Decorating with mirrors is a must–not only do they give you the ability to primp and prep before you head out the door, but they also boost natural light and style in your space. Learning how to decorate with mirrors is simple: we love how easily they elevate any room.
Mirrors are an essential decor item in any home, no matter your style, as their designs and functions run the gamut. Some mirrors are purely for checking your appearance while others are used strategically to manipulate light, serve as an organizational piece, or make a room look larger.
Of course, mirrors can also be used as decorative pieces, and many are made with unique materials (such as rattan), shapes, and finishes. Whether you opt for a floor mirror or mount it on a wall, mirrors can elevate a room’s decor in so many ways.
There are many ways to use mirrors as a decorative element in your home that can reflect your personal style.
Choose a placement that captures the light
One of the best top reasons we love decorating with mirrors is because of their ability to reflect light and open up a room. Boost the natural light in your space by placing a mirror near the windows. We love how this dining room is styled with four rectangular mirrors that create a larger shape that fills the open wall behind the buffet table. The mirrors reflect the light from the nearby windows to give the room an airy and elegant feel.
Build layers
Mirrors make for a great base for layering decor. Choose a shape that doesn't overwhelm your wall space and hang it above a console table or dresser, where the rest of your decor will sit. Add layers of decor like framed art, statement vases, and other smaller pieces like stacked books or a decorative tray. Create a color scheme to tie the layers together like the one above: the antique gold-framed mirror, decorative tray, and weathered vase add a pop of color that shines next to the neutral tones of the books, canvas drawing, and console table.
Take a gallery wall to the next level
We love that gallery walls give you the freedom to incorporate all different types of art, including mirrors, into your decor. Elevate your gallery wall by adding a mirror or two of different colors and sizes into the mix, to create a curated and eclectic look. Place a vertical mirror at eye level to make it both functional and stylish, then add in a smaller mirror higher up between other artwork to break up a pattern. To ensure a cohesive gallery, pair framed mirrors with framed wall art, or create a frameless gallery for a more fluid design.
Create a mirror gallery
A gallery wall filled entirely with mirrors makes the arrangement even more memorable. A gallery of mirrors will brighten your space and make it feel even bigger. Using mirrors to cover a large wall adds a unique flair to your space–have fun choosing different shapes, sizes, and frames as you curate your gallery. Mix round frames with vertical rectangular frames, and add in an arch shape for an eclectic look that's sure to get compliments.
Fill the space between two windows
Working with an open wall in between windows? Fill the space by hanging a mirror. Depending on the size of your room’s windows, you may want to consider using mirrors to create contrast. This smaller mirror placed in between two floor-to-ceiling windows makes the room feel bigger and adds the right amount of decor without distracting from the natural view outside. You can also juxtapose the layer of detail in your mirror to the detail of your windows: a simpler window frame allows for a more intricate mirror, and vice versa.
Go full length
Once you've discovered how to style a mirror that's full length, you'll unlock a new level of design possibilities. Place your full-length mirror across from your natural light source to brighten the room and make it feel larger. Make sure you're placing your mirror in a space that won't be overwhelmed by the mirror's height–leave at least one foot of space between the top of the mirror and the ceiling. Thin gold metal frames add a luxe feel in a traditional or glam setting; while a thick wood frame is perfect for a modern or transitional space.
Highlight a mirror over the mantle
Take your mirror ideas to newer heights: Consider placing a statement mirror on your fireplace mantle to make it the focus on your room. Go big with your mirror size–make sure the length of the mirror matches the length of the mantle or leaves only a few inches open on both sides. Hang your mirror for a traditional set up, or place it on the mantle and lean it against the wall for a more casual feel. Place a few decorative items on the mantle to complete the look.
Here are some more mirror decor ideas:
- Gallery wall: Create a gallery wall with a mix of mirrors and artwork. You can choose mirrors in different shapes and sizes, and frame them in different styles to create a unique and eclectic look.
- Statement mirror: Hang a large statement mirror above a fireplace or on a feature wall to create a focal point in the room. You can choose a bold frame or a modern frameless design, depending on your personal style.
- Multiples: Group several mirrors together in a cluster to create a reflective vignette. You can choose mirrors in the same shape and size or mix and match for a more eclectic look.
- Mirrored furniture: Incorporate mirrored furniture pieces into your decor, such as a mirrored coffee table or dresser. This will add a touch of glamour to your space and reflect light around the room.
- Mirrored backsplash: Consider adding a mirrored backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom. This will create a reflective surface that will make the space look larger and brighter.
- Mirrored accents: Use smaller mirrors as accent pieces throughout your home. You can add them to bookshelves, on tabletops, or even on the ceiling for a unique touch.
- Mirrored closet doors: Replace traditional closet doors with mirrored ones to create the illusion of more space. This will also allow you to see your outfit from head to toe before you step out the door.
- Mirrored wall panels: If you have a large wall that feels empty, consider installing mirrored wall panels. These can be custom made to fit your space and can add a glamorous touch to your home.
- Mirrored shelving: Use mirrored shelves to display your favorite decorative objects. These will reflect light and create a stunning visual display.
- Mirrored headboard: Make a statement in your bedroom by using a mirrored headboard. This will create a dazzling focal point in your room and reflect the light, making the space feel brighter.
Remember to be creative and have fun when incorporating mirrors into your decor. The possibilities are endless!