Decorating With Mirrors: 11 Ways to Style Mirrors
Easy ways to decorate with mirrors.
Decorating with mirrors is a great way to combine form and function in your decor. Not only do they add a bit of visual interest to an empty wall, they also reflect light and make a room feel more open. A decorative wall mirror can even work as a piece of art. Mirrors come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to match the style of your home – from traditional living rooms to cozy rustic bedrooms. We've put together a list of ideas for decorating with mirrors. Keep reading to find 11 ways to introduce mirrors to your space.
1. Dress Up an Entryway
From checking your outfit to fixing your hair, an entryway mirror makes getting out the door even easier. We recommend hanging the mirror at eye level. This ensures that the mirror is placed at a comfortable height for any last-minute looks before leaving the house. A mirror placed above a console table or an entryway bench is both practical and stylish. Pick a round wall mirror to juxtapose the rectangular shape of the console table, or opt for a vertical mirror to maximize a small entryway. Decorating with mirrors will also help make compact entryways feel more spacious and inviting.
Whether you're getting ready for the day or unwinding before bed, a mirror above your dresser is a practical touch. For this space, we recommend choosing a mirror that is two-thirds or three-quarters the width of the dresser to create a balanced look. Choose a wall mirror that complements the design of the dresser – look for a similar finish to the dresser’s hardware or surface to bring the two together. We love how this aged wood frame looks above a distressed wood dresser.
Hang a wall mirror near the window to emphasize the natural light in your dining room. When decorating with mirrors, we recommend hanging them across from or adjacent to your windows to reflect plenty of light throughout the space. Pick a wall mirror with a metal frame for a bit of industrial style, or choose one with a wood frame to add a touch of natural appeal. A weathered wood finish pairs well with any style – from bright shiplap to rustic stone walls.
Create a designated space to get ready for the day. Not only are floor-length mirrors great for getting a full look at an outfit, they also make a stylish statement. Select a mirror with a detailed frame, such as a chevron-pattern design or a metal windowpane effect. Lean the mirror against the wall for a casual look, or securely mount the mirror on the wall. Since full-length mirrors are often heavy, it's important to use proper wall hanging tools to ensure the mirror is secured.
Gallery walls are great for decorating with mirrors – add a reflective touch by incorporating a mirror into your art layout. For a cohesive gallery wall, it's best to choose mirrors that are a similar size to the other pieces. Before hanging pieces of art on the wall, we recommend laying out all of the pieces on a flat surface. This makes it easy to arrange and rearrange pieces to find the right layout. Start with the larger pieces and then add smaller pieces to build the arrangement. Use an accent mirror to make a bold statement at the center of the gallery wall, or incorporate a small mirror into the mix for a thoughtful blend.
Home offices should be designed for focus and inspiration. A wall mirror can function like a piece of wall art while also making the home office seem larger and more open. If your desk faces a wall, a mirror placed above the desk reflects natural light back at you. For a quiet at-home workspace, we suggest choosing a mirror with a simple silhouette. Look for a round shape to soften the space, or choose a rectangular wall mirror to match the shape of the desk.
Add something special to an empty wall by decorating with mirrors. Beveled mirrors typically have edges that appear to have been cut at an angle, giving the mirror more dimension. The beveled design adds subtle visual interest and brings an elevated touch to the mirror. Go for a beveled mirror with a carved metal frame to top a traditional-style dresser, or pick one with a windowpane design as a finishing touch for a rustic- or farmhouse-style living room.
With an emphasis on ease and practicality, farmhouse style creates a feeling of simplicity and lived-in comfort in a space. To cultivate that familiar farmhouse ambiance, opt for a mirror with a rattan or distressed wood frame. The natural materials add layers of texture and depth above the sofa, creating a bright, naturally-lit focal point in the living room. Place the mirror near a window or close to a floor lamp to further brighten the space.
Traditional design often uses symmetry to create a well-balanced look, so choose a wall mirror with clean lines and a symmetrical design to go with a traditional-style space. When decorating with mirrors, placing one above a fireplace mantel gives the living room a timeless feel. Opt for a mirror with classic details, such as a carved frame or unique shape, to create an eye-catching mantel display.
The combination of cozy details and natural elements make a rustic living room the ideal place to settle in. Create a focal point in the room with a wall mirror. Select a frame with rustic details, such as a weathered wood finish or aged metal hardware. Add a rectangular wall mirror with a hand-distressed wood frame, or choose a round mirror with an antiqued metal frame to complement the rich textures in a rustic-style room.
Bring beach-inspired textures to a coastal home with a decorative mirror. To achieve the laid-back coastal look, choose a wall mirror with a frame crafted from materials like rope or rattan. These beachy materials work well with the clean lines of coastal style. Balance the height of the mirror with a leafy houseplant and a glass table lamp. The fabric shade adds a soft touch to balance the braided rope detailing.
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