Expanding Space: Using Mirrors to Your Interior Design Advantage

Mirrors don’t belong exclusively in the bathrooms. In fact, they have a variety of uses in homes, such as opening up the space, reflecting light and generally contributing to the overall décor. Mirrors are the magicians that create an illusion of spaciousness, but only if you know how to use their magic. Don’t stress about it, you don’t need a magic wand or something, just a few Houdini décor tips that will teach you how to choose, combine and where to place the mirrors.

The shape determines the position

• Mirrors come in various shapes and styles. If you are not sure how to hang them, you can always use the shape as a guide:
  The classic vertical rectangle can be treated as an artwork and used as a focal point of the room (e.g. above the mantel).
• The horizontal rectangle can be used in a similar manner, but it is also great for filling up elongated empty spaces, such as the entryway wall.

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• Large round mirrors anchor the room and make amazing focal points. Such a mirror can be turned into the star of a room, particularly if the frame is dramatic and jewel-like. If the frame is minimalistic or non-existent, the mirror is simply chic and nonchalant.
• Small round mirrors are an instant décor pick-me-up, and they can be hung anywhere.
• The sunburst mirrors are very popular because of the uplifting feeling they introduce into any space. They work the best when used as accents.
• Classic oval shape possesses a seamless elegance, but it still conveys a powerful design statement. It can break the monotony of square shapes when placed between two windows, or look as it belongs when hung above the entryway console.
• The floor mirror is a tall mirror often on a stand or leaned against a wall. It is most frequently used in the entryway, but it can also bring life into an unused corner of the living room.
• The arch shape gives a room a vintage feel and serves as a dramatic architectural element. It can be used in the bathroom, living room or the entryway.

The art of creating a reflection

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As mentioned in the intro, one of the most important roles of mirrors is to reflect the light and make the interior brighter, more open and more spacious. Because of this significant role, mirrors should never be placed randomly around the house, or else they would reflect things you don’t want to see in double (e.g. that chair with a bunch of unfolded clothes). The mirror should reflect a beautiful view or bounce light. For the latter one, it should be placed opposite the window or an artificial light source.

Working on the illusion of spaciousness

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The very bouncing of the light will make a room appear larger, but there are some other tricks you can use to maximize that feel. For example, using horizontal mirrors in a staircase or a narrow entryway can widen the area and create a better flow from one room to another. Mirrored furniture can trick the eye into believing there are no mirrors there, while acting the same way in terms of reflecting the light.

Take Feng Shui into account

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As a centuries-old tradition, Feng Shui makes a lot of valid points when it comes to interior décor, and it is not different with mirrors. According to Feng Shui, it is a great idea to place a mirror over a fireplace. This brings good energy into the room, and the fire element of the fireplace balances the water element of the mirror. Other useful hints you can get from this philosophy is positioning a mirror to face something you love and using curved mirrors to disperse energy more efficiently.

An extra warning: mirrors in your home don’t only reflect the light, but also your style. Besides the shape and the position, you should also think about the frame as the key factor since it will serve as a décor statement.