Interior designers often look for clever and creative ways to make a room appear larger and more spacious. One of the most effective design tricks is the strategic placement of mirrors.
Mirrors can visually expand a tight space, amplify natural light, and add an illusion of depth and texture to walls. In this article, we’ll explore creative mirror placement for opening up interior rooms, along with textured wall treatments to add visual interest.
Oversized Mirrors Above Furniture
Placing an oversized mirror above a sofa, sideboard, dresser, or other furniture is one of the easiest ways to create the illusion of a larger space. The mirror reflects the room, making it appear nearly double in size.
For maximum spaciousness, choose a mirror that stretches the entire length and height of the wall above the furniture piece. An oversized mirror can make a small living room or bedroom feel instantly expanded.
- Oversized mirrors above furniture visually double the space
- Position the mirror across the entire length and height of the wall
- Makes small rooms feel more expansive
Mirrored Walls
Installing mirrored panels or tiles on one wall creates even more radical spaciousness. Mirrored walls reflect the entire room, seeming to push back the physical boundaries endlessly.
This works best on the wall opposite windows to reflect outdoor light deeper into the room. Be strategic with placement – too many mirrored walls can feel disorienting. Often, just one mirrored wall can make a significant difference.
- Mirrored walls reflect and expand the whole room
- Place opposite windows to amplify natural light
- Use strategically, not on every wall
- One mirrored wall can expand space
Entryway Mirrors
Welcome guests with mirrored entryway walls or doors. This makes a powerful first impression of palatial vastness in even the smallest front hall or mudroom. Flank the entry door with tall, slim floor mirrors for a glamorous infinity effect. Or install mirrored cabinet doors to multiply architectural details. Entry mirrors make coming home feel grand.
- Mirrored entryways impress with spaciousness
- Floor mirrors flanking the door heighten the infinity effect
- Multiply architectural details with mirrored cabinets
- Makes homeowners and guests feel pampered
Back-to-Back Living Room Mirrors
Here’s another living room mirror trick: Hang two identical mirrors back-to-back in the center of facing walls. Not only does this highlight the mirror frames beautifully, but it also creates the illusion of endlessly repeating space. The mirroring effect makes the room feel twice as big. Choose bold mirror frames to add drama. Abstract frames give an art museum feel.
- Back-to-back mirrors create endless reflections
- The illusion of repeating, doubling space
- Highlight mirror frames as artwork
- Abstract frames have art gallery appeal
Mosaic Mirror Wall Accents
For textural intrigue, decorate a large accent wall with mosaic mirror tiles. The interplaying shapes catch and reflect light in different directions for mesmerizing depth. Combine mirrored mosaic tiles with real stone, wood, or metallics. Accent with paint, wallpaper, or fabric. A mosaic mirror wall sparks visual excitement.
- Mosaic mirrors interplay light beautifully
- Mix glass tile with stone, wood, and metal
- Paint, wallpaper, and fabric accents add interest
- Visually exciting focal point
Antiqued Mirror Accent Wall
For Old World romance, install a wall of antiqued mirror panels. The muted silver patina, softened reflections, and slight distortions have a timeworn, romantic vibe. Antiqued mirrors add depth without sharp edges. Romantic lighting sets the mood. Accent with candles, textiles, and artwork for a cozy, European salon feel even in raw modern spaces.
- Antiqued mirrors have relaxed, organic shapes
- Silvered patina for a softened, romantic look
- Distortion adds depth without sharpness
- Mix with candles, textiles, and artwork
Incorporate Mirrors with Wood Paneling
Combine mirrors with wood panels for warmth and texture. Alternate mirror panels with stained wood frames or reclaimed boards. This adds a beautiful dimension and an injection of nature.
Hang a round mirror within a decorative wood frame for instant focal impact. Add woven art or tapestry accents for an eclectic, well-traveled vibe. Mirrors and wood balance perfectly.
- Wood paneling adds a beautiful warmth
- Alternate wood and mirror panels
- Round mirror in wood frame for focus
- Weavings and tapestries boost eclectic style
Angled Mirror Placement
Strategic angled placement expands mirrors’ spaciousness effects. Set a mirror on the ground, leaning diagonally against the wall to reflect across a larger area.
Or mount corner mirrors to capture more perspectives. Angle mirrors towards room focal points like artwork or architectural details to amplify visual impact. Play with angles until you achieve the most desirable reflective effects.
- Angled floor mirrors reflect more space
- Corner-mounted mirrors expand perspectives
- Angle mirrors to amplify artwork
- Adjust angles for the best spaciousness effect
Framing Mirrors as Artwork
For striking design drama, frame mirrors as artwork. Choose ornate, carved frames or sleek modern styles to showcase mirror “canvases”. This adds light and movement to accent walls for stunning effect.
Abstract mirror frames have high conceptual appeal. Display over sofas or beds to double up visual play. Illuminate with adjustable directional lighting for artistic wall sculptures.
- Frame mirrors like artistic canvases
- Ornate or modern mirror frames
- Abstract frames have conceptual appeal
- Sculptural quality with directional lighting
Incorporate Natural Elements
Balancing mirrored walls and accents with natural elements prevents sterile slickness.
Add real plants like trailing ivy, tall bamboo, or potted palms for a lively contrast. Install a living wall garden mosaic behind glass beside a mirrored artwork niche.
Accent mirrored walls with real wood beams or concrete columns. Contrast is key for depth and interest.
Takeaways:
- Plants, gardens, and nature balance mirrors
- Trailing, towering greens add vibrant life
- Wood, concrete architectural details add texture
- Contrast prevents sterile environments
- Depth and interest come from mixed materials
Conclusion
With limitless shapes, sizes, and frames to select from, mirrors are incredible interior design tools for manipulating space, light, and dimension.
By following basic guidelines for strategic placement while also getting creative with textures and angles, it’s possible to double, triple, or even exponentially expand any room’s visual footprint.
So don’t be afraid to decorate rooms liberally with mirrors to enlarge them in stunning style.
Just take care to balance sleek, mirrored surfaces with natural elements for rich, welcoming interiors with depth and character.
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