Creative use of mirrors can make a huge difference in how bright and spacious your home feels. Mirrors create the illusion of space when strategically placed to capture light, both glowing natural light and artificial mood light, and diffuse it into dark corners and reflect windows and doorways.
“It’s no secret in design that mirrors make a room appear larger, but did you know that where and how you hang your mirrors can make a big difference in how much extra space you get? “Putting a mirror opposite the door you enter a room will instantly make the space you enter feel larger,” says interior design expert and former contestant on the BBC's Interior Design Masters, Amy Wilson.
Below, we'll look at six ways you can use mirrors to make your home look bigger and brighter.
Use a mirror…
improve light
huntley hedworth
“Mirrors are masters at creating the illusion of space,'' says Vicki Foster, interior stylist at ScS, “Mirrors instantly bounce light around a room, making everything feel more open and spacious.'' Placing a mirror on the opposite side of the room or in a corner where you need more light is a great solution to expanding the light in the room. It's a natural, non-intrusive method. ”
Place a mirror in an area with natural light and add a mirror near a window to double the effect. When choosing height and placement, consider what the mirror will reflect. If you need to hang it higher than expected to catch the glow of a nearby lamp or a burst of sunlight, so be it. If it looks completely out of place, consider building a gallery wall around it to balance it out, or displaying it on a picture shelf.
Creating textures
nick carter
Mirrors can be used to create textures in several ways. In a literal sense, a patinaed mirror has the texture of an aged, weathered surface. If you don't like the idea of having lots of well-polished mirrors around the room, these are a great solution. Perhaps your space has a lot of antiques and a patina mirror would be a better fit.
You can also install textured mirror frames, such as bobbin, bamboo, unfinished wood, or upholstered ones. You can also position mirrors to reflect textured objects already in the room, such as a rustic coffee table, a wall-hanging tapestry, or a vase full of flowers.
mirrors to brighten your home
country living wooden arch mirror
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Credit: Homebase
Olive Round Bobbin Mirror Credit: Glassette
Otsa Miller Weathered Acacia
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Credit: OKA
Aurora Green Glass Wall Mirror Credit: Oliver Bonas
show off your garden
Remember that mirrors are not just for indoors. If you've spent a lot of time and effort creating a beautiful garden, why not reflect on it and enjoy it from more angles?
Garden mirrors can be installed in different locations to create a powerful effect. For example, you can create the idea of a secret entrance for a garden perimeter surrounded by blooming shrubs.
Alternatively, you can place three small mirrors along the wall to make your garden seating area appear larger.
dress up the mantel
Left: Huntley Hedworth, Right: Annie Sloan Right: Door painted with Knightsbridge Green Satin Paint, wall painted with Piranesi Pink Wall Paint, both at Annie Sloan
“Putting a large mirror above the fireplace is a popular option, but many people hang the mirror too high so it only reflects the ceiling and not the rest of the room,” says Amy. “Instead of hanging a mirror, consider lowering the mirror by leaning it on a mantel or shelf. Propping a small mirror on a shelf or windowsill helps draw the eye beyond surrounding objects. This is especially effective if you hit something made of metal.'' before. ”
create the illusion of space
Mark Scott, Rachel Whiting
It is important to consider the size, shape, and placement of the mirror to achieve the desired effect. Large mirrors or mirrored wall installations tend to be more effective in creating the illusion of space, but even small strategically placed mirrors can contribute to the overall expansion of a room.
Placing a mirror on the opposite side of a window will reflect the scenery beyond, creating a sense of the outdoors, while placing a mirror on the other side of a doorway will blur the boundaries of the room and extend the line of sight to the outside space. . Industrial-style paneled wall mirrors create the illusion of a window with a missing mirror, while narrow corners can be mostly hidden with tall, angled mirrors.
decorate the hallway
Polly Wreford
Corridors tend to be narrow and dark, with limited natural light coming through the glass of the front door. Mirrors are your best friend here, especially since they can collect and reflect light from adjacent rooms.
If your hallway is a bit bland and boxy, aim for rounded frames to soften the harsh lines.
country living room selection
Country Living Kirkton Sofa Credit: DFS
Misan Bookshelf Credit: OKA
Country Living Talland Accent Chair Credit: DFS
Country Living Dakota Wool Carpet Credit: Carpetright
Country Living Falmouth Ceramic Table Lamp Credit: Homebase
Jallen Storage Coffee Table Credit: Perch and Parrot
Churchgate Herringbone Natural Cushion Credit: Dunelm
Clemence Pedestal Side Table Credit: John Lewis & Partners
Pembroke Full Body Arch Mirror Credit: The White Company
Emma-Louise Pritchard is Membership Director at Country Living UK and House Beautiful UK and was previously Executive Digital Editor at Country Living UK. Emma-Louise is a digital expert specializing in content strategy, social media and newsletters. Her topics include sustainability, home and interiors, gardening, health and wellbeing, pets, travel and country news. She has previously written for Good Housekeeping and Cosmopolitan, and has won several awards, from AOP Digital Editor of the Year 2019 to PPA 30 Under 30. Emma-Louise studied at Cardiff University where she obtained a Master's degree in Magazine Journalism.
Rachel Edwards is Country Living and House Beautiful's Style & Interiors Editor, covering all things design and decor, with a special interest in small space inspiration, vintage and antique shopping, and anything related to color. Her work has been widely translated by Elle Japan and Elle Deco Spain. Rachel has spent over 10 years in the furniture and homeware industry as a writer and FF&E designer, and has worked for many years as a marketing manager at Skandium, a cult design retailer. She holds a BA in French and Italian from Royal Holloway and an MA in Journalism from Kingston University. Follow Rachel on Instagram @rachelaed