When you're dining in a limited space, it's essential to utilize all the small dining room ideas that can make the most of your space, and small dining room mirror ideas should be at the top of your hit list.
It's no secret that mirrors are one of the most effective design tools for maximizing the sense of space and light in any beautiful setting. A small dining room is no exception.
When used in the right way, with careful attention to scale, proportion, window position and frame design, mirrors have the power to transform the potential of even the smallest residential eatery. Read this article to find out why the most valuable purchase for a small dining room is a mirror.
small dining room mirror ideas
No matter the size, shape, or frame design of your mirror, if you're going to hang it on a wall, make sure it's secure. Stucco or drywall is not strong enough to support a heavy wall mirror. Make sure the planned location can be secured with screws to the wooden support frame at the back. Wall plugs, available from £5 for a set on Amazon, are your best friend when installing mirrors safely.
1.Reflect light (fitting)
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Mirrors are not the only thing you need to consider when decorating a small space, dining room lighting ideas also play an important role. “Traditionally, mirrors are hung above the mantelpiece or on the wall at head height, and this rule still works well today,” explains Lucy St. George, co-founder of Rocket St. George To do.
“Keep in mind that a mirror of this height will reflect the chandelier or ceiling light you choose for the center of your dining room, and that reflection will create a gorgeous feature. So you'll see two reflections in the mirror. So be sure to choose lights with an element of wow factor,” Lucy added. Also, take into account the glare from shadowless or too bright bulbs. Otherwise, sparkling conversations will not be the only thing that will dazzle your guests.
2. Find the perfect frame
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Just like in any other room, you can use mirror frame designs to enhance the overall aesthetic of your dining room. In a traditional home, ornate gold frames add a touch of luxury, but for more modern dining room ideas, such as industrial décor, crisp frames inspired by Crittal are a good choice.
When dealing with a dining room that is short on space, it helps to consider visual weight. Chunky mirror frames can be intimidating and tower over your dining table. Instead, look for mirrors with narrow frames. This rare example provides plenty of decorative interest without dominating the room.
3. Choose foxed grass
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Using mirrored glass in a dining room alcove is a classic way to create a sense of depth, as if you're peering into the next room. If you bring it all the way to the ceiling, the illusion of expanding the “hall of mirrors'' will be further enhanced.
Using mirrored glass with a foxed or distressed finish gives you all the benefits of reflective spaciousness, but with a more sophisticated feel. Diffuse reflection may also be preferred when using such a large number of mirrors. Few people like watching themselves eat.
Antique mirrors give a more delicate and soft impression in small spaces compared to plain mirrors. You get all the reflected light, but with character and warmth,” enthuses bespoke mirror specialist Rupert Bevan. When considering antique mirror options, look for a supplier that does hand silver plating and antique work. The effect is more organic and no two panels are the same. ”
4. Process curves
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Curves have an instant softening effect and can really change the feeling of space, especially if the dining set is in a corner. Increase the impact by making the circular mirror oversized. A really big design brings all the drama to your dining room wall decoration ideas.
Placing a large, curved mirror above a small, curved dining table is a clever way to reflect shape and play with scale, securing the mirror as the focal point of the room.
5. Use multiple mirrors
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“For small dining rooms, I often recommend a small decorative mirror, perhaps grouping collections on the wall or using mirrored candle sconces for additional lighting,” says interior designer Kate Guinness says. “That way you get all the benefits of sparkle and reflective light without having anything that dominates the room.”
Create smart dining room wall decoration ideas by hanging groups of mirrors in a similar way to a painting gallery, paying attention to the proportions and the distance between each mirror. Placing a two or three mirror with an interesting frame offset from the dining table will give a more modern look than placing it in the center of the wall.
6. Highlight your focus
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Above the fireplace is a prime area to hang a mirror, which helps keep the charming fireplace from getting buried behind a small dining room table.
Hang a mirror on the wall above your mantel to create more space for display items like sconces and foliage. Aim for a gap of about 10-12cm between the bottom of the mirror frame and the mantel. Placing a mirror above the mantel will create a more relaxing atmosphere, but be sure to mount the mirror securely to the wall for safety.
7. Raise low ceilings
(Image credit: Fentiman Design)
For small dining rooms that aren't tall enough or wide enough, strategically placed mirrors are the go-to solution for expanding the space. “If you have very low ceilings, such as in a traditional cottage, you might choose a fairly large mirror,” recommends Ciara Epson, founder of Fentiman Design. Placing three of her tall, slim mirrors side by side also has the effect of elongating the wall.
Place the mirror on the wall so that you can look into it comfortably when standing, but leave enough breathing room at the top to avoid being crushed by the ceiling. “Just like any piece of art, people often fall into the trap of hanging mirrors too high,” Ciara added.
8. Elegant shape of sauce
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Mirrors come in all shapes and sizes, from tall window-style arches to starburst and scalloped designs. Personal choice obviously plays a big role in narrowing down your choices, but Noor Chachavki of Celine Interiors's He Design says that an oval mirror is perfect for his small dining space.
“They provide a sense of elegance, thereby creating the illusion of size,” explains Noor. “You want to avoid mirrors that are overly decorative or too tied to a particular style or era. For example, avoid a heavy Art Deco look, or a mirror that will distract from the rest of the room. I think it will.”
9. Broaden your horizons
(Image credit: Fiona Duke / Anna Stathaki)
Plane mirrors have long been recognized for their potential to expand space, and convex mirrors have a similar effect, but even more so. A convex mirror may be of little use for applying lipstick or shaving, but its superpower in a small dining room lies in its ability to draw the entire room into its curves.
Convex glass inherently reflects a much wider field of view, allowing you to see every corner at a glance. The larger the diameter of the convex mirror, the more the room visually expands from all angles.
10. Take it to the floor
(Image provided by: Melody Maison)
A floor-standing mirror allows you to bring the light you need into the corner of your small dining room and enjoy a more spacious environment. An oversized ornate mirror leaning against the wall behind the dining table will reflect light into the room and create a great focal point in a small space.
If you're worried about small children bumping into the floor-standing mirror, place a small side table or planter in front of it. Mirrors labeled “lean mirrors” do not need to be fixed to a wall, but care should be taken when using them on slippery floors such as laminate. You can use rubber mats or drawer liners for added grip.
Where should I place a mirror in a small dining room?
If you want to reflect sunlight into your small dining room, and you should, start by thinking about which direction your windows face and what times of day you'll use the room most. . In north-facing rooms, you can usually install a mirror on the wall opposite the window without creating glare. However, in a south-facing dining room, it is often better to place a mirror on the wall adjacent to the window wall.
Test the mirror to check the reflection before hanging. Also avoid hanging two mirrors directly across from each other, as the infinity mirror effect can be very disconcerting.
Small dining room mirrors are generally more decorative than practical, so they are not used for hair styling or teeth brushing. It is not so important to hang a mirror at a comfortable height to see your reflection. Instead, place mirrors where they reflect a feature, such as a chandelier, or above a focal point, such as a sideboard or modern fireplace idea. Always avoid placing a mirror at sitting height as it can be distracting while eating.
What size mirror should I have in my dining room?
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing the perfect mirror size for your dining room. “For a unique take on the timeless gallery wall trend, add character to your dining room walls with a mix of vintage, foxed, or distressed mirrors in various sizes.” Rockett St George co-founder Lucy St George suggests:
For a more formal approach, a general rule of thumb is to choose a mirror that's about two-thirds the size of what you'll be hanging above it, such as a side table, dining table, or fireplace. Leave enough space above and below so the wall room can breathe and the mirror can be placed in place.