Mirrors are a designer’s not-so-secret weapon for creating the illusion of more space in a room. A strategically placed mirror can also make a dark room brighter. If your apartment is small or lacks windows, mirrors might be the solution to make your space bigger and brighter. Here are a few tips for using mirrors to trick the eye.
Go Large!
Try to find an oversized mirror with an impressive frame. It creates the illusion of a doorway and will make your apartment feel larger, especially with the reflection.
Create a Foyer
Give the entrance to your apartments an inviting feel with a slim console table and a stylish mirror hung above it. This gives you the look of a foyer (even if you don’t technically have one), extra storage, and an easy spot to drop keys and bags.
Dress Up Your Mantel
If you have a fireplace, you can either hang a mirror above the mantel or (if you prefer not to put holes in the walls) lean it against the wall on top of the mantel. Try to put something interesting (like a favorite painting) across from the mirror so it can reflect it.
Create a Mirror Gallery
A series of smaller mirrors grouped together can create a show-stopping piece of art that adds space and light to the room. Find mirrors with similar frames – either simple or ornate –and group them together on one wall. The gallery of mirrors looks best behind a sofa, on a stairwell, or in a bathroom. It creates a beautiful art piece and requires very little effort and expense.
Fake a Window
Find the window in your apartment that has the best view. Hang your mirror directly across from the window to capture the view within its frame, and voila, you doubled your view! If the mirror has a windowpane style frame, even better. Repeat this for every window with a good view and it will appear as though your place has twice the number of windows (and you’ll be able to see that great view from several more angles in your apartment).
