Mirrors in Interior Design. Tips From Professionals

Mirrors can either be a useful tool in creating a specific mood or an unnecessary distraction. When properly placed, they can provide remarkable depth and create the illusion of greater room size. When not positioned correctly, they can break the illusion completely and lead clutter to take over. The mirror’s role in interior design is unique when considering how it is integrated into many traditional design elements. Below are some helpful hints from professionals on how to best work with mirrors in your designs.

A mirror should not dominate the room nor create a symmetrical look

Mirrors placed on opposite ends of a space will create a larger look, but often appear odd. A mirror should not appear to be split in two and positioned at opposite ends of the room.

A mirror will reflect light and also help define spaces within a room

Mirrors are interesting elements to work with because they help reflect light and add depth to a space while at the same time creating the illusion of division within the room. When properly placed, they can add little “break out” rooms within large spaces. Mirrors can also break up large areas by reflecting light in parts of a room that otherwise would have been too dark without them.

Mirrors should not appear to be split

Mirrors placed on opposite ends of a room typically create an illusion that is split in two and creates the perception of a larger room. This perception often appears odd, so mirrors should be positioned in such a way that they do not appear to be broken. 

A mirror is only as good as its placement

The location of any mirror within a space can further define the purpose of the said mirror, as well as determine whether or not it will prove to be an effective design element. An artful mirror can make all the difference in your living or working space and help create depth, division within a room and much more.

The shape of the mirror reflects the shape of the room

When designing a space, planning for a mirror can be key to creating an interesting focal point and helping define areas within the room. It should be placed so that it’s clearly visible from both sides and can also be used as an architectural feature. For example, if you have a rectangular wall décor, a round mirror in one area will not make sense; therefore it should not be included in your design. Proper planning is key when using mirrors as they can add depth and movement to spaces and help them feel larger than they are.

Mirrors work best when placed along narrow walls where additional focus is needed or along longer walls to create division within a space. Mirrors should not be placed in front of windows as they can cause a glare and may reflect sunlight into the room.

Conclusion

Mirrors are a fun design element to work with in interior design, however, they need to be strategically planned for and carefully placed. Design is all about balance, so make sure the mirror you choose does not outweigh other elements in the space.