Five Amazing Mirrors and How to Place Them Like a Pro

Image via Home Decorators

Mirrors add so many wonderful elements to a room…amplifying light, adding texture, expanding small spaces.  With the array of colors, sizes, and styles, it’s no wonder mirrors can be used to solve almost any design challenge.  Let’s “reflect” on these top picks and how you can best use these timeless pieces to enhance your space.

The Floor Mirror (aka “Leaner” mirror)

Probably my all time favorite type of mirror.  It’s super versatile (no installation required, just lean it against the wall) and it comes in a wide variety of styles.  Placing it behind a table and chairs creates a cozy vignette.  Positioned in a bedroom adds a bit of drama and serves a practical function when prepping yourself for the day.

Mirrors As Artwork

If you are slim on artwork or need to create a focal point for the room, a mirror with some personality can do the trick.  Choose a frame that complements the colors in your space and features an eye-catching pattern to add a bit of drama.

Mirrors For Adding Texture

Varying the textures in a room creates interest and prevents the design from feeling bland.  Accent pillows are an obvious choice to achieve this effect, but don’t ignore the possibility of using a mirror or other wall decor to attain the same result.

Bring in the Bling

What space doesn’t need a little bit of sparkle to add some luster?  Slip in a tad of bling with a metallic framed mirror.  Gold and Brass remain on the list of trendy finishes again this year.

Mirror Groupings

If a single, large mirror might overwhelm your space, consider grouping a few smaller mirrors together as an alternative solution.  For a more balanced look, use multiples of the same mirror.  To achieve a more eclectic feel, vary the size and shape of the mirrors, keeping the style similar.

Now that you’ve pondered a few options, how can you maximize a mirror’s impact in your space?

• Placing a mirror opposite a window or light source (think dining room chandelier) amplifies brightness in an under lit space. It also serves to reflect a lovely view or highlight your favorite decor.
• If your room lacks symmetry due to an oddly placed window, use a mirror of similar size and shape to create the illusion of balance.
• To help quiet a room with busy wallpaper, hang a simple mirror to break up the pattern, offering a bit of visual relief.
• Similarly, intersperse a mirror or two on an art gallery wall to avoid the feeling of an overly crowded arrangement.
• A mirror placed where you commonly enter and exit your home is both functional and welcoming. Guests can be sure they look their best on the way in, and you can have a last-minute check before heading out the door.

There are two ways of spreading light: To be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.

– Edith Wharton, Author