Top design tips for mirrors

 A mirror is a decorator’s secret weapon. Far from simply being a practical object in which to check your face, a beautiful mirror can be used to amplify light, add drama, create interesting reflections and frame views. It’s astounding how the addition of a mirror can transform your space, resolving any interiors dilemma in an instant. Think beyond the bathroom and take a look at our top ten design tips for using mirrors in your home.

1. How to use mirrors to brighten a room

To let the light in, simply place a mirror opposite or next to a window to increase the amount of natural light cast into the room. A mirror will harness any daylight possible (no matter how gloomy the sky is outside) so the bigger the mirror, the brighter the space.

                                                

Mirrors effectively double up your light sources. If you’re challenged with decorating a cavernous space, place your mirrors near a lamp or window.

The Hilde Mirror is the perfect piece for a bedroom and will make the space feel lighter and more open, especially when placed above a mirrored chest of drawers.

                                                  

                                                                        Hilde Mirror

2. You can use mirrors to enhance a room

Mirrors are a cunning way to deceive the eye. They can be used to enhance something or deflect attention away from it. Awkward spaces, such as rooms with a sloping ceiling or a gap too small to fit a piece of furniture, can be repurposed with a mirror.

                                                     

Did you know that mirrors are a brilliant way to boost the atmosphere in your entertaining space? Placing a large mirror against a wall can create the illusion that there are more guests at a gathering.

                                                     

                                                          Round Saddle Leather Mirror

3. When to make a mirror your focal point

In rooms where there isn’t a fireplace or mantelpiece to position your furniture around, a mirror is a great tool for dictating the center of the room. And in homes where there does happen to be a fireplace, it only serves to exaggerate the impact of the mirror’s presence.

                                              

In fact, a mirror with an ornately carved frame works just as well as a painting when it comes to choosing decorative art for your home.

                                                     

                                       

                                                                     Versailles Mirror

4. Make your mirror a window

For windowless rooms, the addition of a mirror makes it feel much brighter and more spacious.

                                                          

Choose designs that feature traditional window frame parts such as separated mirror panes or shutters to help create the illusion.

                                            

Mevagissey Arched Window Mirror

A well-positioned mirror can make a smaller room look more expansive and will play off light emitted from the natural windows in a larger room.

                                               

The Ikkuna Mirror and the Mevagissey Arched Window Mirror are perfect examples of mirrors that achieve this effect.

5. How to use mirrors to illuminate dark corners

Maximise the amount of light in a space by placing a mirror behind a switched-on lamp, or pair with mirrored furniture to reflect all sources of light (both natural and artificial) and brighten up your scheme in turn.

                                         

As you can see, the Trois Mirror is ideal for adding a pocket of light to a dark corner.

                                            

                                                                    Trois Mirror

6. Choose different shaped mirrors

The right shaped mirror will optimise natural light flooding into a room (when positioned in the correct place).

                                          

Don’t just stick to traditional rectangular mirrors. Consider the shape or style of your room and reflect that in the frame of your chosen mirror.

Shape

Mirrors don’t always have to be practical. An unusually shaped one will certainly create a talking point whilst giving a room the wow-factor.

                                                

The Oranssi Mirror has the most spectacular bevelled border.

Experiment with creative mirror placement and positioning – a vertical mirror used horizontally as a headboard for example – for different effects.

7. Use mirrors to double your space

Adding a mirror will double the space in an instant. Small spaces benefit from introducing a mirror: transform a storage cupboard into a small work area or use a slim pier mirror make a narrow hallway appear much longer.

                                         

                                                      Using mirrors to double space

When it comes to updating your interiors, place a mirror on your largest wall to reflect as much light as possible back into the room.

                                               

Square-shaped mirrors – such as the Hercule Mirror – look great placed above a mantelpiece or console table. Alternatively, they can be used in multiples to create a wall of mirrors.

8. How to hang mirrors to exaggerate symmetry

Mirrors are key components when it comes to framing your view. When used in pairs either side of a window or doorway, they create a sense of balance and harmony, mirroring the opposite side of the room front to back as well as left to right.

                                                  

They are a fantastic way to dictate whether you are going for an orderly or eclectic layout.

Our Bubble Mirrors can be hung in so many different ways.

                                              

                                                                   Bubble Mirrors

9. How to use a group of mirrors as decoration

Consider using a group of mirrors as decoration to breathe new life into a plain wall. They could all be the same shape, have the same colour frame or be an eclectic mix of lots of mirrors that you love.

                                 

                                                        Creating a wall of mirrors

Alternatively, choose one big, bold statement mirror then build your scheme around it. There is rarely such a thing as a mirror which is too big.

And mirrors don’t get much bigger than the Arcadia Mirror. This eye-catching staple has a mesmerizing starburst design and is rounded off with a stained wooden finish. 

                                          

                                                                   One of a kind mirror

10. How to use mirrors outdoors

That’s right – mirrors are not just for inside the home. Use mirrors to introduce more natural light in a North facing terrace, a basement level garden or a shady courtyard.

                                        

If you live in an urban area, you might want to choose a mirror which will expand the horizon of an enclosed garden. In a country setting, the use of mirrors is a lovely way to catch a glance at the wildlife and fauna residing outdoors, and create the illusion of even more greenery.

                                        

Using a mirror

This kite-shaped mirror evokes connotations of blue skies and being outdoors. The Airadee Mirror is heavily antiqued, so is suitable solely for decorative purposes. However, it will work in an indoor or outdoor setting.

Once you have dipped your toe in the water and decorated your home with a few mirrors, there’s no looking back. Statement, large, small, square and rectangular – we have every mirror possible to solve any decorating dilemma. Choose from an assortment of shapes, materials and colours.