Decorating With Mirrors: the Dos and Don’ts

Mirrors are more than just that closet or bathroom necessity. Many find them useful interior décor a additions, both in commercial and residential properties. However, there are a few unwritten rules that should be followed when dealing with mirrors.

Small rooms

This is the most traditionally accepted use of mirrors. Using them in small rooms gives the illusion of depth, and one must not be scared of going all the way with their mirror use. Place the mirror at a place where it reflects or accentuates the most beautiful feature of the room. For instance, a mirror can be put on the wall above a table to reflect a chandelier, or across the room from a beautiful painting. Even wall to wall mirrors can work, and should not necessarily be thought of as old fashioned.

All over the house

Even though they give the illusion of depth, resist the temptation of placing mirrors all across the home. Empty spaces are always so inviting when it comes to mirrors, and the temptation might be high. However, make sure every mirror reflect something worth it. Mirrors reflecting random items in the house is a huge faux pas in the interior design industry. This is especially if they reflect clutter or things that are best kept hidden.

Focal points

Mirrors as focal points are a clever way of decorating one’s house. A bold piece, like a mirror placed on a corner and accentuated with lighting might create the kind of glow that makes bedrooms or dressing rooms glow. However, the use of mirrors in the kitchen and bedroom should be carefully planned and minimized. A mirror in the bedroom that faces the bed and has one seeing their reflection every time they go to bed might be a tad too distracting. In the kitchen, the use of mirrors could pose such problems as water marks. Mirrors on the ceiling seems obvious, but it should be stated that they almost always look tacky, and should be avoided.

Mirrored furniture

Mirrors do not necessarily have to stand alone, though. Mirrored furniture can also be used to one’s advantage in the home. A mirrored chest of drawers or coffee table might enhance a room. They give the illusion that items, space or the mirrors themselves do not exist. With a huge piece of furniture in the middle of the room, one can add mirrors to give the illusion of some parts disappearing. However, this should only happen in rooms that do not have a lot of traffic. Doing this in busy rooms risks accidents.

When using mirrors, make sure they are placed in locations where they do not interfere with the comfort of the room, both physically and visually. If children are involved, either place the mirrors where they are out of reach, or avoid using them near rooms where they play.

About the author: Andrew Thompson is a celebrated interior décor expert with global experience. He has handled many commercial and residential projects in Matunga, Mumbai, and now runs an interior design company and blog.