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We all know that mirrors can make a room look larger, but when it comes to actually hanging mirrors in your home, it can be difficult to install them properly. “Sure, mirrors are the cheapest way to brighten up a dark room or give the feeling of more square footage, but if you're trying to achieve these goals, you really need to know how to use mirrors.” says the design professional and HGTV host. Burn Yip, author of Vacation at Home and Design Wise.
“Many people make the mistake of using mirrors that are too small, or thinking that they can achieve this effect by grouping small mirrors together; That said, you're probably still wondering which shape is best and the answers to other important questions. “What type of frame?” Where exactly should you hang your mirror for maximum decorative potential? Here, decorating pros offer proven tips for making mirror magic. Reveal the secret.
1. Literally reflect on the beauty of nature.
What can seem more expansive than Mother Nature? “Use mirrors to reflect the nature outside your window,” suggests Paula McHugh, designer and founder of Belltown Design. He explains that by doing this, you can “bring the outside scenery into the room and make the room feel larger.''
There's a reason why 90 degree angles are important when it comes to home design. Sharp angles often make a room feel cramped and uncomfortable. please do not worry. Mirrors come in handy in strange spaces like this. “If you have an angled wall in your room, be sure to set it aside to hang a large mirror,” McHugh recommends. I say this trick is effective. “It allows for reflections from multiple angles, making the room appear larger.”
Do you have limited wall space? Don't limit yourself to just wall-mounted mirrors. “Using mirrored furniture and other reflective surfaces can also create the illusion of space,” says Isfira Jensen, CEO and lead designer at Nufacet Interiors. “Consider using a mirrored coffee table, accent table, or storage console to reflect light into the room.”
4. Think big (but with a small frame)
“Using mirrors to make a room appear larger requires a bit of strategy,” warns Jensen, who recommends “always choose a large mirror with a small frame and a minimalist design.” An oversized mirror (the bigger the better) can be a panacea for small rooms, as it expands the visual sense of space, as long as you use a fairly simple frame.
“Decorative items can interfere with the goal of making a place feel larger,” says Yip. Where does he go? All of his Infinity Mirror collection from CB2. “It’s very affordable and comes in both round and rectangular shapes,” he added.
Unless you're hanging a mirror above a headboard or mantel, the best place to install it is at the average person's eye level, or about 60 inches from the floor to the center of the mirror. This also applies to artwork. A common hanging height can become a thread of continuity that ties a space together, Yip says.
In other words, hanging wall art and mirrors at a roughly even height will make the entire room feel larger. Leave some breathing space on the walls as well. “Mirrors look best with at least a 2-inch border from the edge of the frame to the edge of the wall or ceiling,” suggests Yip.
6. Pair the mirror and light source
Will Taylor, design professional and creator of the Bright Bazaar blog, says this reflective trick brightens a room and adds ambience and dimension. His favorite combination is his Instagram-famous Anthropologie primrose wall with his mirror on the table in front of his lamp. “The ornate surround acts as a visual frame for the lamp itself,” he says.
It's not just lighting that goes well with mirrors. Candles and mirrors are also an ideal combination. “I have this antique glass mirror candle holder on my bathroom wall, and I love how the light flickers around the room at night,” says Taylor.
It may sound silly, but leaning a large mirror against your patio or balcony can make your outdoor area seem just as spacious as your indoors, says designer Vanessa de Vargas. Choose a mirror that is rustic enough to withstand the elements. “You can never keep it in perfect condition, so you want it to look good even if it gets a little wet,” she says.
8. Find a design that does double duty
Mirrors with shelves are designer Angela Belt's secret weapon for small spaces. She hung it next to her bed, about 30 inches off the ground. Not only does it make your bedroom feel more elevated, but you can also use it as a nightstand or vanity by storing a storage ottoman underneath.
Another trick Belt used in the bedroom? As with the vanity mirror above, place the mirror directly across from the window. If you have enough light reflecting around your space, you can make your wall colors bolder and moodier. This placement tip will definitely enhance its brightening effect.
9. Mirror your walls (yes, the entire wall)
“Mirrored walls are also a widely used option,” says Jensen. “Custom-fitted mirror panels have the ability to double the visual space of a room by not only creating depth, but also visually extending the boundaries of the room beyond its actual limits. .”
Is there a small hallway? Designer Elaine Griffin suggests countering the 'tunnel effect' by having one side of the wall mirrored. “The sides that are usually not seen first when approaching the hall should be reflected in the mirror,” she says.
If you're not into the all-over mirrored look, an oversized wall mirror can also work well. “My favorite is the steel-wrapped ‘infinity’ mirror,” she says. “IKEA has the most versatile and least expensive product called HOVET, which measures 31″ x 7”.
10. Combine one (or more) with a painting.
Wall art that's too small can make the entire space feel sparse, so Griffin likes to add a mirror as an easy solution. “Starburst mirrors are very effective for this,” she says. She just hangs one on each side of the art and voila! — A visually balanced setup and more light reflecting around the room. A sun or starburst mirror can also stand in for art in itself, if it's large enough. This is evidenced by the dining her corner above.