Decorating with mirrors – sounds like a weird concept, no? Selecting a mirror for your space might seem like a functional choice, where size and practical placement are most important.
Decorative mirrors are becoming more and more popular, with interior fans mixing and matching multiple mirrors in a range of styles to create a statement look. Mirrors are the new modern art!
Using mirrors to decorate your walls is a great way to add interest to your space, plus mirrors have the added bonus of reflecting light around – great if you have a smaller, darker room.
There are a few things to consider, so here are our top tips for decorating with mirrors.
The dos and don’ts when hanging and positioning mirrors
From finding the right size and shape to making sure there are no unfortunate reflections, decorating with mirrors can have a few pitfalls. And safety is important too – you don’t want those seven years of bad luck!
Here are some dos and don’ts to ensure you get it right first time.
1. Don’t get the wrong size
When choosing mirrors for your wall, size really is everything. Start by measuring the space you want the mirrors to hang, so you know the maximum size you’re working with.
If you’re going for a single statement mirror, ensure it’s big enough to fill the space – a small mirror will get lost in a big empty space. If you want to go for something small, think about using multiple mirrors and centre them on your wall.
The best way to gauge what size mirror you need for your space is to make sure it’s proportional with the things around it. For example, if you have a lot of large furniture pieces, a large mirror will feel balanced amongst them – we love this oversized, window-pane style.
2. Do consider layering
Layered mirrors are a key trend in home interiors at the moment – they can look very chic and modern in any space. Look for a mix of sizes that have a cohesive style, like a gilded gold frame or irregular circle shape.
These circular mirrors all have rustic metal frames but in slightly different shades, which makes them ideal for clustering together.
These circular mirrors all have rustic metal frames but in slightly different shades, which makes them ideal for clustering together.
If you have mirrors that can lean against the wall rather than hang, you can place them overlapping each other for a layered affect that adds depth and detail to your space.
3. Don’t always hang them
Who says you have to hang your mirror? Not us! Leaning mirrors against the wall is a more casual, laidback style that works well in cosy spaces like the bedroom.
Ornate mirrors in particular look great when leaning rather than hanging – this stunning silver mirror was just made to prop up in a dark, decadent corner.
4. Do consider reflections
One of the biggest pitfalls when decorating with mirrors is what they reflect. You might have found the perfect mirror for that blank space in your bathroom, but if the reflection is the toilet… think again!
When you’re looking at where to place your mirror, stand in front of the chosen space then turn around – what can you see? Furniture, plants, windows, doorways – all great reflections.
Some experts think mirrors that reflect your bed are a bad idea, as they can bounce light into your sleeping space and be disturbing, so bear that in mind when adding a mirror to your bedroom.
5. Do use the right tools to hang
Hanging mirrors is a serious business – a smashed mirror that’s fallen off the wall is use to no one and can be very dangerous too. Make sure you use the attachments that come with your mirror, and particularly for large mirrors you’ll need wall plugs to support the screws.
To ensure you get your mirror perfectly level, use a spirit level against the wall then mark the line with decorating tape. Level up your mirror, mark where the nails need to be placed, then drill into the wall. Insert your wall plugs, screw in your screws and then hang the mirror from the ends.
6. Don’t hang too high
A common mistake when it comes to decorating is hanging your mirrors too high. You’ll know straightaway if a mirror isn’t the right height – not only will you have to stretch on your tiptoes to see your reflection, but it will knock the balance of the room off and look out of place.
Mirrors over furniture need to be close enough to feel connection to the piece beneath them – rope in someone to help you find the perfect spot by holding the mirror on the wall while you stand back and assess.
7. Do consider the shape
Are round mirrors out of style? What shape mirror works best in the hallway? Is an asymmetric mirror really right for this space? These are the questions we’re asking when it comes to choosing the shape of a new mirror.
Look at the angles and lines surrounding your chosen mirror spot – a round mirror might look odd amid lots of corners, for example.
The good news is that round mirrors are very much in style – we love this macrame mirror for a 2022 update!
8. Don’t always place in direct sunlight
One of a mirror’s main jobs is to reflect light and bounce it around the room, so it makes sense to hang your mirror in direct sunlight… right? Well, not always. Before you choose where to hang your mirror, look at what’s opposite it.
If your mirror will be reflecting sunlight straight into your eyes as you sit on the sofa, right over your face while you sleep in bed or completely across the TV screen while you catch up on Selling Sunset, that’s probably not a great spot to hang it.
9. Do consider your style
There are so many beautiful mirrors available at the moment, you can find one to suit the style of your space.
You could go Art Deco with this curved mirror, ornate with intricate details, quirky with an irregular shape or industrial with clean lines.
Think about the overall vibe of the room and choose a mirror that reflects (get it?) the look.
Ideas for decorating with mirrors
Mirrors are taking centre stage in interior design, so if you’re looking for inspiration on where to place your mirror, what style to go for or how to layer multiple mirrors together – there’s plenty to be found!
If you’re wondering how to style a full length mirror, look on Instagram for some ideas. Rather than hanging your mirror, consider leaning it against a wall for a more modern look. If it’s an extra-large mirror, you could hang some favourite clothes from the frame.
The hallway is a great spot for a mirror – not only is it your last calling point before leaving the house, so the perfect place to take a quick look at your outfit, but hallways are often small and lacking light.
The accessory can open up the space and maximise the light – a multifunctional mirror with hooks beneath it is a great idea for a tight space.
Finally, for the bathroom, look for a mirror with an added shelf. The shelf gives plenty of styling space, so you can set out your most aesthetically-pleasing products and maybe even add a small potted plant for a splash of greenery. Lush!
We hope these tips help you incorporate mirrors into your home décor – take a look at this post for more mirror inspo and lots of other ways to dress up bare walls.
