The Benefits of Using Mirrors in Interior Design

If you thought a mirror was a one-trick pony, then think again. This is probably one of the most versatile pieces of home decor you can use to completely transform any room in your home. If you're stumped on ideas on how to add character to a specific room, a mirror can have a huge impact. The best part is that a mirror is both functional and decorative. So you get true bang-for-your-buck when you invest in a high-quality mirror. But there's an art to using mirrors in interior design -- and the more knowledge you have about how beneficial they are, the better you can place your mirrors for maximum effect. Explore the rest of this blog for more. 

1. Mirrors Create the Illusion Space 

Working with a small, tight space in your home? This is where mirrors are beneficial. It's no secret that mirrors help to create the illusion of space -- even if you're working with very limited square footage. 

With the right mirror and the best placement, you can make even the tiniest room seem that much bigger with a tall, standing mirror, or even a floor-to-ceiling mirror. Not only this, but a mirror can also add tons of depth to a room. A great tip is to hang your mirror on the wall opposite a window to create this illusion.

2. Light Up Your Home with Mirrors 

Along with increasing the perceived size and depth of a room, mirrors are a great way to brighten up a dull room. They are especially effective in rooms with low ceilings, or small windows (such as a guest bathroom).

But keep this idea in mind: your mirror should be hung near a source of light, such as a window. This is so that the outdoor light reflects off the mirror, into the rest of the room. 

Mirrors are also effective in smaller, darker spaces by nature -- such as a walk-in closet. But make sure to place the mirror near your largest source of light for that brightening effect. 

3. Use Your Mirrors to Create a Statement 

Whether you're on a tight budget or want to keep a certain space fairly minimal, a mirror is one of the best ways to make a statement in any room. Let's say you have an allocated amount to spend on décor.

Do you purchase a bunch of small items that could be swallowed up by the size of the room? Or do you purchase a mirror that acts as a centre-piece and a focal point, to make a statement? Going with the latter is sometimes the better option -- but this does depend on the size of the room. 

An oversized mirror, whether you mount it or lean it against the main wall, can have a brilliant impact on a room. Just keep this in mind: if you're working with a smaller space, you can still use a large mirror, but make sure it's frameless. This will keep the room from feeling overwhelmed or cluttered by the mirror. 

A good place to use oversized mirrors to make a statement is in your main bathroom, main bedroom, a formal dining area, an entranceway, or even a living room. 

4. Mirrors Can Hide Small Imperfections 

There are times when your home may have an imperfection that you don't have the money to fix. Or perhaps it's just not a good time in your life for a home renovation. Enter, an oversized mirror. 

While this is not exactly a permanent solution to wall or paint damage, a mirror is beneficial in hiding imperfections that you want to cover up until the time is right to fix them. You can also use a large mirror to partially cover up the colour of a wall, or unsightly wallpaper that you've been meaning to remove. 

In other words, mirrors are not only decorative but useful as a temporary solution to costly or time-consuming home fixes. 

5. Mirrors Are a Great Design Element 

As we mentioned, mirrors in interior design are not only functional but also aesthetic. They are a brilliant option for creating an eye-catching design effect in any room in your home. They can be used to create shape, depth, and visual interest. 

It's a good idea to get creative with mirror sizes and shapes. Nowadays, you can find a plethora of mirror designs at your disposal -- from circular, oval, and diamond-shaped mirrors, to ultra-modern, abstract styles. 

The same goes for mirror frames. This is a great way to incorporate an element of colour and texture in a room. For example, if you're looking to tie a formal dining room together, a gold mirror frame can add a touch of elegance and grandeur. 

If you want to create a more rustic vibe in an outdoor seating area, a woven or wooden mirror frame can help to bring this theme to life. 

6. Mirrors Are a Great Default Decor Item 

Another great benefit is that mirrors are so versatile. This means that you can use a mirror as a default for just about any room if you're short on ideas of how to decorate. Let's say you're not really the creative type, but feel like a room in your home is lacking something, only you're not sure what it is. 

Try hanging a mirror in the space and you might find that's what your room needed the whole time! Mirrors in interior design have a way of adding ambiance to a room. Sometimes you cannot feel that ambiance without the light, space, and depth created by a mirror. 

Mirrors in Interior Design: Take Your Pick with Mirror City 

Mirror selection comes down to the size of your room, and the purpose of the mirror. You also want to consider how the style and size of a mirror could impact the room before you dive into mirror shopping. 

This being said, mirrors in interior design are crucial to tying a space together for that perfect sense of balance. If you're looking to breathe new life into your home with mirrors, be sure to explore what Mirror City has to offer!