The fabulous thing about mirrors is they can make small spaces feel larger. They can be used to create a focal point, or they can blend in and allow the rest of your decor to pop. If you place a mirror behind a light source it will reflect the natural light in a room. Mirrors create the illusion of space so they can really help make a small room feel bigger. To achieve a personal, collected look, which of course is my favorite, shop yard sales and thrft shops for interesting frames that can be converted to a mirror. I can’t think of a more versitile decor item Let’s take a look at some of my favorite creative ways to decorate with mirrors.
One of the designers I find most inspiring is Isabel Lopez Queseda. I love this fireplace Vignette. You can follow her on Instagram here. You can also check out her portfolio here, and buy her wonderful book here (a favorite of mine) This interesting mirror makes a bold statement and is the star here.
This mirror (purchased at Horchow years ago )in my own home has been in nearly every room in our house. I placed it above the fireplace here for one of our fall mantle styling posts. You can read more of that post here.
The strong architectural shape of this mirror balances the more feminine curves of the fireplace in this room by Sarah Bartholomew.
This vignette was created by the uber-talented Chicago designer Michael del Piero. You can follow her on Instagram here, and check out her portfolio here. I love the rustic organic feel of this arrangement. Don’t be afraid to go big with a mirror.
CREATIVE WAYS TO DECORATE WITH MIRRORS ABOVE CONSOLES
Many of the slim simple mirrors that are popular right now need not cost you an arm and a leg. This mirror by Studio McGee for Target makes a lovely statement for less.
My pal Mary Ann styled this beautiful console for one of her clients here. I think this project is one of my favorites that Mary Ann has done. Note she positioned this mirror opposite the windows to expand and reflect the natural light.
This is my son and daughter in laws console (one of the versions) that I styled for my post How to Style a Console.This console is located right where the room begins to narrow so it creates the illusion of space.
This simple mirror with its architectural details compliments the raw wood and interesting artifacts styled by the amazing Jill Sharp.
Sherry Hart never dissapoints. I spotted this on her Instagram feedfrom one of her latest projects. Love the juxtaposition of the offbeat organic mirror with the pretty chest.
CREATIVE WAYS TO DECORATE WITH LARGE MIRRORS
Adding a large mirror to a smallish space can make it seem larger. Although we can’t see the rest of this space featured on My Domaine. I am guessing that is what was at work here.
This vignette is by the talented Whitney Parkinson. You can see more of her portfolio here. This large entry called out for something large, but don’t be afraid to use a large mirror in a small space like a small entry. The large mirror will make the small space seem larger.
This vintage mirror in this gorgeous bathroom by Waterworks is simply “all that” isn’t it?
CREATIVE WAYS TO DECORATE WITH MIRRORS IN BEDROOMS
Love the use of matching mirrors above twin beds like this design from Andrew Brown. I had matching mirrors above my twin beds at one point.
Another favorite use of mirrors in the bedroom is to add a mirror on each side of the bed behind lamps. They make the room seem larger and they reflect the light.
SHOP MIRRORS
My favorite places to shop for well-priced mirrors, World Market, Target, Overstock, and Wayfair.
My favorite places to shop for interesting mirrors: One Kings Lane, Lulu and Georgia, OKA, Dear Keaton, and Serena and Lilly. Pottery Barn always has interesting ones in various price ranges as well.
Here are some articles you might enjoy.
The Washington Post Expert Rules and Tips for Decorating with Mirrors
The Spruce How to Decorate with Mirrors
Apartment Therapy Mirror Decor Ideas
I hope this post, Creative Ways to Decorate with Mirrors has given you some inspiration and ideas of how to incorporate mirrors into your decor. This will be our last weekend in this house, so we will be busy getting it ready for the new family to enjoy.
Bravo… I love your selections, thanks…I’m addicted – have been for a while – 3 in the living room/dining area – 2 in the entry – 1 in the hall – 4 in the master. Your post makes me realize the guest room and the den are lacking. Better get to work on that!
xok
Beautiful mirrors! Thanks for the great ideas.
Hi Rose
Of course so glad you enjoyed the post!
Thanks for including me:)
Of course you are my idol!!
Cara Cindy
Un semplice augurio di buon trasloco, e che la tua nuova casa ti porti tanta serenità. 🍀🐞💐
Thank you so much Dora. I have been wondering about you. I hear things are improving in Italy. Her family lives in Bergamo and she is hoping they will be able to travel here once again soon.
This was a great post with some wonderful photos and examples of the magic that can be done with mirrors….thanks!
Hi Paula
Thank you so much I am so glad you enjoyed it. I love mirrors!
This was another fun read even though I’m not in need of a mirror. It did remind me of one I bought 30ish years ago in La Jolla at the thrift store run by the ASPCA. It was a big beautiful piece with a gold frame, details somewhat like yours, that had taken on a beautiful patina with age. I really hated parting with that mirror when I downsized but there was just no way I could see re-purposing it. I still mourn giving it up!
Now I have a much simpler one over my fireplace that I think I bought from Ballard. It’s a gracefully scalloped shape with beveled edges.
Thanks for finding time to write a blog during your packing/construction/moving days!
Hi Wren
I probably do not need one either!! Ballard has good mirrors as well. They seem to be doing a better job all the time. My kids had a couple of pieces of furniture from them when they were first married. It looked great and was very sturdy. I like their collections they are doing now.
Great topic. I have always loved using mirrors. Whether it be a large one on its own, or groupings. Always look forward your posts.
Hi Jill
Thank you so much. I left a couple of mirrors behind that the new owner’s wanted. I am sure if I need another I will be able to find one!
Great ideas! I love decorating with mirrors! Thanks for this post!
Hi Nancy
Thank you for weighing in. I love them too!
GOTTA LOVE MIRRORS!
I HAVE A FEW!
NEW POST UP ON A GARDEN FLOOZY IN Southern California!
Hi Elizabeth
So enjoyed your latest garden post!!
I love mirrors. I call them light magnets! My late MIL loved mirrors, too and called them cheap tricks for grand results!
In my narrow hallway, I used a collection of mirrors to lighten the space. The walls are black beadboard and I gessoed the mirror collection of different styles white. Gesso is my cheap trick! In my small upstairs bath, again I gessoed in white a collection of mirror styles and sizes on walls painted in BM Chantilly Lace. It makes the room look airy. In my small powder room on the first floor, I had the walls mirrored in “bricks of mirror” about 12″ x 18″ in a running bond pattern (Thanks Carol Prisant. Sorry I never sent you a picture. Your writing will forever be missed!)and hung a sunburst mirror over that above the sink. Obviously I think you are absolutely right about going big! And a big yes to shopping tag sales and auctions and buying empty frames (or filled with less than desirable art) and have them turned into mirrors.
I love that Patricia “light magnets”. Your use of mirrors sounds so interesting. Love the running bond idea. I love a good sunburst mirror and the gessoed mirror collection sounds wonderful. Always fun to be dramatic in a small bath
Great photos. I loves mirrors outside hanging on fences too!
Hi Joni
Thanks for reminding me of that one. I always wanted to put a mirror above our outdoor fireplace here, but could never convince my husband!
This has been so helpful! Thank you so much! Love your posts ❤️
Hi Ramona
I am so happy you found it helpful!