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Mirrors design ideas


25 Mirror Decor Ideas From Designer Rooms

KARYN R MILLET, Karyn Millet


Ah, the power of strong mirror placement. Not only do mirrors brighten up an entire room by bouncing light and reflecting your gorgeous ray of sunshine face back into the space, but they also fill awkward corners and animate lackluster walls. And much like art and lighting, these decorative items can function as architectural statements or subtle accents. The mirror decor possibilities are truly endless. Arguably, mirrors are the greatest home invention (second only to the all-mighty toilet). So whether you want to spruce your walls, double-check an outfit or apply makeup, bounce light, and/or make a space feel larger than it is, these 25 mirror decor ideas from designer rooms will help you achieve your goals.

Aaron Leitz

A three-dimensional mirror secured to the velvet upholstered walls brings some angular edge to the plush, formal space designed by Alison Pickart.

JESSICA SAMPLE

Designer Dee Murphy added a custom brass shelf between the Hellman range and the hood to perch knickknacks and a mirror that makes the room look bigger. We know what you're thinking: A mirror in peak mess zone is going to collect grime. Good news: Murphy confirmed that it's not nearly as high-maintenance to keep clean as you'd think.

Tamsin Johnson Interiors

A sculptural backlit mirror piece above the mantel in this living room designed by Tamsin Johnson Interiors keeps us on our toes. While a classic mirror may feel expected, this striking element is anything but.

Thomas Loof

This genius small space solution gets a lot done while taking up as little of the floor as possible. Juan Carretero flanked the bed with two custom ceiling-high armoires that function as closets, and the niche beneath the built-in sconce functions as a bedside table. Mirrored exteriors make the bulky furniture seem invisible.

KARYN R MILLET

Wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling mirrors with an antique look create intrigue and make the open floor plan feel even more, well, open in this NYC home designed by Celerie Kemble.

LAURE JOLIET

Mirrored tiles maximize light and make you feel like you're in your own little disco ball universe of fun. In this kitchen designed by ETC.etera in L.A.'s Firehouse Hotel, the mirrored tile backsplash contrasts with the casual wicker stools.

Arent & Pyke

A gilt-framed mirror asserts just enough timelessness to this small living room designed by Arent & Pyke. The Art Deco floral rug, geometric cube table, and other fun contemporary and colorful accents steal the spotlight.

Nicole Franzen

The infinity effect works well in a modern, minimalist environment, such as this bathroom designed by Kristin Fine.

Heidi Caillier Design

Together with a large indoor tree, an antique standing mirror in this bedroom by Heidi Caillier makes perfect use of a corner.

Laure Joliet

In this primary bedroom designed by ETC.etera, the closet is separated by a curtain and separated by a flex wall that is elevated by mirror panels.

Floto Warner

Elizabeth Roberts Architects filled this nonworking fireplace can with plants. Put yours to use with a cluster of pine-scented candles to get that flickering flame effect and woodsy smell, and then place an organic mirror above the mantel.

Amy Neunsinger

Mark D. Sikes preserved the historic stained glass window in this powder room and even let it inspire the wallpaper pattern. A small blue medallion is amplified by the sky blue Katie Ridder wallpaper while all the red paint by the vanity area really pops.

Patrick McGrath Design

A small, wall-mounted demilune table brings old-world opulence to this apartment designed by Patrick McGrath, while the vibrant and eclectic leaning artwork and stacked books give it a laidback atmosphere. The mirror bounces natural light and the small surface provides just enough space to prop up photographs and flowers without jutting too far into the walkway.

Jared Kuzia

Alternating frames, sizes, and shapes make this experimental gallery wall of mirrors in a bathroom by Cecilia Casagrande both fun and practical.

Kingston Lafferty Design

A custom floating vanity table is mirrored, just like the wall behind it, in this purple and black bedroom designed by Kingston Lafferty Interiors. They flow right into each other, opening up the space and providing a surface worktop without cramping the bedside area.

AP Design House

A floor-length mirror right across from the large windows amplifies the natural sunlight even more in this minimalist dining room by AP Design House. But it's not just any old flood mirror! The curved top accentuates the traditional ceiling moldings for a hint of whimsy.

Thijs de Leeuw/Space Content/Living Inside

A frameless mirror blends right into this floral wallpapered powder room designed by Atelier ND, reflecting the artwork on the back wall. It's a true jewel box.

Tamsin Johnson Interiors

A large industrial mirror leans casually against the wall in this modern living room designed by Tamsin Johnson, reflecting both the edgy green carpet and black metal details as well as the laidback beachy vibe of the slipcovered seating and waterfront prints.

Tamsin Johnson Interiors

Tamsin Johnson extended the gorgeous custom marble material up from the vanity to the backsplash and even framed the double oval mirrors with it. The rich purple veining makes for a royally polished impression.

Emily Followill

The sweet patterned floor tiles and off-white painted shiplap walls bring a warm, neutral touch to this glam bathroom designed by Meredith McBrearty. The mirror-like material used for the tub look fresh paired with the brass fixtures.

Kingston Lafferty Design

A mirrored wall in the sunken lounge makes this small, architecturally quirky entrance by Kingston Lafferty Design appear much larger. A fun cone-shaped red pendant and pink curved bench bring the rustic archway to life.

Heather Hilliard Design

Make your walk-in closet feel like a bespoke dressing room with a three-way mirror. Add custom shelving for shoes, purses and other accessories like Heather Hilliard did here.

Tamsin Johnson Interiors

Instead of mirroring an entire wall, work with a local supplier to customize your mirrored glass to enhance specialty moldings. Here, the bulit-in closet enclosures in a bedroom by Tamsin Johnson break up the solid material while the paint color adds a nice contrast.

2LG Studio

Monochrome always looks cool and this 2LG Studios bathroom is no exception. They made the awkward corner into something awesome with a custom vanity and mirror.

Jonny Valiant

An antiqued mirror reflects light and makes the room feel larger, while the ghost chair keeps bulky furniture to a minimum for a wide-open feel. Follow designer Lindsey Bond's lead and upholster your floating shelf in leather, then add some nailhead trim for a tailored look.

Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.

ideas for how to use mirrors |

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti/Jody Stewart/Natalia Miyar)

Decorating with mirrors has more benefits than just giving you a place to check your outfit. A wonderfully versatile design feature, they add instant glamor and interest while also increasing natural light and maximizing the sense of space in your home.

One of the easiest decorating ideas, adding a mirror to any room in your home can have a significant impact on the appearance of the space. However, this is only true if you know the tricks of the trade to position them correctly and choose the right weight of frame and frame design.

'In terms of functionality, a mirror can be used to spread natural light and to create the illusion of space.If you have a small living room, consider mounting a large mirror above a fireplace, or style leaning against a focal wall. To maximize light, position mirrors in areas where natural light shines to reflect the light to more dimly lit areas - making the overall space feel brighter throughout the day,’ says Anna Franklin, interior designer and founder of Stone House Collective .

For some rooms, decorating with mirrors will seem straightforward with the design and placement seeming natural. For example, a large, decorative mirror will always look great above fireplace ideas. And there is more to this than its aesthetic. If you're wondering why you should hang mirrors over your fireplace, then Feng Shui teaching may have the answer. This good-looking trick fills a space with good energy, especially when reflecting your garden, as this will fulfill the 'Creative Cycle'. 

However, in other spaces, such as the kitchen or even bedrooms it might be more of a challenge. ‘The opportunities are endless with mirrors because of the number of styles they come in. Because of their ability to reflect light, a mirror is an amazing focal point at the end of a narrow space. Pair it with a table and a plant and you have a beautiful vignette,’ says Esther Dormer, founder and interior designer at Esther Dormer .

Mirrors are also a must for small rooms. ‘Adding large mirrors or a mirrored wall can create the perception of depth, making even the smallest room feel larger than it is,’ recommends Ally Maloney Winzer, principal at Maloney Interiors .

1. Places mirrors opposite windows to maxmize light

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)

Position is key when it comes to decorating with mirrors. It is especially useful for small living room ideas or small dining room ideas where you are trying to increase natural light in the room.

‘Placing mirrors where the light naturally falls is one of the oldest but best tricks in the book, it enhances the natural light and makes the room appear much larger and brighter. A carefully placed mirror that is opposite a window will echo the natural light and greenery into a smaller room, helping to bring the outdoors in,’ says  Jen & Mar, Co-Founders of Interior Fox .

2. Consider the glass-style as well as the frame 

(Image credit: Polly Eltes)

When decorating with mirrors, there are lots of elements to consider. As well as thinking of the style of the frame and its placement, also think about the appearance of the glass. 

‘Mirrors are a viable alternative to expensive pictures, and function as works of art in their own right,’ explains Antiques Roadshow expert Marc Allum. ‘What most people would call ‘worn out’ is a joy to others. Where the silvering on a period mirror is very poor and degraded, making it rather redundant as a mirror, it is actually a decorators dream and even adds value.’

3. Add mirrored tiles to the kitchen

(Image credit: Hulya Kolabas)

Incorporating mirrors into your kitchen ideas can brighten the space, adding a glamorous touch to what can be cold and clinical. This is particularly true for small kitchen ideas where space and light is often at a premium. 

There are several different options for decorating with mirrors in your kitchen, from mirrors placed on the walls through to mirrored kitchen cabinet ideas. However, your backsplash offers the perfect opportunity to add a reflective surface into your kitchen ideas. A minimalist and flawless mirror is a great addition to modern kitchen ideas, alternatively patinated and antique backsplash ideas are perfect for traditional kitchen ideas. However, both of these options can be complicated to install and will require regular cleaning. For a less demanding option consider creating a decorative backsplash with mirrored tile backsplash ideas.

'This mirrored backsplash is so special. I wanted to create many points of unique interest in this kitchen, and using mirrors was a perfect way to do that. Mirrors add an element of high-gloss glamour to any space without it feeling overdone. I also decided to keep the mirror backsplash focused to the coffee bar area because a little bit of mirror here goes a long way,' says Malka Helft, designer at Think Chic Interiors .

4. Opt for accent mirrored furniture

(Image credit: Jody Stewart)

Decorating with mirrors is not just reserved for oval designs hung on the walls. Mirrors can be integrated into all styles of furniture from sideboards to bed frames
– each design gives their reflective qualities a new dimension and increases the benefit.

Of course, it is important to select your mirrored furniture carefully or else your look can quickly go from sophisticated to tacky. Keep mirrored furniture to a minimum, it should be an accent piece that is positioned in a prime location. 

Another consideration is its maintenance. While there are many methods for how to clean mirrors, you don't want to be having to wipe your furniture multiple times a day. Therefore, when considering a piece of mirrored furniture, opt for something that doesn't see a lot of traffic – an occasionally open set of drawers will fair much better than a desk.  Also consider a design that features fretwork or overlays, which breaks up the appearance of the mirror, making it seem more sophisticated while also disguising streaks and marks.

5. Decorate your bedroom with a mirrored headboard

(Image credit: Future)

Occupying a large proportion of the wall space in your bedroom, your headboard offers the opportunity to add color, print and texture to your bedroom ideas. Acting as a focal point, your headboard also offers the perfect opportunity for decorating with mirrors.

When adding bedroom mirror ideas into your scheme, you must be cognisant of reflections, especially during the night – a wrongly placed mirror can reflect light towards where you are sleeping, disrupting your rest, or can quickly feel unsettling once the lights are turned out. By opting for a mirrored headboard, you have all the space and light increasing benefits by day, but it is practically invisible once you are in bed. Mirrored headboard ideas are also a great option for attic bedroom ideas, where wall space is limited.

Selecting a mirrored headboard with overlaid detailing also means that you don't have to worry about keeping the glass flawless as small marks and streaks will not be instantly obvious. 

6. Consider mirrored accessories for a touch of glamor

(Image credit: Interior Impressions)

When considering ways of decorating with mirrors, don't get too hung up on large scale additions – even the smallest mirrored accessories can make a difference to your space.  

'I love to use mirrors in more unexpected ways, such as here with a mirrored tray. It adds so much light and dimension to the coffee table, and creates some contrast. It's a low risk way to incorporate mirrors into your decor,' says Amy Leferink, designer at Interior Impressions .

7. Treat mirrors like artwork

(Image credit: Interior Impressions)

Consider decorating with mirrors in the same way you would add art to your walls. Opt for pretty frames and consider a layout inspired by gallery wall ideas.

'Mirrors can be treated like artwork, especially if you find ones that have some architectural details and bold design,' says Amy Leferink, designer at Interior Impressions. 'Here, using three very sculptural mirrors adds more than just light and reflection into the dining room. It's an easy, low-cost way to create a focal point on a wall and add visual intrigue.' 

8. Use mirrors to achieve a Regencycore aesthetic

(Image credit: Perlmutter & Freiwald)

With shows such as the Bridgerton and The Crown as popular as ever, Regencycore is very of the moment with homeowners all wanted to add a little bit of elegance to their interiors. Decorating with mirrors is an easy and cost-effect way to embrace the trend. 

'To help create a Regencycore-inspired design statement, select a large-scale mirror with gilded, intricate framing details. You can lean this on a main wall in a living room or entryway to make it a focal design element and give it a moment of its own within your home,' says Anna.

9. Ensure the mirror's reflection is worthy

(Image credit: Future/Paul Raeside)

‘When decorating with mirrors, we always recommend going for the largest mirror you can afford to make the most of every ray of light from your mirror’s reflection,' says Lucy St George of Rockett St George . 'Traditionally mirrors are often hung from the walls or placed on a mantlepiece to reflect your ceiling and opposite walls. So, make sure you consider what will be shown in the reflection and opt for a show-stopping chandelier or fabulous gallery wall of artwork to extend the wow factor. The clever trick of the reflection means you’ll now have two of these features, so the bolder and more beautiful, the better. '

10. Invest in bespoke glass panels for alcoves

(Image credit: Henry Prideaux)

Alcoves are an extremely useful architectural space in a living room, they can be used for bookcases, displaying artwork, or, use them to brighten and reflect instead by decorating with mirrors.

‘Adding custom antiqued mirror wall panels in the recesses either side of the fireplace in a large living room creates a subtle reflective surface and a gentle, diffused light within the space,’ shares London-based interior designer, Henry Prideaux . ‘Using this verre églomisé technique is a lovely way of distracting the eye beyond the main elements and emphasising all the unexpected little vignettes within the room instead.’

11. Install a mirrored wall for impact

(Image credit: VSP Interiors)

While a large picture might overpower a room – and particularly a small room – a large mirror will do the opposite. As long as the frame isn't too bulky (more on that below), decorating with mirrors on a larger scale will only serve to make a room feel bigger and brighter, so dare to pick a design that's on the larger side rather than one with more modest proportions.  

And if there's little wall space to hang a mirror, a floor-standing mirror is a great way of decorating with mirror. However, if a dramatic impact is your goal, you can ask a specialist to fit an entire mirrored wall to double the size of your living room – visually, anyway. This clever design by VSP Interiors fits around the fire surround and the painting has been hung as if it's a normal wall, and the result is striking. 

Also note the symmetry created by the two chandeliers and sofas, this gives a structure to the scheme, you don’t want it to be too busy as it will reflect back in the mirrored wall.

12. Create a gallery wall of mirrors to create a vignette

(Image credit: Graham & Green)

Not only is decorating with mirrors great for reflecting light, it can also give you the opportunity to create a vignette, especially when hung as a gallery, creating a light-reflecting, space-enhancing focal point. 

Round mirrors can also soften a space that's furnished with hard materials – and will be a better fit than square or rectangular pieces on an awkward-shaped wall.

13. Get the proportions of an overmantel mirror just right

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

Getting the size of your mirror right is vital when decorating with mirrors – and going too small will be more of a design issue than choosing one that's too large for the space. 

So, when it comes to choosing a mirror for a mantelpiece, ensure that it is the same width as the mantel or just a few inches smaller on each side. To make a ceiling feel higher, be generous with the height of your mirror, too – note how the perfectly proportioned mirror in this living room designed by Katie McCrum Interior Design reaches just above the top shelves of the alcoves.

14. Ensure mirror placement is maximized

(Image credit: Interior Fox)

Decorating with mirrors is a great way to enhance natural light and make the room appear larger and brighter. ‘A carefully placed mirror that is across from a window will echo the natural light and greenery into a smaller room, helping to bring the outdoors in,’ explains Jenna Choate, Co-Founder of interior design studio, Interior Fox.  

It’s also worth noting how a mirror can fit into a scheme – taking this image as an example, the slim black frame is followed through in the coffee table, window frames and artwork, creating a cohesive look that’s stylish to boot. 

15. Add a decorative touch between two windows

(Image credit: Future/Matthew Williams)

The beauty of decorating with mirrors is that they come in all shapes and sizes, minimalist and maximalist. We mention placement above, and it’s not always about popping up a mirror in the obvious places like above the mantel, they can work fabulously well when placed in more obscure spots too.

This stunning vintage mirror with its ornate detailing perfectly reflects the rest of this living room scheme by interior designer Athena Calderone , tricking the eye into believing the space is larger than it is. 

(Image credit: Graham & Green)

The larger the mirror, the more light you can bounce about and reflect back – which is the perfect antidote to a space that’s on the small side and lacking in light.  

We don’t just mean picking one that’s a basic rectangle either, be inventive and choose a design that has a decorative appeal – a beautiful curved top that mimics an old Victorian window pane will totally enhance your space from both a practical and style point of view. 

17. Pick a frame style to suit your scheme

(Image credit: Future / Alexander James)

Frame weight is important when it comes to decorating with mirrors. Grand, sculpted, dense or dark-colored mirror frames are best suited to big mirrors in large, traditionally-styled rooms or to small mirrors that you've chosen to be a focal point (again, more on that below). 

In more contemporary spaces, mirrors with more subtle framing are a better choice. If your room is particularly small, frameless mirrors will enhance the space without impinging on it. 

18. Choose mirrors as a decorative element

(Image credit: Natalia Miyar)

Consider approaching decorating with mirrors the same way you would pictures or painting – they should be a feature in themselves. They look particularly great in small bedroom ideas. So, if you have a space to fill in a room and have found a mirror with a beautiful frame, ensure it's displayed and positioned just like a picture would be – to be shown off.

19. Use a mirror to reflect light with clever positioning

(Image credit: Future/Brent Darby)

If a mirror's main function is to reflect light, its best position is adjacent to a window rather than opposite it – that way it can boost the maximum amount of light.

Decorating with mirrors is a great solution for light-starved rooms. Placing a lamp or wall light adjacent to or in front of a mirror can double its light-boosting effect. 

20. Get the mirror's height right

(Image credit: Future/Davide Lovatti)

Height is a key component for decorating with mirrors. When you hang a picture, you would usually place the mid-point of the art at eye-height – or around 5ft off the ground. Decorating with mirrors is subtly different: it needs to be positioned to provide the best reflection. In a hallway, this might mean at eye-height so that you can check your reflection before you leave the house; in a living space, it may hang higher to show off that wonderful light fitting. 

Having a piece of furniture below where a mirror hangs will affect its height too. Ideally, hang the mirror so that the bottom of the frame is nearer to the furniture below it than to the ceiling above, so that the connection between the furniture and the mirror is clear. Hang a mirror too high and it will feel disconnected from the rest of the room.

21. Set the tone of your scheme with a mirror

(Image credit: Future/Mark Bolton)

The overmantel mirror has long been favored as a way to create a focal point when decorating with mirrors. It is a wonderful way to reflect the items on the mantlepiece and other items in the room, such as a beautiful light fitting. 

If you are choosing a mirror for a mantlepiece, its proportions are important – too small and it will look misplaced, so ensure it fills out at least two-thirds of the width of the mantelpiece.  

'By reflecting all the beautiful design details around you, mirrors work perfectly with lighting to set the tone in your scheme. From the subtle ambiance of side lights to the shadows that bounce off the walls, a show-stopping mirror enhances natural light and projects glowing reflections all around the room.

'With so many styles and sizes available, there are myriad of options for introducing the magic of mirrors to your home,' says Lucy St George of Rockett St George.

22. Use mirrors to make a small space feel bigger and brighter

(Image credit: Future/Nick Smith)

Alcove mirrors are less traditional way of decorating with mirrors but they have a distinct advantage – or two. First, they offer double the wall space for mirrors, so a small, dark living room will feel twice as bright as with a single mirror – and particularly the corner furthest from the window. 

Secondly, they offer the opportunity for table lamps to sit in front the mirrors on console tables, which means that when lit, artificial light has more of a brightening, space-enhancing effect, too.

23. Layer an ornate mirror over mirrored panelling

(Image credit: Future/Mark Bolton)

Doubling up is a great and unusual way for decorating with mirrors. Artwork or even an ornate mirror looks fantastic hung on a mirrored wall. When creating a mirror for the backdrop of your wall decor ideas, it is important to consider the weight of the piece – contacting your glazier for advice or help on drilling through glass is a wise option.

24. Make a low ceiling feel higher and a small room larger

(Image credit: Future/Mel Yates)

A mirrored finish the front of fitted wardrobe is a fabulous idea when decorating with mirrors as it minimizes its impact of this large piece on the look and feel of a scheme. Decorating with mirrors also helps to create the illusion of spaciousness and is a great way to cheat the narrowing effect.

When used across a wall, it is vital to get the right mirror glass style for your space. Plain mirror glass is the practical choice, but if you want to create a vintage feel to a room, adding antiqued glass in panels or within a frame, such as in the kitchen above, will create more of a decorative effect, adding texture to a plain space.

25. Make a tiny bathroom feel larger with mirrored walls

(Image credit: Future/Davide Lovatti)

Decorating with mirrors is essential when designing small bathroom ideas. Designed in accordance with your small bathroom lighting ideas, they offer the perfect way to brighten and accentuate your space. 

This room is a superb example of how antiqued mirror glass can bring drama and atmosphere to a scheme, with panels featuring lightly foxed edges for further authenticity. 

The wall also makes this relatively small, low-ceilinged room feel much more spacious. 'Heavily antiqued mirror is currently on trend. It will utterly transform a room and bring real drama to any space,' says Rupert Bevan, managing director, Rupert Bevan .

(Image credit: Future/Malcolm Menzies)

Of course, decorating with mirrors isn't reserved just for items you can hang – mirror panels can adhere to walls just like tiles do, and it's this mirror type that can be used really successfully in spaces you might not normally consider, such as for kitchen backsplashes, for floor-to-ceiling treatments in bathrooms, and even on doors.

27. Use mirrors in the garden to cheat a small space

(Image credit: Future/Paul Raeside)

Decorating with mirrors in your garden is also a wonderful way to embrace the beauty of nature. Through the reflection of your outdoor mirror, you can essentially double up your plants to create a gorgeous, outdoor oasis with a tropical feel that will whisk you far away. It is a must for small garden ideas but will look great in larger garden designs. 

'Vintage and Crittall-style mirrors are personal favourite for me,' says Lucy St George of Rockett St George. 'These beautiful designs add structure and character to any setting and blend in beautifully amongst the other textures of the garden. Whether nestled amongst foliage or displayed against a rustic brick wall, a fabulous mirror helps to create your very own secret garden for enjoying the long, lazy days of summer.’

‘Mirrors are one of a few brilliant design tricks that we can steal from our interiors and introduce into the garden,' says Jane Rockett. 'In the same way as in the home, mirrors are perfect for creating additional space in smaller courtyards and patios by reflecting natural sunlight back into the garden.'

How do you decorate a room with a mirror?

To decorate a room with a mirror, you should treat it like you would a piece of art, choosing a position for it that really shows it off to best effect. Unlike a picture, though, a mirror's reflection needs to be carefully considered – that reflection will, in effect become a piece of art in itself. So, if you can position your mirror to reflect a beautiful view, fabulous architecture or a wonderful light fitting, you have got it just right.

Are mirrors on walls outdated?

No mirrors on wall are not outdated. In fact, quite the opposite is true – mirrors on walls are timeless pieces and important interior design elements that make small rooms in particular feel bigger and rooms starved of natural light feel brighter. We'd go so far as to say that no room should really be without a mirror. Pick on with an attractive frame and you have a decorative piece, too. 

How do you style a mirror in a living room?

There are many opportunities to style a mirror in a living room. The most natural way for decorating with mirrors in a living room is to position it over a fireplace or mantelpiece as doing so will instantly elevate a space that is already the focal point of the room.

‘Consider using mirrors in unexpected places and ways too. Try using a collection of decorative mirror to create a reflective and interesting reflective art wall. Try layering plants in front of corner wall mirror, the reflection makes your plants looking twice as lush, and since plants are often nearby windows, natural light reflections add openness to that space that can be both peaceful and beautiful,’ recommends Kara O'Connor, owner and lead designer of Kara O'Connor Interiors .

What is a good size for a floor mirror?

At least 36 inches is a good size for a floor mirror, this will enable you to be able to see a complete outfit in one glance.  

‘When decorating with mirrors, I always take scale into consideration first. If a mirror is intended to serve as a functional piece, such as a floor length mirror, make sure it's set at the right height and that you'd have proper room to step back and see feet to head. If it's hung too high, you're seeing knees to head!’ advises Kara O'Connor.

Having graduated with a first class degree in English Literature four years ago, Holly started her career as a features writer and sub-editor at Period Living magazine, Homes & Gardens' sister title. Working on Period Living brought with it insight into the complexities of owning and caring for period homes, from interior decorating through to choosing the right windows and the challenges of extending. This has led to a passion for traditional interiors, particularly the country-look. Writing for the Homes & Gardens website as a content editor, alongside regular features for Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors magazines, has enabled her to broaden her writing to incorporate her interests in gardening, wildlife and nature.  

Mirror in the interior: ideas and tips

TipsInterior items

The mirror is one of those interior items that combine functionality and decorativeness. It's not just for fixing your hair or checking for lipstick smudges: mirrors make a space look larger and make small, dark rooms appear brighter. But before that happens, you need to hang them properly! The advice of ELLE DECORATION experts will help you with this.

Pierre Hardy's apartment in Paris.

BEFORE YOU START:

“Not all mirrors are designed to be hung on the wall. There are floor models and table models that lean against the wall,” says Robert A. Downs of iLevelArt.com, an art gallery based in Los Angeles, which has helped decorate the homes of Hollywood stars Heidi Klum and Ginnifer Goodwin ( Ginnifer Goodwin. — Such models have a special mark on the reverse side. If you hang them on the wall, they may break and the manufacturer will not accept any responsibility for breakage. Therefore, carefully study the mirror before buying and installing it.

Designed by Anna Clark in Moscow. Floor "growth" mirror in the hallway visually increases the area.

A mirror is a rather heavy thing, so you need to hang it wisely. One flimsy nail and twine is not an option. “Each D-loop on the back of the mirror requires its own hook on the wall,” Downes explains. “The thing is obvious, but, as experience shows, many do not observe this.”

And a few words about height and slope: experts recommend hanging mirrors on the wall higher with a slight downward slope so that they reflect the room as much as possible.

Apartment in Voronezh. Project Molbo Buro.

photo
Sergey Krasyuk

How to hang a mirror ...

in the hallway:

 The entryway is the first thing your guests see when they enter your home, and the first impression is usually the most lasting. And the mirror in the hallway is a 100% must have: it makes a small space bigger and brighter, and a beautiful mirror above the console adds coziness, soulfulness and “hospitality” to the interior right from the doorstep. In addition, it gives you the opportunity to take one last, "control" look at yourself when you leave the house.

Designed by Anna Muravina.

In the living room and bedroom:

In a south-facing living room, you will want to make the most of the cozy midday light, so experts recommend hanging mirrors in front of the window in such rooms. In the bedroom, on the contrary, it is better not to do this and install a mirror next to the window, or above the head of the bed.

Palazzo in Milan. Project by Vincenzo de Cotis.

Above the fireplace:

Another classic mirror location is above the fireplace. Hang it at least 10-12 cm above the mantelpiece. “But if the frame is too thick and massive, you can install the mirror even higher so that the frame does not cast an ugly dark shadow on the decor standing on the shelf,” says Robert Downes.

House in the suburbs. Project by Peter Yushin.

Photo
Giorgio Possenti

In the bathroom:

Most manufacturers of bathroom furniture and accessories usually offer models without a frame (or with a minimal, almost imperceptible frame). The more spectacular and unexpected the mirror in an unusual frame will look on the wall! It is best to make such a frame to order for the size and design of your bathroom.

Designed by Olga Maleva. The mirrors are made of artificial stone according to the designer's sketches.

In the dining room:

The dining and dining area is the perfect place for spectacular "dramatic" mirrors, especially if you have a beautiful chandelier to reflect in them. But be careful! “When it comes to a chandelier with open light sources (light bulbs), the reflection can be too bright and hit the eyes,” warns interior designer Jen Going. “In this case, try an antique mirror with a patina to make the reflected light diffuse.”

Designed by Marina Poklontseva.

On the door:

Choose a full-length vertical mirror and hang it so that it covers the maximum surface of the door. Mirror glue, double-sided tape or liquid nails are not suitable here, since the doors are constantly opened and closed, and sometimes they slam quite noticeably, so the fasteners must be reliable. It is best to use a mechanical fastening for mirrors, for example, special metal brackets or furniture fasteners with decorative overlays.

An asymmetric solution, where part of the mirror is mounted on the wall and part on the door, can become an effective option for small spaces.

Design project by Nadezhda Polyakova in Krasnodar. A round mirror is partially placed on the bathroom door, creating an unexpected effect.

Photo
Mikhail Chekalov

On difficult surfaces:

this particular material) - this will save you from cracks and other troubles. For example, when working with tiles, make sure that the tiles and drills do not overheat (otherwise a split may occur!) And regularly spray the work surface with water.

Diesel Open Workshop Collection, Scavolini.

TECHNIQUES AND HACKS:

Designed by Olesya Fedorenko. Mirrors, Alexey Tiskin.

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A selection of mirrors in the interior: ideas and rules of use

Inspiration

The mirror is a versatile design detail. We'll take a look at a few ways you can use mirrors to help make your home brighter and more spacious.

Daria Antonova

• 4 min read

A mirror is a versatile design detail that can instantly add light to a space. Decorating the interior of a house or apartment with mirrors can be fun and easy if you can place them correctly, choose the right shape and frame design. We'll take a look at a few ways you can use mirrors to help make your home brighter and more spacious.

Mirror Reflection

You can choose the largest mirror you can afford to make the most of every beam of light. Mirrors are often hung on walls or placed on a mantelpiece to reflect the ceiling or opposite walls. However, it will not be superfluous to check what will appear in the reflection of the mirror. To do this, pay attention to the opposite wall and ceiling. You can choose an unusual chandelier that will “split” due to reflection, or make a gallery of paintings or photographs on the wall opposite.

​


Mirror wall

A large picture can overwhelm the interior of a room, especially if the space is small and a large mirror will do the opposite. If the frame isn't too bulky (or doesn't exist at all), a large mirror can help make the room look bigger and brighter.

If there is not enough free space on the wall to hang a mirror, then it can be placed on the floor.

However, to double the size of your room, you can mirror the entire wall or add a "mirror window". This technique can help create symmetry and expand a small space.

Gallery of Mirrors

Mirrors can be good for more than just reflecting light from a window. They can also help create a vignette.

In interior design, a vignette is the decoration of a small space, such as a coffee table or bedside table. The essence of the vignette is to reflect the individuality of the owner of the house and make the interior interesting.

If you place mirrors in a gallery, you can create the effect of expanding the space. Also, round mirrors can "soften" a space that has a lot of rectangular surfaces.

Correct size

Correct sizing of the mirror can be very important. If the space is small, creating an interior design with large mirrors can be tricky. So when it comes to choosing a mantel mirror, make sure it is the same width as the mantel or a few inches smaller on each side. To make the ceiling appear higher, you can also opt for a taller floor mirror.


Mirror placement

The mirror can be placed where light falls naturally. This "trick" will help to add natural light to the room. Place, for example, a mirror directly opposite the window, and it will reflect the daylight and greenery outside the window. This can help make a small space livelier and brighter.

It is also worth noting that the mirror can be inscribed in the interior design geometry: for example, in these images, thin black window frames are reflected in the mirrors, creating a coherent, stylish image.

Frame selection

The "weight" of a frame can be important when it comes to decorating a space with mirrors. Volumetric, sculptural and dark frames can be suitable for massive mirrors in large rooms in a classic style.

In more modern spaces, you can use mirrors with thinner frames. If the room is very small, you can use mirrors without frames at all.


Decorative element

Mirrors can be used as separate decorative elements. If you have free space in the room, you can complement the design with a mirror with an unusual frame. For example, on the wall where you place pictures, you can also hang some mirrors in decorative frames.

Mirror in the garden

Mirrors in your garden can help you get closer to nature. Thanks to the reflection in the mirror, you can double the plants to make even a small corner of nature into a magnificent tropical oasis. Regardless of where the mirror is located (among the leaves or against the brick wall of the house), you can add daylight even to a small patio.

How to decorate a room with a mirror?


To use a mirror in interior decoration, treat it like a piece of art. Choose for him a place in which the mirror will look best. The reflection must be carefully considered, as this reflection, in fact, can become a work of art in itself.

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