How to Use Mirrors to Make Your Room Look Bigger

Mirrors are a great way to add space and light to your room. Here is what you need to know about using mirrors to create the illusion of space.

Mirrors reflect light and add brightness to a room |  New Africa/Shutterstock
This post was originally published May 2022/updated August 2024

Small rooms can be challenging to decorate, often leaving you feeling confined and uncomfortable. However, with the right design tricks, you can create the illusion of more space and transform a cramped room into a cozy oasis, inspiring hope and comfort. One effective way to achieve this is by strategically placing mirrors throughout the room.

In this post, we explore the versatile and effective ways to use mirrors to make your room look bigger. Whether you're seeking ideas to decorate your bedroom, living room, or bathroom, our tips will teach you how to double the perceived size of your small room.

Do mirrors make a room look bigger?

Mirrors, beyond their function as tools for checking our appearance, have a profound visual impact. They can make a room feel larger and brighter by reflecting light and breaking up visual clutter. Most notably, mirrors can make a room look bigger by creating the illusion of expanded walls and added depth, transforming the spatial perception of a room.

  • Mirrors can enlarge your space, making it feel more spacious and bright.
  • Mirrors can function as decor and artwork and can liven up a space.
  • Mirrors are great for making rooms feel brighter by reflecting light from windows.
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Decorating with mirrors

When you don't have a lot of space, you're limited in what you can do to make the room physically larger. A bare wall can feel imposing, even more so in a small room. Hanging a mirror on the wall is an ideal solution and a great way to create the illusion of space.

By using mirrors, you can simulate windows and give the room more dimensions and angles. A tall mirror will draw the eye's attention higher, making the space feel more spacious.

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Use decorative or statement mirrors that can also function as wall decor. This way, you are adding function and style without compromising on space.

Let there be light

As with any reflective surface, mirrors can capture and reflect natural and artificial light around the room. By placing your mirror across from a window, you can illuminate your space without effort. This tried and tested technique is especially beneficial in small, dark rooms with limited windows, providing a reliable solution to brightening up your space.

While mirrors can work wonders in reflecting light, it's important to exercise caution. Feeling a bit whimsical? Place a string of lights around a large mirror in your room and enjoy the cozy glow. Just be careful not to use too many mirrors or place them too close together, as this can create a disorienting effect.

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Use mirrors to make your bathroom shine

A bathroom mirror is more than just a functional item-it's a design element that can significantly impact your space. By placing a large mirror along your vanity, you can cleverly enlarge the space and bring in more light, enlightening you about the principles of space perception in design.

When installing mirrors, ensure they are securely fastened to prevent accidents. If your bathroom is too small for a large mirror, consider using several smaller ones to create a mirror wall.

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This way, you'll not only add more brightness but also make your bathroom seem larger. Alternatively, consider adding a free-standing mirror for a dramatic effect if you have a big bathroom.

Expand your room with mirror closet doors

A once trendy part of interior design, mirrored doors are making a comeback, and it's easy to see why. Mirrored doors are often larger than free-standing mirrors, so you can use their surface to reflect even more light without losing space.

Mirrored closed doors are a great solution for small rooms where placing mirrors on the wall or adding more light isn't always possible. These doors work exceptionally well in stand-alone wardrobes and as sliding closet doors. They are practical and can make a bold statement in your bedroom.

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Double your hallway space

Corridors and hallways tend to be the narrowest parts of our homes. Mirrors are a great way to add depth and brightness so your hallway doesn't feel gloomy or crowded. Place a made-to-measure mirror on one of the walls in your hall or entryway for an instant light boost.

You can also use mirrors instead of hanging paintings or other wall art, especially if your hallway is narrow. This way, you can add an illusion of space and avoid bumping into hanging objects. Flat or stick-on mirrors can make your room look bigger without taking up a lot of space.

Conclusion

Mirrors can make your space seem bigger and are an excellent solution for small spaces with limited natural light. They create dramatic focal points, add creative flair, and offer practical solutions. As they come in many different sizes and styles, you can use them in many various applications.

Use mirrors to make your space feel bigger and brighter. They are a practical and often more affordable solution for small, cramped spaces that will transform your home.


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Want to experiment with mirrors before you install them? Use Planner 5D to try out different mirror solutions in your home.

FAQ

How do I make my room look bigger with a mirror?

Make a room look bigger with a mirror by placing it strategically so that it reflects light and creates the illusion of depth. You can easily do that by placing a large mirror on the wall facing a window to reflect natural light. This will create a brighter and more spacious feel.

Where do you put a mirror to make a room feel bigger?

There are a few strategic locations for placing a mirror to make a room feel bigger. One is to place a large mirror facing a window to reflect natural light. Placing a mirror behind a piece of furniture, such as a sofa or a bed, is another great way to make a room feel bigger. You can also use mirrors as accents or on closet doors.

Do mirrors make things look bigger?

Mirrors create the illusion of space and make things look bigger by reflecting the image and creating a sense of depth. A mirror can make a room or an object appear larger than it is.

Do mirrors create more space?

Mirrors can create the illusion of more space by reflecting light and adding depth to a room. However, they don't physically create more space.