Decorating with Mirrors - Tips & Tricks for Using Mirrors in any Space

Looking to bring a new look and a breath of fresh air into your home? Reimagining your interior design style can achieve a bright and beautiful feel that will do wonders for you and your family.

One of the quickest and easiest ways to achieve this new look and feel is by decorating with mirrors.

A well-chosen mirror can bring a whole new energy into any room. Because mirrors reflect light and add a sense of space, this one, simple interior design trick can reimagine your home.

To create an expansive, airy space with plenty of soft, natural light - mirrors really are the perfect choice. So, if you’re thinking about decorating with mirrors then check out our quick tips on how to choose the perfect piece.

Big Mirrors as Beautiful Focal Points

If you’re looking to make a big design statement, a large, well-chosen mirror can become the centrepiece of any room. When hung over a fireplace or mantlepiece, they open up a room with a sense of expansive space and decadent style.

If you want to decorate with large mirrors, it’s important to consider dimensions and what size will suit your space. Too big, and it could overpower the rest of your furniture. Too small, and it won’t achieve the bold effect you’re looking for.

Whilst sizes vary, the average bathroom mirror is an approximate 70 x 100 cm. So when looking at your room and other pieces of furniture, try and gauge the size of the mirror that will suit these items. It’s also helpful to use a tape measure to understand the approximate dimensions that will suit your space.

Size Does Matter - Get the Right Height

It’s not just the size of the mirror itself but also the height at which it's placed. Some large, statement-piece mirrors can be hung high to great effect.

On the other hand, decorative mirrors and table mirrors are usually smaller and more ornate, meaning they benefit from being closer and more accessible.

The general rule is that wall mirrors should be hung 160-170 cm high. This is the perfect height to check your appearance and enjoy a great reflection of your living space.

Tight Squeeze? Mirrors for Narrow Spaces

Whilst big bold mirrors can work wonders in some rooms, this isn't the case for every space. Small and subtle can work equally well.

If you’re decorating a narrow space or small room, then a smaller wall mirror is the perfect choice. With their straight, thin styling, they’ll still light and space to your room without overpowering the surrounding furniture.

A perfect example would be the Magenta Rectangular Small Mirror. This subtle yet elegant mirror has the perfect dimensions for narrow spaces, whilst the beautiful brass finish delivers a true touch of class. With a width of just 45 cm, this mirror will hang well in any small space.

Don’t Be Square - Use Different Shapes

Whilst it's easy to just stick to your standard selection of rectangular mirrors, there are so many other choices available. Angular mirrors are useful in smaller spaces, such as bathrooms or narrow areas, because they fit snugly with existing furniture. But want if you have the space and opportunity to branch out, be bold and try something new?

Decorating with arched mirrors is a popular design choice right now. With an elegant curvature whilst still providing the length you need to check outfits, hair and makeup, arched mirrors are the perfect blend of style and function.

With a shape that’s reminiscent of a classic arched window, this is the perfect design choice to bring light and space into your home. The effect really is like adding another window to your property, allowing for bright sunlight to flood in.

The Waverly Gold Leaf Mirror delivers all this and more. With an elegantly curved silhouette, finished with exquisite gold leaf, this is a mirror that radiates positivity.

Let There be Light

Using mirrors to brighten spaces has been a popular interior design trick for decades - and it’s a style that’s lasted so long because it works so well! Leading interior designers are still using mirrors in a variety of ways to illuminate spaces and create a bright, fresh feeling via the presence of natural light.

Because mirrors reflect existing natural light, achieving this technique depends upon where and how you hang your mirror. Watch the space over the course of a sunny day to see how light moves around the room. It’s likely there’s a particular spot that gains the most sunlight. If you choose this spot to hang a mirror, you’ll benefit from enhanced natural light almost all day long.

Decorating kitchens with mirrors is an increasingly popular choice. Rather than just a place to prepare meals, the kitchen has become a focal point for so many Australian families to come together and enjoy each other’s company. And a mirror is the perfect design choice to reflect this busy hub of home life.

The Core Medium Mirror is the perfect choice. With a rugged, hammered brass frame, it pairs perfectly with the busy intensity of any family kitchen.

Creating Symmetry

It’s proven that our brains are wired to find symmetry enticing. So why not take advantage of this impulse with a beautifully balanced interior design.

Mirrors are not only symmetrical in their own design, but can also bring balance to a room for a well-ordered feel. If you feel like a large couch, seating area or dining table is overpowering the look and feel of a room, then hanging a mirror opposite this space can work wonders.

This new focal point will bring a greater feeling of balance. Guests will be able to sense that the design of the room is considered and thoughtful.

Take it Outside - How Mirrors can Enhance your Garden

Decorating with mirrors and plants is a timeless and elegant approach to reimaging any room. So why not do the same for your garden as well! This may not be the first thing you think of when decorating with mirrors. But if you’re looking to make the most of warm weather and sunny days outdoors, try redesigning your garden as well.

Mirrors function outside in the same way they do inside - increasing the sense of space and reflecting natural light. But with the exciting addition of plants, you have a whole new design style at your fingertips!

Try placing a large plant like a Monstera in front of a full-length mirror, and positioning it to catch the maximum amount of sunlight. This creates a simple but astoundingly effective look! The reflection of sun and leaves combine to create a dazzling sense of sunlight, leaves and natural tones.

With its rustic ambience and weathered appeal, the Madeira Antique Mirror would be the perfect choice as a garden mirror.

To create looks that are increasingly seen in stylish interior design features and fashion photoshoots - and bring a simple touch of elegance for your home - explore our collection of mirrors and use these tips to find the perfect piece.

Questions about mirrors, dimensions, materials, styles or delivery? To talk with the friendly team at James Said today, simply contact us today.