The mirrors are wonderful. Whether you’re checking the way it looks, making a room appear bigger or lighting up an entire space, they are truly essential in the home.
“More than ever, shoppers are decorating their walls with accent mirrors that bring light and space into their homes,” says Dina Esom Johnson, fashion expert for the online Etsy marketplace.
“By embodying both form and function, phrase mirrors allow shoppers to express their creativity, while also upgrading their selfie toys,” Johnson says.
She says asymmetric mirrors are particularly on the rise, as shoppers look to add pops of personality to their spaces. Think free-form, distorted angles, and bean shapes that resonate with you.
As Lucy Mather, interior designer at luxury home and interiors retailer Arighi Bianchi, says: “Mirrors are an interior designer’s secret weapon, and sometimes it’s easy for homeowners to forget the effect a well-placed mirror can have—both from design and a functional perspective.”
Here’s how to bounce light, frame those furnishings, and show your best face…
Think about what you want to see in the mirror
“One of the most important considerations to take into account when making a statement mirror portion of your design is what you want it to reflect,” Mather says.
“This might bring in more natural light and greenery—in which case, you should hang your mirror opposite or next to the window,” Mather suggests. “Or, you may want to give an extra dimension to the design feature in your space.”
For example, she says that a mirror hanging on the mantelpiece opposite your sofa will reflect the space behind you that you can’t see when you’re sitting.
“If you have artwork or a statement wall, it will mirror it back to you,” Mather notes. “Making her visible, even when you’re supportive of her.”
Take into account optical illusions
Mather says the same rule can be applied to add texture to a space.
“A mirror that mirrors a piece of rustic furniture, felt pillows or a throw, will create the illusion of additives, creating interesting spatial illusions and reflecting your design details throughout the room.
“In the meantime, placing a mirror in an entertaining setting will make your dinner parties and soirees seem larger than they really are,” Mather suggests.
A well-placed mirror will not only make your room look bigger, lighter and more interesting, Mather points out, it’s also pieces of art in their own right: “From large angled mirrors to small mirrored accessories – consider the role they should play as part of your design aesthetic. “.
Brendon Haxby, co-founder of luxury online homeware retailer Naken, agrees: “Mirrors are one of the most versatile tools a homeowner has in their arsenal. Not only are they a practical addition to any home, they choose wisely and provide true style as well. “.
“It’s all about finding the perfect position,” Haxby says. Hang wisely and a mirror will not only make the space appear larger, but it can also highlight your favorite furniture, picking up on it from all angles and letting it take center stage.
“And let’s not forget that a well-placed mirror will also help increase any natural light in the home,” he adds.
Think how to maximize those moments with the perfect selfie accessory
“Again, one of the main things to keep in mind when using a mirror to take a selfie is what other things will be included in the shot?” Mather notes. “What does your mirror reflect on you?”
If you use a full-length mirror to take selfies, it says you might spend more time coordinating the background than taking the photo itself.
“Be sure to remove anything you don’t want to show from the shot,” Mather advises. “If you regularly take pictures, hang them in an aesthetically pleasing position, or consider a tilting mirror that you can move around the room.
If you only use a mirror to take pictures of your head and shoulders, Mather says you might want to choose something with a statement frame, which adds to the overall effect of the piece.
“You might also want to organize a few items or accessories in front of the mirror, to add a bit of interest and design flair.”
The more mirrors, the better
For maximum effect, why not consider a mirrored wall feature?
Especially if you’ve collected a few over the years or found some flea market gathering dust.
Grouping mirrors together creates a sense of more space and allows light to bounce around the room, says Jenna Choate, co-founder of Interior Fox. “Using mirrors that vary in size will elevate the design and create a point of interest in the room,” Chuat says.
“This technique works well on large open walls such as a living room, a narrow hallway, or above a table,” she continues. “Choose a mirror that reflects the room’s aesthetic. For example, a smooth metal frame works well in a more modern home, while a light wood frame suits a Scandi scheme, or the rustic style of a more traditional home.”
Hanging the mirror, Chott says proportions are key. “Leave sufficient space between the ceiling and the furniture, and if assembled, there should be equal space between each mirror.”
