A mirror doesn’t just help you decide how complementary your outfit and hairstyle are, it is a tool you can keep in your interior design toolbox.

Mirrors can intensify light, they can create a dramatic appearance and offer reflective accents on your walls while adding to your interior décor. Think beyond mirrors as just functional pieces with the 10 expert tips we’ve listed below.

How to match a mirror to my décor?

For a mirror to match your existing décor, you’ll need to choose the frame carefully.

• Wooden frames complement rustic and industrial environments well, particularly when the wood is accentuated with distressed elements.

A farmhouse aesthetic also benefits from a wooden frame grouping mirrors is an excellent way to create a statement piece. Using two or more wood-framed mirrors in a room or hallway helps to bridge your new mirror with your existing style.

• Metal frames bring a clean, almost clinical feel, to a room – ideal for aesthetics that are extra orderly, like modern and minimalistic environments. When you want to have fun with a mirror and add a little extra spice to an eclectic room, choose a more artistic mirror frame.

You can find beautiful hand-painted metal frames that bring a distinct look to your home or if you want to simplify an already busy bohemian room, choose a simple gold or rose gold frame to bring structure into the room. Buyers also view Hollywood mirror discount code NHS.

What makes a quality mirror?

There are three main aspects of a mirror you should look for when buying a quality piece that lasts. The glass quality, the thickness of the mirror, and the mirror silvering are what make the difference between a mirror you can regard as disposable and one you’ll want to treasure.

• Good glass quality is flat and reflects accurately, without distortions – so if you’re noticing even a mild fun house effect, keep shopping.

• The ideal thickness of a mirror is a quarter inch – this thickness won’t misshape a reflection, even when placed against a wall that isn’t flat.

• Mirror silvering is the chemical coating used to finalize a mirror. Quality pieces are coated generously to form a tough and clear layer that lasts.

How to use different shaped mirrors?

Choosing the right shape of a mirror is just as important as where you place it. Traditional rectangular mirrors can be used, sure, but you can have a more dramatic impact when you choose a unique mirror shape to complement your space.

• A room with a soft, feminine feel that is filled with shabby chic décor is well complemented by an oval mirror or a flirtier shape, like a quatrefoil.

• To complement masculine interior décor, you can stick with standard shapes like rectangles and squares – the frames make the statement here. Choose a wooden or brass frame to offer a complementary accent. You can also shop at eBay discount code NHS.

• For minimalistic environments, choose a barely there metal frame so the functionality of the mirror takes the spotlight – shapes with strong lines work best, so think trapezoid, parallelogram, and right triangles.

• In an eclectic environment, you have freedom to play with different shapes – strong lines and soft curves alike! Try a diamond shape for an upgraded feel, scallop shape to convey personality, or circles to keep it simple but still fun.

How to best complement different rooms with mirrors?

Have you ever walked into a room with large mirrors and thought it was much larger until you caught your own reflection? Mirrors can create an optical illusion, instantly doubling the perceived space of any room.

• A hallway can be expanded with a slim mirror placed on the far end.

• A square-shaped mirror looks great in a foyer when placed just above a simple console table.

• Small accent mirrors can be used in your bathroom to enhance the space with light and style.

• Floor mirrors with thick, painted wooden frames are a great addition to the bedroom, where you can check your outfit before heading out the door.

Should I purchase more than one mirror?

Mirrors work perfectly to frame a view, so when you use them in pairs, they create a sense of poise and harmony, mirroring the other side of a room beautifully.

When you use mirrors in pairs, you can create an organized atmosphere – however, even a room with bohemian décor can benefit from symmetry. Uniquely shaped mirrors or those with colorful trims can also be displayed in pairs to complement an eclectic environment.

How to use small mirrors in an open space?

Aside from symmetrical pairings, you can also place multiple same-sized mirrors side by side and across from one another. Similar to a collage of paintings, you can create a collage of mirrors in any room to enliven it.

For a funkier design, choose different shapes and different frames – you can stick with a color palette to invite a little congruency or keep it mismatched for an exclusive look that stays true to you.

How to shop for an outdoor mirror?

While you may have thought mirrors were for indoor use only, we’re here to tell you they look fantastic when used outdoors also! For example, if you have a north-facing outdoor space that limits light, the right placement of a mirror can reflect light into the space, making it brighter and more inviting.

Arched, window-shaped mirrors are popular outside pieces – they combine inner and outdoor living beautifully while adding a touch of style to your garden. Choose a frame that stands up to changing weather, like metal or wood.

For longevity, invest in mirror edge sealer to prevent blackening of the mirror. Customers also buy at IKEA discount code NHS

How to brighten any room with a mirror?

Let there be light with strategic mirror placement – wherever you have light shining through, place your mirror on the opposite side to create a reflection of the source.

Pairing mirrors with artificial light sources can also serve this purpose. If you want a subtler effect, incorporate reflective furniture into a room – for example, a chest with reflective drawers is understated and will brighten the room.

Floor mirror vs. wall-mounted mirror – which is better?

Floor mirrors are fantastic add-ons to any décor, whether it’s vintage, minimalistic, or modern. Since floor mirrors aren’t attached to anything, you can reposition them at any time to make use of sunlight within any room.

Framed options are furniture pieces in and of themselves, while frameless mirrors can easily be tucked away when not in use.

How to make a mirror the focal point of a room?

If your living room doesn’t already have a built-in focal point, like a fireplace, you can create one with a mirror. Simply, choose a mirror with a lavishly carved frame and place it in the center of the room – structure your furniture pieces around it, and voila! You have your focal point.

Mirrors are like a secret ingredient that can completely alter the “flavor” of any interior design recipe. The possibilities for mirror use are endless and with some of our best tips, we hope to have inspired your creative mind for the next set of upgrades to your room.

Remember to amplify light, add symmetry, incorporate drama, or open up space and create depth with calculated placements!