The Illusion of Space: Using Mirrors to Expand Your Room

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
Illusion of space with mirrors | New Africa/Shutterstock

Small rooms can be challenging to decorate and can leave 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. One effective way to achieve this is by strategically placing mirrors throughout the room.

In this post, we look at creative and effective ways to use mirrors to double the perceived size of your small room. Whether you're looking for ideas to decorate your bedroom, living room, or bathroom, we've got you covered.

Do mirrors make a room look bigger?

Mirrors serve as functional tools for checking our appearance and have a visual impact that can make a room feel larger and brighter. By reflecting light and breaking up visual clutter, mirrors can create the illusion of expanded walls and added depth.

  • 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.

Decorating with mirrors

When you don't have a lot of space, you're limited with what you can do in the room to make it 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. 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 both natural and artificial light around the room. By placing your mirror across from a window, you can use it to illuminate your space without effort. This technique is especially beneficial in small, dark rooms with limited windows.

You can also use the same method for reflecting light from lamps, chandeliers and fireplaces. 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.

Use mirrors to make your bathroom shine

A mirror in the bathroom plays a very functional role when you're getting ready, but with a few minor changes, you can use it to transform the space. You can use a large mirror along your vanity to enlarge your space and bring in more light.

If your bathroom is too small for a large mirror, consider using several smaller ones to create a mirror wall. This way, you'll not only add more brightness, but it will also make your bathroom seem larger. Alternatively, if you have a big bathroom, consider adding a free-standing mirror for a more dramatic effect.

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 when 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 create a bald statement in your bedroom.

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 work best in this situation and won't take 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. Create dramatic focal points, add creative flair and incorporate practical solutions using mirrors. As they come in many different sizes and styles, you can use them in many various applications.

Use mirrors to make your space feel brighter and more spacious. They are a practical and often more affordable solution for small, cramped spaces that will transform your home. Want to experiment with mirrors before you install them? Use Planner 5D to try out different mirror solutions in your home. Most of all, use your creativity and have fun.



FAQ

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

To make a room look bigger with a mirror, place 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. Another option is to use mirrors on closet doors or as decorative accents.

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

There are a few strategic locations for placing a mirror. 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.

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