interior reflections
STYLE TIPS FOR DECORATING WITH MIRRORS IN YOUR HOME

We can’t get enough of mirrors when it comes to interior design. No matter where you put one, a well-chosen mirror has the ability to transform a room by expressing personal style while adding dramatic flair. You can use it to give the illusion of space, cleverly direct light, or use it to reflect a particularly eye-pleasing focal point of a room. When it comes to decorating with mirrors, here are a few helpful tips to maximize both the style and function of a mirror.

Add personal style

It seems simple enough to buy a mirror and hang it on the wall, however, there are actually quite a few style considerations to take into account. As with almost every element of interior décor, mirrors can be a reflection of your personal style. So whether you like the drama of gilded antique frames or the minimalist appeal of sleek, modern borders—or a blend of both—select pieces with that are interesting to you, complement your design style and add the desired decorative touch to the room.

Create a focal point

In rooms where there isn’t a fireplace or mantelpiece to position your furniture around, a mirror is a great tool for dictating the focal point of the room. And in rooms where there is a fireplace, it only serves to exaggerate the impact of the mirror’s presence. We also use mirrors as decorative objects to help create focal points. We love sunburst mirrors but be sure to get the scale right! Larger spaces can handle a more dramatic statement, while smaller mirrors can create beautiful compositions when paired with furniture and other decorations. The eye is always looking for contrast—which is why mirrors that are oval or round in shape seem so visually appealing when viewed amongst all the straight lines in a room.

Enlarge the space

Large, full-size mirrors add drama to a room, especially when used in small spaces. It’s a beautiful way to add emphasis to an empty corner of a room. Fitting a mirror behind glass shelves helps make the items displayed on them appear doubly appealing. The mirror will also bounce light back into the room and create a feeling of depth. It’s a good match with glass shelves, creating a light, elegant look. When you have high ceilings it can make the space of a room feel quite lofty and we find that in this scenario larger mirrors can act as an anchor. Take inspiration from the positioning of the mirrors at either side of the fireplace as opposed to above it—creating a symmetrical display. We especially love playing around with different combinations of objects placed in front of mirrors—plants and flowers look especially abundant when reflected. 

Choose mirrored furniture

The advantages of reflective surfaces aren’t necessarily always delivered by mirrors alone. Furniture and cabinets that contain mirrored surfaces is a great way to add a bit of elegance and glamor to your room. They’re especially a good choice if your room needs something striking in it. They can also add dimension and the appearance of a larger floor space. When choosing mirrored furniture, make sure you’re not adding it randomly to a room that already has a lot going on in it. This will take away its effect. The key here is to pay attention to the edging—polished or beveled edges appear cool and contemporary while gilt edges inject a touch of warmth.

With some thoughtful consideration and a few tricks of the trade, decorating with well-placed mirrors can transform the look and feel of your home while allowing your personal taste to shine.

All furnishings available at The Quiet Moose.