Mirror – a creative interior accent

Designed by Deimante Makarevičiūte

Traditionally, the purpose of a mirror in an interior is considered to be purely practical – we glance at the mirror when leaving the house, it helps us choose the best outfit combination, and sometimes whispers what is the most beautiful in the world. But if we think more creatively, even a mirror can become a unique piece of art.

The “Two Room” Effect

The optical properties of mirrors allow us to deceive and solve more than one shortcoming of home interiors. For example, if you cannot boast a spacious and bright living room, mirrors will help create a “two-room” effect. Place a large-format luxuriously framed mirror on the floor against one of the side room walls. And to prevent guests from misunderstanding and accidentally running into the non-existent room, place a bright accent next to the mirror – a soft pouf, an antique wooden chest, or a patterned vase. If the room's wall is long and monotonously empty – place two mirrors of the same format next to each other. The play of reflections will create the impression of an open window.

Sunlight and a false window

For those who love natural daylight but the room layout is limited to one window, a mirror will also help solve this shortcoming. If there is a delicate dresser by the living room window, hang a mirror directly above it. The incoming sunlight will reflect in the mirror and create the “second window” effect.

Mirrors in dark corridors and niches

In corridors and dark niches, it is particularly effective to place full-length mirrors. To see yourself in full height, the top edge should be at least 170 cm high and no less than 50 cm wide – then you will be able to comfortably view yourself.

Morning rays in the bedroom

In the bedroom, you can place a mirror directly on the floor; reflections of nature and clouds will pleasantly wake you every morning. In a room without curtains, choose frames for the mirror that are close to the color of the window wood – it will create the impression that it is another window. Feng shui recommends not placing mirrors opposite the bed and at an angle where you can see yourself just after waking up – because we rarely look our best right after waking up. The more harmony in the bedroom, the easier the day will start.

Bright and spacious stairs

Living in cottages or houses with many stairs, you have certainly encountered uncomfortable spaces between floors. Properly hung mirrors will reduce the fear of narrow spaces and make the stairs cozier. Choose an empty wall at the bottom of the stairs and hang a large, tall mirror on it. If the wall is wide, choose frames of one color but in different shades, and include mirrors of various formats. You can add a shelf to the main mirror, where you can place souvenirs or a beautiful collection of mugs, and the stairs will become an extension of the living room or kitchen. For lovers of the classic option – choose wooden frames for the mirrors with a smooth design, as close as possible to the color of the staircase wood. To avoid monotony, place a glass vase, a natural wooden root composition, or a low-light green plant next to it, which will add life to the empty stairs.

Gallery on the stairs

If there is a wide empty wall next to the stairs, fill it with a collection of ten mirrors of different formats. Play with different frame styles to create a very dynamic composition. Mix classic profile frames with richly decorated Victorian frames, modern ones with aged Provencal style frames. A useful accent – a small wooden object hanger. To prevent the collection from looking empty and resembling an interior showroom, diversify it with frames containing family photos. Leave some photo frames completely empty, as if indicating that it is a continuously changing and vibrant collection.

Light play in frameless mirrors

In modern New York, studio-style interiors, frameless mirrors or those with very thin metal frames will fit well. If such a mirror hangs above a sideboard – place glass and metal dishes next to it – luxurious glasses, elegantly shaped vases, or a silver cocktail shaker. Shiny metal details and glass surfaces reflecting in the mirror will create a dynamic play of light reflections.

A touch of luxury in the dining room

When creating a luxurious style – choose royal, richly decorated silver or gold frames for the mirror. In a classic interior, a luxurious mirror becomes the focal point and is hung above a fireplace or an antique dresser. Choose massive, natural wood, carved frames or those adorned with gold dust, silver elements for the mirror. Next to the dresser, place a row of luxurious candlesticks or a beautiful silver sugar bowl.

Create a romantic boudoir with a mirror

For a French-style interior dominated by white wooden furniture, lace bedspreads, and silk-upholstered chairs, choose frames for the mirror in milk white, cream tones with rich ornaments. With a luxurious mirror, you will create a true French-style boudoir in your bedroom.

Practical mirror illusions

And in such a dark and narrow bedroom, by hanging a narrow, long mirror above the bed, you will almost double the room's space.

Water reflections in the bathroom

For a small bathroom, the most suitable are single-piece, long-format mirrors that are mounted above sinks and all cabinets. Such wall-mounted mirrors will optically double the bathroom space. The effect will be further enhanced by lights installed above the mirror, with the lamps directed down onto the mirror. If you can enjoy a window in the bathroom, hang the mirror so that light falls on it – you will double the natural lighting. In a very small bathroom, you can achieve a similar effect by hanging two mirrors at a right angle to each other. You can use the previously described trick and place two full-length mirrors in the bathroom corner.

For lovers of artistic elements – hang framed images with glass next to the mirror. The reflections in the mirror will complement and create the illusion of a water surface. For framing, you can choose graphic works or photographs that are framed under glass and in a passport, which will be more resistant to moisture than natural canvas, which will stretch incorrectly in humidity. Choose images with marine motifs, exotic flowers, and match them with shiny silver-colored frames, which will help reflect and enlarge the space.