Clever ways to utilise mirrors in a small home

Aside from soaring ceilings and gigantic windows, there is no better friend to a small space than a well-placed mirror. Expanding walls, amplifying light, breaking up visual clutter, mirrors can be used to solve most any design dilemma. That’s why their features enhance so well. Here are some tricks to be mindful of:

Use a large floor length mirror behind a piece of furniture in tight spaces

Mirrors the same width of the furniture make the piece look purposeful and prominent rather than shoved in. Entry consoles are perfect places since in small homes they are usually tucked in wherever they’ll fit. A large mirror in the landing strip area will also allow you the easy luxury of one last “once over” before you dash out the door. For safety, attach the mirror to the wall with brackets even if you are resting the mirror on the floor.

Place a mirror behind a light source

Whether it’s behind a candle, a pendant light, or a bedside lamp, a mirror will help to maximize the light’s reach while creating an almost magical effect.

Create another window by placing a mirror next to or across from the real deal

The reflection maximizes the effect of natural light and pleasant outdoor views, allowing you to appreciate them from multiple angles.

Wall of mirrors

This idea could go disastrously wrong, but when used as a design element — rather than the stand alone, they can be effective and pleasant rather than jarring and disorienting. Create a wall of picture panelling using large panels of antiqued mirrors or framing the mirror with trim.

Salons, walls & shelves

Pulling a mirror into the grouping provides a little visual breather. The same holds true when a mirror is placed on a wallpapered or boldly colored wall. Like a window, the mirror provides the airy dimension needed to keep the high volume of visual information from becoming overwhelming. On a shelf, a mirror provides a pleasing contrast to row upon row of dense objects like books. Originally published on Apartment Therapy