The Do’s & Don’ts of Decorating with Mirrors

Mirrors are one of the greatest tricks of interior design. They can manipulate the eye into perceiving a space as bigger than it really is. They can bounce light throughout a room to make it feel warmer and brighter. They can make interiors feel more elegant, traditional, or modern. Who would’ve thought a single piece of glass could accomplish so much?

If you want to take full advantage of a mirror’s power, you can’t just grab the first one you find from a department store and hang it carelessly wherever it fits on the wall. Your choice and placement of mirror should be strategic to bring out the best of your space. Here are a few do’s and don’ts you can follow when decorating with mirrors to help you do just that!

DO place mirrors across from windows.

When it’s possible, hanging a mirror across from a window is the best way to make the most of its reflective abilities. As natural light streams in throughout the day, the mirror will reflect it around the room for a brightening and enlarging effect.

If across from a window is not an option, placing a mirror next to a window or light source can still help bounce light around. Mirrors can also be placed across from anything visually appealing, such as a fireplace, wall art piece, unique architectural feature, or statement furniture.

DON’T place mirrors where you sleep.

Mirrors in the bedroom are okay, but avoid hanging one directly across from where you sleep. This is considered a serious bedroom feng shui faux pas. In feng shui practice, mirrors are considered energy activators, since they reflect everything that’s happening in a space. If displayed across from your bed, a mirror can therefore disrupt your calm energy and make sleeping more difficult.

A few other spots to avoid mirror placement, for feng shui purposes, include opposite the front door, across from a toilet, in the kitchen, above a bed, sofa, or chair, and facing your work desk.

DO consider style when choosing mirrors.

The right placement is not the only factor in using a mirror to enhance your space. The look of the mirror itself still needs to work with the rest of the room’s style. Mostly, this will come down to frame and shape.

For example, a rectangular mirror with a simple wooden frame would work well in a farmhouse style space. A convex, silver metallic-framed mirror would elevate the look of a modern interior. Or, for something more traditional and elegant-looking, a gold Chinoiserie mirror can really dazzle.

DON’T forget to hang mirrors properly.

The last thing you want is for a mirror to come crashing down and shatter all over the floor, furniture, or someone’s head. That’s why, when hanging a mirror, you cannot cut corners on the hardware. Use multiple sturdy wall hooks or picture hangers to securely attach your mirror to the wall. Leaving fate in the hands of a single nail, wire hanger, and hammer is likely to end in disaster.

Another thing about proper mirror hanging—don’t place your mirrors too high. Eye-level is usually a safe bet, although in certain spaces mirrors can work a little above or below. If you stray too high though, you’ll end up with an ugly reflection of the ceiling.

DO consider using a mirror as a focal point.

The right mirror can easily be treated as a bold piece of art and hung as the focal point of the room. If that’s the direction you want to go with it, choose an extra-large sized mirror, something with a unique shape, or an interesting frame.

If you’re decorating a room that already has a natural focal point—such as a fireplace, bookshelves, or other architectural element or definitive furniture piece —position the mirror above or around that point to emphasize it. In a room without an existing focal point, hang the mirror at a center point to serve as an anchor and draw the eye.

DON’T be afraid to group mirrors.

When done the right way, a group of mirrors can be used to create an eye-catching gallery wall. This type of arrangement works best on smaller walls in spaces that are larger or have minimal clutter. To keep your “gallery” looking cohesive, choose mirrors that share a common element, such as a shape or frame color.

For the perfect accent mirror to enhance the look of any room, head on over to Conway Furniture! We have a great selection of contemporary decorative wall mirrors available online and in-store. While you’re browsing, take a peek at our other eye-catching home accents and top-quality furniture collections—in case you still need a little something extra to complete your space.

Start shopping online or contact a team member today for help finding the perfect product for your home!