Decorating With Mirrors

Mirrors are fantastic for various reasons: they reflect light, broaden spaces, and make rooms look more appealing in general. But, before you begin hanging them right, left, and center, there are a few things you should consider.

Mirror decorating is more complicated than you might expect. Of course, certain rooms have apparent placement options, and some frame styles are obvious choices, but employ these helpful tips to get the most out of your mirror décor.

Think About the Reflection

Consider what’s on the other side of the mirror before hanging it. While we frequently hang mirrors depending on the available wall space, it is important to consider what will be reflected in it.

When placed opposite an important picture, architectural element, or piece of furniture, it emphasizes the importance of that item, just as it does when hung across from something unappealing. Hang a mirror across from a window whenever possible. The amount of light in the space will be greatly increased.

Install a Mirrored Wall to Make a Statement

While a large image may overrun a space – especially a tiny one — a large mirror will have the opposite effect. A larger mirror will only make a room feel brighter and bigger as long as the frame isn’t too bulky, so choose a style with larger proportions rather than one with relatively modest proportions.

If there isn’t enough wall space to hang a mirror, a floor-standing mirror is an excellent alternative. If a dramatic impression is desired, you might have a specialist install a whole mirrored wall to visually double your living area’s size.

Consider a Big Mirror

Don’t be scared to use a large mirror in a limited room. Mirrors offer depth and space, which can help make a small room feel larger.

A full-length mirror lying against the wall is an excellent decorative element for a small room. Mirrors are also useful in tight spaces such as hallways.

Ensure That the Mirror Placement Is Optimal

 

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Among the oldest but best tricks in the book is strategically placing mirrors where the light naturally falls; it amplifies the natural light and makes the room seem so much brighter and larger. A strategically positioned mirror across from a window will reflect natural light and flora into a smaller room, assisting in bringing the outdoors in.

Don’t Forget About Design

Mirrors can be modern, edgy, traditional, or classic—they can be anything. The frame determines everything. When selecting a mirror in a frame, consider the effect you want to achieve.

A stunning Chinoiserie mirror will have a much different impact on a room than a plain wooden frame. There’s also the mirror itself; antique and smokey glass mirrors with flaws may be incredibly dramatic and add a lot to a room’s aesthetic.

Add as an Elegant Touch Between Two Windows

Mirrors are beautiful because they exist in various sizes and shapes, both maximalist and minimalist. We mentioned placement earlier, and it’s not necessarily about putting a mirror in obvious places like above the mantel; they may also work particularly well in less obvious places.

Use Several Mirrors at the Same Time

Don’t be afraid to use mirrors to create a gallery wall. When determining where to position them, treat them as a single unit, just like any other photo wall.

On the other hand, a mirrored gallery wall will appear best in a space with little clutter. All of the frames might be aesthetically busy, which can be overwhelming in a tiny, congested environment.

Establish a Focal Point

a mirror near a table and a potted plant

Mirrors are excellent focal points. That’s why they’re so popular atop mantels and dining room buffets.

With sconces on either side, you’ll have the ideal focal point in any area. If you like to go even bigger, a wall entirely made of mirrors is a fantastic feature.

Choose a Frame Style to Complement Your Decor

When it comes to decorating with mirrors, frame weight is crucial. Grand, dense, sculpted, or dark-colored mirror frames are ideally suited to small mirrors used as focal points or giant mirrors in vast, traditionally-styled rooms.

Mirrors with more subtle frames are a preferable alternative for more modern environments. If your room is extremely small, frameless mirrors will provide dimension without taking up too much space.

Furniture With Mirrors

Mirrored furniture has been popular for many years. While it can be useful for reflecting light and elongating walls, you should not use it in a busy environment. The additional reflections will be too much.

With Clever Positioning, Use a Mirror to Reflect Light

If the primary function is to reflect light, it should be placed adjacent to a window instead of opposite it, as this will allow it to reflect the most light.

If your room is extremely dark, placing a lamp or wall light next to or in front of a mirror can quadruple its light-boosting effect.

Hang Mirrors Properly

 

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A little nail driven into the wall will not suffice. Use proper picture hangers or wall hooks, and use at least two (one at either end). This will keep the mirror flush against the wall.

A wire hung from a single hook is not only hazardous, but it can cause the mirror to rest at an angle against the wall, distorting the reflection. If the mirror is particularly heavy, have it hung by a professional.

Utilize Mirrors to Make a Small Room Feel Larger and Brighter

Overmantel mirrors are more traditional, but alcove mirrors have a unique benefit — or two. For starters, they provide twice the wall space for mirrors, making a small, dark living room feel twice as bright compared to a single mirror — especially in the corner farthest from the window.

Second, they allow table lamps to be placed in front of the mirrors on console tables, meaning that when set alight, artificial light has a more space-enhancing, brightening effect.

Use a Mirror to Set the Tone of Your Layout

Overmantel mirrors have long been used to create a focal point. It is an excellent way to reflect the objects on the mantlepiece and other items in the room, like a lovely light fitting.

When selecting a mirror for a mantlepiece, consider its dimensions. It will look out of place if it is too small, so make sure it fills at least two-thirds of the mantelpiece’s width.

Mirrors work nicely with lighting to create an atmosphere in your scheme by reflecting all of the gorgeous design aspects around you. A stunning mirror enhances natural light and manifests glowing reflections all around the room, from the shadows that bounce off the walls to the subtle ambiance of sidelights.

There are many alternatives for introducing the magic of mirrors to your house, with so many types and sizes available.  Mirrors are great for a home gym too! Here are the benefits of setting up a home gym, and if you do set one up, we’re sure this mirror decorating guide can help you.