How to Use Mirrors for More Light and Style

Mirrors are a decorator's best friend, and with good reason — a well-placed mirror makes the most of a room's natural light, enhances views, opens a small space and adds oomph to decor. The key lies in pairing the right mirror with the right location to maximize its decor-uplifting potential. Here are 15 proven pairings to try in your own house.

1. Full-length mirror between two windows. Placing a mirror between two windows tricks the eye into thinking there is another window there and helps maximize natural light. Casually propping a full-length mirror against the wall brings a relaxed mood to the room.


2. Wood framed mirror in the kitchen. Instantly create a homier vibe in the kitchen with the addition of a wood framed mirror. Large or small, propped on a shelf or hung from the wall, it all works. The key is to choose a mirror that looks as if it belongs in a living room or bedroom — something with a bit of warmth to it.


3. Wall mirror behind a chest. Sneakily suggest there is more space than meets the eye in a small apartment by lining a wall with mirror and scooting a chest in front. The effect is subtle but very glamorous.


4. Narrow mirror flanked with art. Whether placed over a console in the entry or above a buffet in the dining room, this combination will not fail you.

Start with a narrow mirror, either rectangular or faceted, and beef it up with two pairs of small, framed artwork. The key lies in the symmetry of the arrangement — pick four equal-size frames and measure precisely when you hang them.


5. Sunburst mirror over a console. Have a console table that needs spicing up? Pop a flashy sunburst mirror on the wall above it, and it will uplift the entire arrangement.


6. Sunburst mirror over the bed. There are very few decorating dilemmas that a good sunburst mirror can't help with. One example is that big, blank space above a headboard. Wondering what to put there? Wonder no more — a well-secured sunburst mirror should do the trick.


7. Pretty mirrors behind bedside lamps. No, you won't be able to look into them, but that is not the point here. Placing mirrors behind lamps is a great way to ramp up the glow of your lamplight — the pretty frames are icing.


8. Two mirrors on adjacent walls. Want to really make a statement? Line two adjacent walls with mirrors to really bounce the light around the room. This works especially well in the dining room, as it gives the impression there is a bigger crowd around the table — but be warned, the multiple reflections created by two mirrors can be dizzying.


9. Mirror across from a window. Increase light and views by placing a big mirror directly across from a window. Reflecting a beautiful view is ideal, but placing a mirror across from any window that gets good light will make your room feel sunnier.


10. Mirrored backsplash. Open a small kitchen by using mirror instead of tile as a backsplash behind the sink or range. Just be aware that an antiqued mirror will hide splatters better than a clear version.

See more of this turquoise kitchen


11. Round mirror tucked into a bookcase. Take a cue from decorator Thom Filicia and tuck a chunky round mirror into the center of a wall of bookshelves to bring a sense of depth to your room. Bonus: This is a great way to make an old entertainment center work in another way — just place a mirror where the TV would have gone.


12. Extra-large mirror above the mantel. Fill the entire space above your mantel with a custom-size mirror for a sleek, modern look that maximizes light and opens up the space. Some retailers (Room & Board is one) offer mirrors by the inch, so ordering the perfect-size mirror is not as difficult as it once was.


13. Full-length mirrors in a home gym. A giant wall mirror is functional but does make your room look more like a public gym. Keep an eye on your form while maintaining a homey feel with one or more full-length mirrors hung or propped against the wall.


14. Round mirror in place of a medicine cabinet. You could use a mirror of any shape in place of the standard medicine cabinet, but a round mirror would be the greatest departure from the expected — its curves break up all of those sharp angles and straight lines in a typical bathroom.


15. Small mirrors propped on a picture shelf. Either paired with art or on their own, a cluster of three small mirrors on a narrow shelf looks charming and allows you to change the arrangement with ease as the mood strikes. Try this in a bath or bedroom.

Tell us: What is your favorite way to decorate with mirrors? Would you try any of these ideas?

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