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The added bonus to the practicality of mirrors is that mirrors are
simple and effective in creating the illusion of space. Using mirrors to make
your space feel larger is a trick interior designers have used for centuries.
Mirrors give a sense of greater space by reflecting light, they brighten a room
and the reflection within the room also fools the eye (trompe l'oeil) into
feeling there is a greater amount of space than in reality. Knowing some of the
basic tricks as to how you can use mirrors in your home may just save you the
costs and hassle of renovating to create more space!
1. Use a mirror to reflect light.
Dark rooms
often give a sense of crowding and gloom. Place a mirror on the wall that is
opposite to the window. This will reflect incoming light back into the room and
help to brighten the space. If you are fortunate in having a view, place a
mirror so that it reflects the view.
Use a large,
full-length mirror in an entrance way on a wall or walls that the eye looks at
first, or as a focal point on a distant wall that is seen when first entering. This
instantly this gives the person entering a sense of increased space and
reflects light from the entrance way.
Place professionally
cut-to-fit mirrors on each side of the window reveal, which is the space
between the inside wall and the window itself. This reflects lights coming in from
the window.
Use a mirror on
the darkest wall in the room to reflect the lighter side, especially dramatic
in highlighting a portion of richly painted feature wall, or hiding a portion
of a brick wall.
2. Place mirrors on the ceiling.
Dark entrance
ways, bathroom spaces, especially windowless toilet rooms, and back verandahs
are notoriously dull. Revive them by mirroring the ceiling. When the light is
switched on this gives the illusion of a skylight. This is particularly useful
in pantries and apartments where skylights are not possible.
3. Multiply the light with mirrors.
By placing a
lamp in front of a mirror you will spread the light throughout the room. In a
windowless room, adding a shelf under a mirror hung at eye level on the wall
creates the optical illusion of light from a window space.
Place a mirror
next to your dining table. This allows softer lighting to be used while still keeping
the area bright enough to see your dinner plate!
4. Floor to ceiling mirrors.
Floor to ceiling mirror wall will double the space as the mirror
reflects the space identically. This design strategy is particularly useful in
dining rooms and bathrooms where mirror wall can open up the space and create a
sense of flow.
Any furniture placed next to a mirrored wall, such as a dining table or
bed, will appear instantly larger creating the illusion that the space is also
doubled.
Oversized mirrors sitting on the floor are great for making any space
feel taller. The shape draws the eye upward making the space feel lighter.
Place large mirrors behind a group of furniture.
5. Mirrors in groups and layers.
While there is
no denying the impact of a large mirror, grouping small mirrors onto one wall
may be a more practical option, especially if the space is a rental property. A
collection of frames or by a creative collection of frames that marry in style
and tone, also offers the opportunity to express your unique character. Aim for
a look that is organised without feeling cluttered. Creating a pattern of
framed mirrors, perhaps with different shapes adds an element of design and
depth to the room. The reflections are seen in fractured pieces, which can add
an interesting artistic look to the space.
Layer smaller
framed mirrors upon entire mirrored wall, either in groups, pairs, or one
larger piece with character to create depth to the space without taking up
space in the room.
Hang long
narrow mirrors in landscape orientation to make any wall look longer instantly.
6. Splashbacks with impact.
There are so
many ways using mirror can make an impact in the kitchen. Used as a toughened
glass splashback, mirror doubles any under counter lighting and gives the
illusion of double the bench space.
Use mirror
behind your stovetop, as it cleans up easily and it will bounce light around and
make meal preparation easier.
Enlarge your
bathroom by using mirror wall behind your basin in floor-to-ceiling mode.
7. Multi-functional mirrors
Using mirror on the front of wardrobe doors, storage cabinets and
kitchen cabinets, either top or bottom, will double the function of storage in
small spaces. Not only does it enlarge the space but can be used to display
decorative shelving and collections. Use mirror silicone (never regular
silicone) to attach mirror tiles or custom cut mirror to existing furniture and
cabinet fronts to expand the room, but take care not to overdo it. Mirrored
placemats might just be the touch that pushes this concept over the edge!
8. Make a garden larger
Make a small garden, courtyard or patio area feel larger by adding
mirrors along fence lines. Blur the boundaries of the mirrors with vegetation
to give the illusion of twice the garden. Mirrored walls will remove the hemmed
in feeling of small courtyards and enrich the beauty of the plants. Use mirror
behind water features to double their serenity.
9. Window illusion.
Fake a window by using small square mirror tiles within a window frame
to give the illusion that there is window where there is none. Place a plant in
front of it to give the illusion of a garden view outside. If you have an ugly
view outside your window, be creative and hang a mirror from the ceiling to
“float” in front of the window leaving a “frame” of 150mm of window showing to
allow the light into the room.
10. Mirrors as art and drama.
Dramatically different mirrors add visual focal points to any space.
Try adding an oversized floor-standing mirror to your room to add impact. It
will add the illusion of height.
Mirrors can be cut a wide variety of shapes and formed into intriguing
contemporary designs. The Belgian company, Deknudt, are particularly famous and
often favoured for mirror design that is a work of art. Mirror as artwork alone
in a space will delight the human eye into the feeling of an expanded living
area.
Remember too much or too little of an element will make a space
off-balance and uncomfortable. Keep each room visually appealing, harmonious
and balanced by keeping bold choices well-placed and reflected views
unobstructed by clutter.
Once you discover their versatility, you’ll realize that mirrors are
your greatest decorating asset. Enjoy!.
