Decorating With Mirrors Is the Design Trend That Instantly Transforms Your Space

A mirror can offer so much more than just a reflection. When styled to complement your space, mirrors can instantly transform and elevate your home in ways you may not have thought of before. Whether you’re looking for a mirror to make a statement or remain a subtle detail in the background, there are a few aspects to keep in mind when incorporating a mirror into your design.

"Mirrors are important for both function and style," says Justin Q. Williams, an interior designer with Trademark Design Co. "Maybe you're checking yourself out before leaving home or attempting to create a more spacious illusion in your room. Either way, mirrors are a great way to dress a space and make it feel more complete and stylish."

To help us understand how to use mirrors in your décor, we asked designers to weigh in on what to consider when buying a mirror, how to style one, and to share a few mirror trends they are currently loving—and that you’ll love too.

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What to Look for When Buying a Mirror

Whether you’re looking to make a small room feel larger, create a focal point for the space, or just want to add a little something extra to complement your design style, designers suggest scouring secondhand shops for the perfect find. "When I shop for mirrors, I love to shop for vintage mirrors," says Tara Miller, owner of The Heartland Interior Design.

"Antique and vintage mirrors offer that one-of-a-kind look so you know the piece will be unique to you and your space (your neighbors won’t have it!). Some specific mirrors I fell in love with were oversized mirrors for the glamor shots, rounded mirrors for a touch of playfulness, paneled mirrors for adding depth, and mirrors with decorative frames to add some pizazz."

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Miller suggests asking yourself a few questions:

Where is the mirror going to be placed?
How much space do I have?
Is the mirror the main act or the supporting role?
How will it be placed? Will this mirror be hung? Or will it be placed on a mantel, shelf, or floor? You will need to consider its weight if the mirror is hung on a wall or placed on a shelf.

Interior designer Delia Kenza advises buyers to keep quality in mind, even though aesthetics may be at the forefront. "The quality does count, so always select the best you can afford," says Kenza. "A good mirror is crystal clear. No one enjoys seeing a distorted view of themselves. Also, a quality mirror is essential in high-moisture areas to avoid rusty corners."

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Tips for Styling Mirrors

Consider whether you want to make a mirror the room's focal point. With so many unique designs and shapes, a mirror can unexpectedly become a statement piece, as eyes will be drawn to the mirror as people enter.

"Mirrors have always been a versatile and powerful tool in a designer’s bag of tricks, especially given the many ways they can be used," says Jean Liu, principal of Jean Liu Design. "When using [one] above a fireplace, choose a mirror that allows for room to the left and right to be layered with art and objects. When using a mirror over a bathroom vanity, we like to make sure it’s framed in a way that relates to the style and scale of the vanity."

Liu also suggests taking lighting into consideration and anticipating how the mirror may interact with it. While you’ll want your mirror to be large enough to be functional, it shouldn’t be so large that it casts a shadow and dims the room.

"Another way we like to use mirrors is as a back to small spaces that need a little extra glitz, like the back of a wet bar," says Liu. "In these instances, the reflective quality of a mirror creates a dramatic effect and experience."

Mirror Trends to Try

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Statement Mirrors

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"I love to seek a good statement—something that takes the conventional rectangle or circle and shakes things up a bit," says Lindsie Davis of Blueberry Jones Design. "After all, if you are going to create a focal point, you might as well make it interesting." Opt for something arched or rounded to soften a dark space and add a flawless finishing touch.

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Mirrored Furniture

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While mirrors are typically found in a bedroom or bathroom, they can be seamlessly incorporated into other rooms via furniture. "Don't forget to use them in the rest of your home, too," says Bethany Adams of Bethany Adams Interiors. "A correctly positioned mirror can bounce light around a dark space and visually expand a small one. Besides being useful and functional, a mirrored finish is just beautiful. Consider mirroring something unexpected like a cabinet for a major visual punch."

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Antique Mirrors

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Anything vintage adds a little extra character and charm to a space—and mirrors are no exception. From adorned frames to aged glass, an antique mirror may be just what you need to add an extra layer of authenticity to your home. "Antique mirrors have that acquired, lived-in look, and they have lived a past life, so they have a story to tell," says Miller. "An antique mirror adds instant character."

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Mixed Media Mirrors

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"Mixed media mirrors are more artistic and can blend fiber art or metallic sculptural elements in with the mirror itself," says Miller. "For example, I used a mixed media mirror in my son’s nursery. It is composed of mirror, brass, and fiber fringe. I chose this mirror because it would reflect light and be something interesting for my son to gaze up at." Whether the mirror is framed with mosaics, fringe, or tile, the mirror will instantly become a visually interesting statement piece in your space.

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Mirrored Walls

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"I love the idea of a mirrored wall, which can make a space feel larger or act as a way to bring the outside in when the outdoors are reflected," says Kenza. This is especially true when incorporating mirrors into a kitchen or living room that is connected to a back patio.

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Bedroom Mirrors

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If your bedroom doesn’t have enough windows to your liking, incorporating mirrors can make your space look bigger and brighter without any additional natural light. "I love to use them in bedrooms to create symmetry on a wall or in spaces with no windows to create the illusion of windows," says Williams. "Mirrors are one of the easiest ways to elevate a space and create drama without costing a fortune."

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Mirror Gallery Walls

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Gallery walls have been trending for a while due to their cozy nature, personalized touches, and opportunities to combine different styles—and this goes for mirrors, too. Instead of creating a bold statement in a room, you can opt for more subtle decorative finishes with an array of small mirrors. "Try a grid," says Davis. "Often, it is best if these are antiqued rather than polished, but when used together, they can expand a space and make a room feel more open without ever removing a wall. Next time you have a room that needs a good statement, try an interesting mirror or a wall of mirrors to shake things up!"

Decorating With Mirrors Is the Design Trend That Instantly Transforms Your Space—Here's How (2024)