12 Creative Ways with Mirrors

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Mirrors can transform any space. With a little creativity, mirrors become so much more than a basic decorating accessory. From practical enhancements to fun illusions, mirrors have endless possibilities to amplify style and function. We’ll explore 12 ingenious mirror ideas to inspire you.

Mix Different Shapes and Sizes

An eclectic display of mirrors adds visual interest to any room. Gather mirrors of assorted shapes, sizes, and frames for a dynamic arrangement. Hang them asymmetrically at varying heights for extra dimension. Try round beveled mirrors combined with rectangular vintage mirrors, for example. The mosaic effect packs plenty of reflective punch.

Tips for Creating a Mirror Wall:

Choose mirrors with at least one common thread – same finish, similar frames, comparable shapes. The cohesiveness prevents the look from appearing too busy or disjointed.
Display the mirrors in an asymmetrical formation rather than gridded uniformly. Overlap the edges for depth.
Hang the mirrors at slightly different levels for more visual movement.
Incorporate mirrors of different proportions – some tall and narrow, others short and wide. Varying the scale adds interest.
Feel free to leave gaps between some of the mirrors rather than clustering all tightly together. Negative space is key for a composed look.
For a modern gallery wall, opt for rimless mirrors to let the shapes take center stage. Or select mirrored frames for a more traditional vibe.
Illuminate the arrangement with recessed lighting or track lighting to create a focal point. Let the mirrors reflect and amplify the light.
Paint or wallpaper the wall behind the mirrors in a bold, contrasting color. This makes the mirror shapes stand out beautifully.

Create Infinity Reflections

Placing two mirrors opposite each other results in seemingly endless reflections. The dazzling optical effect works well in entryways, hallways, powder rooms, and bedrooms.

For optimal illusion, position the mirrors directly facing one another on parallel walls. Hang them high enough so they’re not blocked by furniture or pedestrians. Floor-length mirrors will multiply the effect even further.

Strategically place lighting between the mirrors to infinitely reflect ambient or task lighting. Sconces and pendant lights work especially well.

Infinity reflections introduce serious style and expand smaller spaces. The reflections make room proportions appear double in depth. It’s an easy mirror trick that makes a stunning statement.

Open up Dark Hallways

Hallways prone to shadowy dimness present the perfect opportunity for mirrors. Position mirrors across from windows whenever possible. This maximizes reflection of natural light into the darkest corners.

For hallways sans windows, make a mirror the dominant feature. A series of identical framed mirrors lining the whole length of the wall imparts a tunnel effect. The mirrors will brighten and widen the tight space.

Or hang an oversized mirror at the end of the hallway to create the illusion of more space. Place sconces on both sides of the mirror to amplify the light-enhancing power. The strategic mirrored wall reflects light back and makes the hallway feel brighter and less confined.

Build Floor-to-Ceiling Mirror Columns

Installing floor-to-ceiling mirrors that span from floor to ceiling makes a seriously glamorous statement. The bold mirror column effect works in entryways, seating areas, corners, and bedrooms.

For a built-in look, have the mirror cut to size and attach directly to the wall studs. Conceal the edges with trim pieces to finish off the custom appearance.

Leaning mirror panels against the wall rather than hanging also achieves the same effect. Prop three slim mirrored panels together in a corner to fashion an illuminated column.

Flank the mirrors with decorative sconces or floor lamps to double the lighting capacity. Dramatic lighting paired with floor-to-ceiling mirrors creates a red carpet-worthy scene.

Border a Room with Mirror Trim

Lining the perimeter of a space with mirror tiles or panels instantly enlarges the room. The reflective edges make the boundaries appear to expand outward. It’s an ingenious optical illusion for small spaces.

Use thin 1-2 inch mirror tiles and adhere directly to the wall trim or molding. This transforms drab trim into a glittering mirrored border that doubles the perceived size of the room.

In bathrooms, run mirror panels along the upper walls near the ceiling. This reflective band will make the entire space feel more open. Mirror tiles around the tub or shower also lend a luxe hotel aesthetic.

For bedrooms, affix mirror panels vertically along the wall at the corners. The mirrored column effect makes the room feel bigger and brighter.

Craft an Arched Mirror Gallery Wall

Gallery walls get a glam makeover with arched mirrors as the focal pieces. The curved shapes inject style while maximizing reflections to make any room feel more spacious and airy.

Hang a series of arched mirrors at various heights in an odd-numbered grouping. Overlap the edges slightly and leave ample negative space between groupings.

Introduce some framed artwork and decor pieces to complement the mirrors. For variation, mix in some oval mirrors or round sunburst mirrors. Paint or wallpaper the wall in a deep hue to contrast the mirror shapes.

Bathrooms with a modern black and white color scheme are perfectly primed for an arched mirror gallery installation. The curved mirrors pop against the graphic backdrop.

In bedrooms, an arched mirror gallery brings softness to a minimalist modern space. Illuminate with delicate pendant lamps or sconces to accentuate the graceful forms.

Fashion a Mirrored Headboard

The bedroom headboard presents the perfect canvas for mirror design. A mirrored headboard makes a serious style statement and visually expands the room.

Some options for easy application:

Adhere mirrored tiles or panels to the headboard surface in a symmetrical or asymmetrical formation. Add extra bling with mirrored trim edging.
Attach a long rectangular mirror horizontally along the headboard. Raise it slightly off the headboard for a floating illusion.
Prop two full length mirrors vertically on either side of the bed against the wall. Angling them inwards creates a dynamic focal point.
Choose a headboard with mirrored accents built into the frame. Tufted headboards with mirrored geometric patterns or inset mirror strips make lavish beds.

Illuminate the mirrored headboard with pendant lamps or sconces for amplified ambiance. The mirrored canvas reflects light in the bedroom for a bright and open feel.

Define Spaces with Mirrored Screens

Freestanding floor screens covered in mirror tiles or panels define spaces with glamour. Use mirrored screens to partition seating areas, delineate work zones, conceal clutter, and generally add privacy.

Look for tri-fold screens or hinged screens with full-length mirrors on one side. Or attach mirrors directly to a plain screen surface for a custom look.

Place the screen at an angle to enclose an area without fully separating it from the rest of the room. The mirrors still reflect light and maintain an open ambiance.

Mirrored screens add function and major style impact to any room. They cordon off functional areas and make rooms feel more expansive at the same time.

Build a Mirrored Backsplash

Kitchens and bathrooms gain instant modern glam with mirrored backsplashes. Mirrored tiles and panels reflect light and make the space feel more expansive.

Use mirrored backsplashes sparingly on one wall or a small section. Covering every wall in mirrors may feel dizzying.

Bathrooms should focus the mirror backsplash behind the vanity. Kitchens can incorporate mirrored backsplashes behind stoves, sinks or only a portion of the counters.

Pair with matte finishes and materials like marble or concrete to offset the high-reflectivity and create balance. Consider glass tile inserts to complement the slick mirror finish.

Proper lighting is key for optimal mirror effect. Install recessed lighting or pendant lamps above a mirrored backsplash to amplify the ambient glow.

Create a Mirrored Ceiling

For serious wow-factor, install mirror panels directly onto the ceiling. Mirrored ceilings double the perceived space, height, and lighting of a room. Take inspiration from the glittering mirrored ceilings found in palaces and ballrooms.

Entire ceiling coverage may feel overly flashy outside of a dance hall. Try covering only a portion of the ceiling in mirrors instead. Just mirroring the ceiling over the bed or seating area makes a strong style statement.

Proper installation is critical to prevent collapse and allow for a seamless mirrored plane. Hire professionals or use a kit designed specifically for ceiling mirror application.

Up your mirrored ceiling game by incorporating lighting elements like crystal chandeliers or LED strips. The reflection of light radiates opulence.

Craft Hand Mirrors with Personal Style

DIY hand mirrors make fantastic gifts, home accents, or a creative weekend project. Craft mirrors that reflect your personal sense of style.

Some quick DIY mirror ideas:

Decoupage the mirror surface with decorative paper, photos, or magazine clippings for a collage effect.
Glue on shells, beads, or sequins in creative shapes.
Use enamel paint pens to draw patterns, phrases, or doodles directly on the mirror.
Affix ribbons, lace, or fabric trim around the mirror edges.
Incoporate hardware like handles or knobs if using a furniture piece. Distress and stain the frame for a vintage look.
Prop the mirror on vintage books or ornaments. Attach small photos along the frame edges.
Incorporate pressed flowers, small objet d’art, feathers, or branches between two glass panes.

The options for hand mirrors are unlimited. Spark inspiration from your own interests and tastes.

Create Infinity Box Mirrors

These mesmerizing mirrors give the illusion of infinite depth using just two pieces of mirror and a box frame. Install one mirror on the back wall of a box frame tilted away at a 45 degree angle. Affix another mirror to the outside of the box, parallel to the first. The “infinity effect” is complete.

Play with colors by painting the interior a bold shade. Use a vintage box frame for added dimension. Place LED lights inside the frame to amplify the sense of depth.

Hang an infinity mirror on the wall or display it on a console table. The aesthetic works in modern and eclectic spaces alike.

Fashion a Mirrored Coffee Table

Coffee tables covered in mirrored tiles or inset with a single mirrored panel bring function and flair. The reflective surface adds light while making the furniture piece seem less bulky.

To make your own mirrored coffee table:

Adhere tile trim around the edges of a basic coffee table. Fill in the center with mirrored tiles. Add geometric interest with metallic glass tile accents.
Attach a large mirror panel to the underside of a glass coffee tabletop. This creates perfect reflections while keeping the surface usable.
Cut beveled mirror panels and adhere directly onto the table surface in creative formations. Prop on table legs or a painted base.
Attach a colorful mirrored mosaic tile design to just one portion of the table. Paint the legs in a coordinating hue.
Inset mirrors into the coffee table drawer faces instead of on the tabletop itself. The reflective accents add interest while keeping flat usable space.

Finish by accessorizing with coffee table books, trays for holding drinks/remotes, and sculptural objects to style atop the mirrored surface. Let the mirrored table shine as the focal point.

Illuminate with Mirrored Sconces

Sconces provide ambient lighting while also serving as chic wall decor. For amplified effect, use this lighting opportunity to add mirrored accents.

Look for sconces with mirrored backplates, bases, or secondary accents. The mirror elements reflect ambient light in the room for double the illumination.

Antique brass sconces with rectangular mirrored backplates have an ornate vintage vibe. For contemporary spaces, try round sconces where the backs and arms feature mirrored accents.

Install mirrored sconces flanking a bed, above bathroom sinks, or lining entryway walls. Wherever you need accent lighting, let mirrored sconces shine.