommend reflecting a garden (if possible) or plants in the mirror to fulfill the “cycle of creation” and fill the space with good energy, because a positive space is always more likely to sell faster.
3. Raise the entrance
(Image courtesy of Jonathan Adler)
Mirrors are a natural choice for adding a sense of space to your entryway. This space is the first thing people see in your home, so it's important to get the mirror right to make the room appear larger and invite guests inside.
Bo Hellberg, CMO of String Furniture, recommends keeping the area around your mirror uncluttered, encouraging you to invest in only functional items in this small space.
“Keep it simple and avoid clutter,” he says. “Start with an everyday feature and think about how you can make that feature elegant — like a simple mirror or pendant light. Or maybe some stylish hooks to hang things that look nice.”
4. Keep the exterior design in place
(Image courtesy of Alamy)
Mirrors add impact to any interior, so there's no reason why you can't bring that same power to your garden ideas too. Anne Haimes, design director and founder of Anne Haimes Interiors, suggests that “strategically hanging a mirror” on one wall or fence can “reflect the best parts of your garden,” resulting in a larger feeling in the space.
A single outdoor mirror seamlessly enhances small space garden ideas and creates a talking point with everyone who passes by your outdoor space.
5. Don't use too many mirrors
(Image courtesy of Future/Mark Bolton)
Designers are known for their flair for incorporating mirrors into their decorating ideas, but what if you're trying to sell your home? Carolyn Gagnon, a licensed real estate salesperson with Compass, recommends limiting the number of mirrors you have around your home and placing them strategically to highlight your home's best features.
“Mirrors are not just beautiful pieces of art, they are also incredibly useful and practical, especially when it comes to staging and selling property,” she says.
“When placing mirrors, think about where you can create focal points in the room, such as the reflection of a beautiful fireplace, and where you can make the space look larger. With all this in mind, it's best to avoid reflecting windows that offer a poor view. Of course, you don't want to overdo it with a house of mirrors.”