Most people often use mirrors as functional items for us to check our appearance when getting ready so we’re always looking sharp. However, mirrors can also be used as clever design features to add impact and luxury to our homes.
In addition, when positioned correctly, mirrors can create depth and expansiveness – especially when a room lacks natural light. All you need is the right location and design inspiration. So if you want to transform a room, here are seven great ways to use mirrors in your home, and add instant luxe appeal.
Above the mantelpiece
One of the more popular ways to decorate with mirrors is to hang a large mirror horizontally above the mantel or fireplace. However, you must position this at the right height, and avoid placing it way too high over the fireplace. This will only reflect the ceiling or walls, rather than be used functionally.
“One thing that always stands out is a well-chosen mirror sitting above a fire place and between a set of alcove cabinets can drastically improve the impact of this kind of space whilst also giving a feeling of greater space in the room,” says Garret Harper, designer at . “It’s a classic trick to use a mirror for this – to make a room feel bigger – but a well-chosen shape and design can also add a great deal of character to a room.”
Ranging from traditional styles to circular/geometric shapes, there are plenty of designs to suit your home. Bear in mind however, the general rule of thumb is for the space between the mantel and the bottom of the mirror to be 4 to 6 inches. This also applies to the space between the top of the mirror and the ceiling. Although this will depend on the ceiling height. Alternatively, if you don’t have a fireplace, you can hang a mirror over a table or dining area.
Oversized mirrors to make a room appear bigger and brighter
This is the oldest trick in the book, but mirrors can instantly make a small space appear bigger, and brighten a dark room. This is because it reflects natural light in the room to maximise ‘space’, and create a brighter, airy ambiance.
A general rule of thumb is to strategically place large mirrors near a light source or opposite a window to reflect and amplify natural lighting. “A strategically placed mirror can instantly make a space appear larger and more open,” says Sam Greig, senior designer at .
“By reflecting light and bouncing it around the room, mirrors create an illusion of depth and can make even the smallest of rooms feel more spacious. We’d recommend positioning your mirrors opposite windows to amplify natural light and create a more inviting and airy space.”
If you can’t face a window, you can place table lamps or a floor lamp next to a mirror which can also have a similar effect. For best results use ambient or warm lighting instead of cool white, so it doesn’t have an overwhelming glare once reflected. If you don’t have a mirror, any reflective surface such as stainless steel, glass and metallic accessories will do the job.
Create a gallery-style wall
If you want to create a focal point, a mirror gallery wall can be a great feature. you can create. Essentially, a mirror gallery wall is a curated group of accent mirrors to create visual interest in the room.
Before you hang them all up, plan your layout by placing all mirrors on the floor, in the position that you want. Measure the space on your wall, and ensure all mirrors have proper hanging equipment. Then, start by hanging the center mirror, before moving onto the other, surrounding mirrors.
“A gallery-style wall of mis-matched smaller mirrors can create a beautiful effect with multiple reflections creating a lively, sociable atmosphere that’s perfect for rooms you entertain in, such as the sitting or dining room,” states Danielle Le Vaillant, head of photography and film at .
Since these are versatile, you can opt for different themes. From a travel/coastal theme to a luxurious, jewel-toned mirror wall — you can change it up to suit your mood! The end results will be a unique and striking mirror gallery wall that will instantly spruce up a blank wall, and impress your guests.
Striking focal point
Similar to a feature or statement wall in a room, you can create a focal point with a striking mirror.
“A mirror above a sofa or large sideboard will create a striking focal point, while also adding depth making the room feel more expansive,” states Lisa Jones, editorial design manager at . “It’s also worth considering choosing a mirror that fits the wall and doesn’t overwhelm the space, by complementing the room’s scale. Round mirrors add a touch of softness and work in traditional and contemporary spaces.”
Adding a mirror focal point will also give the room character and visual interest – especially if it has a unique design.
“Make a statement mirror the focus of your ‘style spot’,” agrees Jane Rockett and Lucy St George of . “Whether it’s above a sideboard, console table or mantelpiece, it adds the finishing touch to your carefully curated collection of ornaments and accessories.”
Adding dimension to staircases
Staircases can often be forgotten about, and if it’s quite narrow, could feel dark and enclosed. Mirrors are a clever way of opening up the space, adding extra light, and more dimension to staircases.
“If your staircase is more on the narrow side, incorporating mirrors along the wall is a great way to make it appear wider, as well as adding an element of elegance,” agrees Greig.
In addition, if you hang a large or full-length wall mirror opposite the foot of the stairs, this will reflect the stairs going upwards, and create more depth. This will also make it feel less claustrophobic.
Create a mirrored feature wall
If you had a smaller room, or wanted to spruce up a boring, blank wall, why not go for a mirrored wall? Mirroring a whole wall gives the optical illusion that there is more room to move around, and makes it feel airy. It can even make low ceilings seem taller, and make the space look sleek.
Additionally, wall-mounted mirrors work well to reflect light, and will give your blank wall a stylish and contemporary makeover. Typically, a mirrored wall works well in living areas, hallways or even compact bathrooms.
“Similarly, instead of using ceramic, natural stone tiles or marble splashbacks for our kitchens and bathrooms, mirrors can make luxurious backsplashes,” says Greig.
“If you’re open to creating a unique effect in your home, try using mirrors as unconventional backsplashes in kitchens or bathrooms.
“Mirrored backsplashes not only add a touch of glamour and elegance, but also create a lighter and more open feel within the room.”
In addition, mirrored backsplashes work well in compact kitchens or bathrooms to help enlarge a space, and make it look more spacious.
Garden mirrors
Mirrors are not just restricted to placing inside our homes, but can make a great outdoor feature too. Garden mirrors have grown in popularity, as they can give the illusion of space, aswell as reflecting the beauty of your flowers or lush botanicals.
“We’re comfortable with using mirrors in our homes, but they’re also great in the garden to make small gardens look bigger or create a talking point (or both),” says Rockett and St George.
“Lean a large freestanding mirror against a patio or terrace wall to reflect your collection of pretty plant pots or outdoor furniture. Alternatively, use a Crittall-style mirror to create a focus point – the strong, graphic lines make a stunning contrast within a more free-flowing space.”
With their elegant, rustic, window-style frames, garden mirrors make a striking, decorative feature that successfully brings the indoors out. Before installing mirrors outside, always ensure that they are designed for outdoor use and take safety precautions to protect them from extreme weather conditions.
Hallway mirrors
Whether you have a narrow or uninviting hallway, mirrors can instantly transform the space. Not only can they make a narrow or compact hallway appear wider, but can also add a touch of hallway glamour.
“Hallways are often overlooked when it comes to decorating with mirrors, but they offer great opportunities to create a stylish, bright, and welcoming space,” agrees Jones.
“Placing near or opposite a window or door to reflect the natural light, or even opposite a light fixture, will brighten the hallway and make it feel more inviting.”
In particular, circular-shaped mirrors are a popular choice for hallways, as this softens the space (without the harsh angles), and looks more luxurious.