Aside from being conveniently positioned for a final check on your outfit before leaving the house, mirrors are a clever design feature that can be used to add impact and create the illusion of more space.
Mirrors are especially useful in rooms that lack natural light. They can instantly transform a small space into an open and airy one simply by reflecting light. Plus, did we mention how much style and personality mirrors can bring to a room?
“Mirrors are one of the easiest decorative items to incorporate into a space and can really transform the feel of a space depending on their shape, style and placement,” says Clotilde Passalacqua, interior design manager for IKEA UK and Ireland.
If you're stumped for inspiration, here are 13 clever ways to use mirrors around your home to add that “wow” factor.
1) Hang it above the mantelpiece
Hanging a large horizontal mirror between above the mantelpiece and your alcove cabinet will add instant impact and make a room feel larger. “The right shape and design can add huge personality to a room,” says designer Garrett Harper of Bespoke Carpentry London.
Be sure to place it at the right height and not too far above your fireplace. A general guideline is to allow 4-6 inches of space between the mantel and the base of the mirror.
A gold asymmetrical mirror makes an impact above the mantelpiece from Bespoke Carpentry London.
2) Show a room with a great view
Use a mirror to mirror the view from one side of the room to the other – perfect for bedrooms and living rooms. Think carefully about what you want the mirror to reflect – art, shelves, lighting, plants, furniture, walls, etc.
Another useful trick is to carefully place a mirror so that it reflects other rooms, for example, placing one over a fireplace in a living room that overlooks the hallway.
While we recommend choosing a mirror that suits the style of your space, Danielle Le Vaillant, head of photography and film at Cox & Cox, prefers mirrors with window frames: “Position the mirror so that it reflects your favorite angle indoors or a view of your garden outdoors. Of course, this mirror frame is perfect for rooms without windows.”
3) Make a small room look larger and brighter
This is one of the oldest tricks out there, but mirrors can instantly make a small space look bigger or brighten up a dark room.
A good rule of thumb is to strategically place large mirrors near light sources or opposite windows to reflect and amplify natural light. “A strategically placed mirror can instantly make a space appear larger and more open,” says Sam Greig, senior designer at Swoon. “Mirrors reflect light and bounce it around the room, creating the illusion of depth and making even the smallest room feel larger.”
Alternatively, you can place a table or floor lamp next to a mirror to achieve a similar effect. For best results, use ambient or warm lighting rather than cool white to avoid dazzling reflected light.
4) Round it
'“Placing a mirror over a sofa or a large sideboard can create a dramatic focal point and add depth, making a room feel larger,” says Lisa Jones, editorial design manager at Dunelm. “It's also worth considering choosing a mirror that matches the scale of the room and fits flush against the wall without overpowering the space. Round mirrors add a softness and work well in both traditional and contemporary spaces.”
5) Create a striking focal point
Similar to a feature or statement wall in a room, a decorative mirror can also create a focal point, adding personality and visual interest to a room.
'“Create a striking mirror that becomes the focal point of your 'style spot',” agree Jane Lockett and Lucy St George of Lockett St George. “Whether it's on a sideboard, console table or mantelpiece, it will add the finishing touch to your carefully chosen collection of decor pieces and accessories.”
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6) Create a mirror gallery
Essentially, a mirror gallery is a collection of accent mirrors that add visual interest to a room. They can be leaned against a wall or shelf, or hung. If you choose to hang them, plan your layout by placing all the mirrors in the desired position on the floor. Start with the center and then move on to the mirrors around the perimeter, making sure, of course, that they are securely fastened to the wall.
'“For a gallery-style wall, smaller mismatched mirrors create a beautiful effect of multiple reflections, creating a lively, sociable feel that's perfect for entertaining rooms such as living rooms and dining rooms,” says Daniel.
Mix and match a variety of themes, from coastal to jewel tones, to instantly jazz up a blank wall and create a unique and striking mirror gallery that will impress your guests.
7) Add dimension to your stairs
Stairs are often forgotten, but they can feel dark and claustrophobic, especially if they're narrow. Of course, mirrors are a clever way to make a space seem larger, adding light and dimension. “If you have a narrow staircase, incorporating a mirror along the wall can make it appear wider and also add an element of elegance,” says Sam.
Another idea is to hang a large or full-length mirror on the wall opposite the foot of the stairs, which will reflect the stairs you are climbing, creating depth and making the room feel less claustrophobic.
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8) Make a DIY mirror wall
A modern way to jazz up a blank wall in DIY style is to opt for a mirrored wall. A full-length mirrored wall creates the illusion of more space to move around in, making it feel airy and it can even make low ceilings appear higher.
“An even easier option is to create your own bespoke mirror wall – simply stick as many mirrors as you like to the wall with double-sided tape – it's completely customisable,” says Clotilde.
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9) Hide your flaws
If you want to hide small imperfections in your walls, mirrors are a smart way to do so without having to repaint them. Mirror decor doesn't have to be traditional rectangles or squares. Choose geometric or striking designs that will act as accents and focal points on your walls. Or, look for styles that come in sets of three or five.
10) Opt for a mirrored door
If you don't want to have oversized mirrors everywhere, why not opt for mirrored doors? Sliding wardrobe doors are usually suitable for bedrooms, as they make the space look bigger and highlight the bed. You can also invest in a handy storage shelf with sliding mirrored doors.
11) Get a mirror-finished splashback
While there's a trend towards ceramic, natural stone tile and marble splashbacks in kitchens and bathrooms, using a mirror can create a dramatic backsplash, says Sam.
'“If you're looking to create a unique effect in your home, try using mirrors in a unique way as a backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom. A mirrored backsplash not only adds glamour and elegance, but also creates a bright and airy feel in the room,” explains Sam.
12) Use in the hallway
Even if your hallway is small or unattractive, a mirror can instantly transform the space, making it appear larger and adding a touch of glamour to your hallway.
'“Hallways are often overlooked when it comes to decorating with mirrors, but they're a great opportunity to create a stylish, bright, and inviting space,” agrees Lisa. “Placing a mirror near or opposite a window or door to reflect natural light, or opposite a light fixture, will brighten up your hallway and make it feel more inviting.”
13) Put it outside
Mirrors are great not only for interior spaces, but also for outdoor areas. Garden mirrors are becoming increasingly popular as they can make a space look larger and reflect the beauty of plants.
'“We're not shy about using mirrors around the home, but they're also great in the garden – to make a small garden look bigger and/or create a talking point,” say Jane and Lucy. “Lean a large free-standing mirror against a patio or terrace wall to reflect your collection of pretty plant pots and outdoor furniture. Alternatively, use a Crittall-style mirror to create a focal point – its strong, graphic lines create a stunning contrast in an otherwise more free-flowing space.”
With its elegant, rustic, window-inspired frame, the Garden Mirror is a striking décor piece that successfully brings the indoors to the outdoors. Before placing a mirror outdoors, always make sure it is designed for outdoor use and that safety measures are in place to protect it from harsh weather conditions.
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Cynthia Lawrence is a freelance lifestyle and interiors journalist. Passionate about home and interior design, she writes about interior inspiration, clever solutions, buying guides and luxury hotel reviews.
