Decorating: 10 Ways to Work Magic With Mirrors
Hanging a mirror over a living room mantelpiece is just the start… Check out these ways to use them creatively
Yes, mirrors can work their traditional magic by making a space feel larger, but there are so many more exciting ways you can use them to reflect your personality. Go oversized, add a vintage note or use mirrored glass in an original shape or unexpected way to give your home a unique edge. Browse these ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
Get creative in a kitchen
This kitchen extends the worktop up into a splashback, but then adds a ribbon of mirror glass at eye level. It feels glossy and contemporary, and creates the illusion that an extra space awaits beyond the worktop – rather like a restaurant kitchen hatch.
Discover more splashback ideas
This kitchen extends the worktop up into a splashback, but then adds a ribbon of mirror glass at eye level. It feels glossy and contemporary, and creates the illusion that an extra space awaits beyond the worktop – rather like a restaurant kitchen hatch.
Discover more splashback ideas
Expand a narrow space
The first thing you notice in this bedroom is the gorgeously mottled mirror that extends across the wall behind the headboard – not the narrowness of the space. It adds interest and visually widens this bijou room, while the smoky surface lends an air of mystery – always a good thing in the bedroom!
The first thing you notice in this bedroom is the gorgeously mottled mirror that extends across the wall behind the headboard – not the narrowness of the space. It adds interest and visually widens this bijou room, while the smoky surface lends an air of mystery – always a good thing in the bedroom!
Add a burst of style
A starburst mirror is a showstopper over the fireplace, but you actually get more square inches of decoration than mirror. This homeowner has added extra reflective surfaces in the adjoining room and in the coffee table, leaving the golden piece to shine out as a vintage style statement.
A starburst mirror is a showstopper over the fireplace, but you actually get more square inches of decoration than mirror. This homeowner has added extra reflective surfaces in the adjoining room and in the coffee table, leaving the golden piece to shine out as a vintage style statement.
Colour code your centrepiece
This circular mirror with a pared-back frame is an exercise in restraint. It resists the urge to fill the entire space and simply reiterates the white outlines used elsewhere – in the rug, the chair, the pelmet and the fireplace. It’s a great example of using a mirror to reflect your décor theme in the subtlest of ways.
This circular mirror with a pared-back frame is an exercise in restraint. It resists the urge to fill the entire space and simply reiterates the white outlines used elsewhere – in the rug, the chair, the pelmet and the fireplace. It’s a great example of using a mirror to reflect your décor theme in the subtlest of ways.
Think tall
Mirrors can come in unusual sizes if they’re salvaged from hotels or department stores. This tall mirror has impact in a dining space, reflecting the simple glass centrepiece. Its tall, skinny dimensions add gravitas to the symmetrical arrangement and will enhance the light emanating from the chandelier and candles when guests arrive.
Check out more dining spaces
Mirrors can come in unusual sizes if they’re salvaged from hotels or department stores. This tall mirror has impact in a dining space, reflecting the simple glass centrepiece. Its tall, skinny dimensions add gravitas to the symmetrical arrangement and will enhance the light emanating from the chandelier and candles when guests arrive.
Check out more dining spaces
Add interest to recesses
This clever design trick – mirror-backed recessed shelving – makes the bathroom storage feel both luxurious and extra deep. LED lights lend a further dimension to the feature, highlighting the mirrors without making the bathroom too bright and dazzling, which would reduce its relaxation factor.
This clever design trick – mirror-backed recessed shelving – makes the bathroom storage feel both luxurious and extra deep. LED lights lend a further dimension to the feature, highlighting the mirrors without making the bathroom too bright and dazzling, which would reduce its relaxation factor.
Bubble up an idea
This funky array of circular mirrors is a nice tongue-in-cheek touch. It would suit a playroom or loft space for a fun, 1970s feel. This idea would also work with geometric shapes, or invest in Gallotti & Radice’s design classic, the Spring Leaf, a cascade of textured mirror leaves that creates a similar effect.
This funky array of circular mirrors is a nice tongue-in-cheek touch. It would suit a playroom or loft space for a fun, 1970s feel. This idea would also work with geometric shapes, or invest in Gallotti & Radice’s design classic, the Spring Leaf, a cascade of textured mirror leaves that creates a similar effect.
Break the mould
Mirrors over the mantel? Pah – so last century. This cool interior replaces the overmantel with an artwork and adds mirror glass in a pair of Sixties-style chairs instead. Whether you’re decking out a huge room or a more modest abode, this shows how turning the tables can refresh your space.
Mirrors over the mantel? Pah – so last century. This cool interior replaces the overmantel with an artwork and adds mirror glass in a pair of Sixties-style chairs instead. Whether you’re decking out a huge room or a more modest abode, this shows how turning the tables can refresh your space.
Pick a shape to echo fittings
This bathroom is all about gorgeous curves, a look reinforced by the choice of mirror. A larger, angular mirror might detract from their impact, so here, a modest-sized looking glass does the job, and lets the super-curvy shapes of the basin and bath get the attention they deserve.
Got a way with mirrors? Share your ideas in the Comments below.
This bathroom is all about gorgeous curves, a look reinforced by the choice of mirror. A larger, angular mirror might detract from their impact, so here, a modest-sized looking glass does the job, and lets the super-curvy shapes of the basin and bath get the attention they deserve.
Got a way with mirrors? Share your ideas in the Comments below.
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In a smallish garden or decked area, sliding doors or a wall made in mirror can seem to double your space – and your foliage. Keeping it smear-free might mean extra work, but it’s worth it for the refreshing atmosphere it creates. And if you’re a yoga devotee, voila – your outdoor workout studio awaits…