Living Room Mirrors that Complement and Showcase Your Favorite Features
Strategically placed mirrors can transform a living room by complementing existing features and reflecting the best elements in the space. When thoughtfully incorporated, mirrors act as design elements that enhance a room's focal points, highlight architectural details, and create the illusion of expanded space and light.
By taking a thoughtful approach to mirror placement, it's possible to reflect and draw attention to a living room's most impressive features. Here are some clever ways to use mirrors to showcase favorite living room details.
Mirror Placement to Showcase Living Room Features
Living rooms often have beautiful architectural elements and decor details that deserve to be highlighted. The strategic placement of mirrors allows homeowners to complement and reflect their favorite living room features.
Reflect Architectural Elements
Many living rooms boast captivating architectural elements like ornate fireplaces, accent walls, and interior design details. Position a mirror on the wall opposite or adjacent to the feature you want to accentuate. The mirror will reflect and draw attention to these eye-catching details, creating a gorgeous focal point in the living room.
For a unique effect, hang an oval or circle mirror above a linear feature like a fireplace. The rounded mirror shape softens the reflection. Or, place an angled mirror across from architectural elements to capture distinctive vantage points in the reflection.
Reflect Artwork
Showcase treasured artwork by mounting a mirror on the wall opposite or beside the piece. The mirror reflects the art, allowing it to be viewed from multiple angles. Clustering several small mirrors next to artwork also creates an appealing gallery wall effect.
For large statement pieces, position a sizable mirror opposite the painting or photograph to create a dramatic reflected view. Include lighting to illuminate both the art and mirrored reflection.
Reflect Views Through Windows
Strategically placed mirrors can reflect outside views deeper into a living room's interior. Mount a mirror on the wall opposite windows to reflect the exterior view indoors. This gives the impression of an additional window, making the room feel more spacious and bright.
For optimal reflection, consider an adjustable mirror that can be tilted at different angles to capture the best vantage point.
Highlight Niches and Built-Ins
Many living rooms include specialized architectural features like niches for display or media built-ins. Positioning a mirror within or directly across from these unique details reflects and accentuates them beautifully. The mirror's reflection draws attention to these custom elements.
Complement Furniture Arrangements
Strategically placed mirrors can complement living room furniture arrangements like sofas or console tables. Position a mirror on the wall above, behind or across from furnishings to reflect and enhance the furniture vignette.
The mirror's reflection adds depth and interest to seating areas, making them a gorgeous focal point.
Reflect Light Fixtures and Chandeliers
For a glittering effect, mount a mirror on the ceiling above or across from light fixtures and chandeliers. The reflection in the mirror showcases the fixture while amplifying the radiance of the lighting throughout the living room.
Mirror Styles and Placement for Optimal Reflection
In addition to location, choosing the right mirror style helps create an optimal reflective effect. Consider the following mirror types and placement strategies:
Full Length Mirrors
Lean an elegant, full length mirror against a living room wall to reflect a panoramic view of the entire space. Reposition adjustable full length mirrors to capture reflection from different angles.
Oval and Circle Mirrors
Oval and circular mirrors have a softening effect, beautifully reflecting living room features without hard edges. Their shaped reflection looks particularly striking when centered above furnishings and architectural elements.
Mirror Groups
Cluster groups of various sized mirrors together for an artistic, textural reflection. Eclectic mirror groupings add interest when grouped symmetrically or asymmetrically.
Frameless Mirrors
For a clean, contemporary look, frameless mirrors offer a sleek reflective option. Their minimal edges create seamless views, perfectly reflecting light and architectural details.
Mirrored Cabinets and Consoles
Incorporate mirrored cabinets and consoles into living room furniture arrangements. These multifunctional pieces complement room decor while reflecting views from their clever vantage points.
Mirror Installation Considerations
To properly incorporate mirrors into the living room, keep these installation considerations in mind:
- Measure both the mirror and wall space carefully to select appropriate mirror sizes.
- Determine optimal height and angle for the desired reflective view.
- Anchor substantial mirrors securely to walls according to the mirror's weight.
- Adjust angles of adjustable mirror mounts to capture the best reflections.
- Safely arrange leaning mirrors to sit steadily against walls without tipping.
- Illuminate mirrors appropriately using adjacent lighting to avoid glare.
Enhancing Small Living Rooms with Mirrors
For diminutive living rooms, strategic mirror placement can make the space appear larger. Consider the following small space tips:
- Hang a sizable mirror on the wall opposite windows to reflect light and views. The reflection expands the look of the room.
- Lean a tall, slim mirror in a corner to draw the eye upward, giving the illusion of height.
- Add mirrors behind seating arrangements to create the feeling of more space.
- Use mirrored cabinets and consoles instead of traditional furniture to save space.
Achieving a Cohesive Decor with Mirrors
When thoughtfully incorporated, mirrors can enhance living room style for a polished, pulled-together look. Keep these decor considerations in mind:
- Select mirror frames and finishes that coordinate well with existing furniture and decor elements.
- Unify eclectic mirror styles through common hues by selecting mirror frames in the same color family.
- Layer mirrored surfaces alongside other soft and textural accents like rugs, pillows and artwork to balance the look.
Mirrors are a great way to complement living room features and highlight favorite design elements. By taking a strategic approach to mirror placement, size and style, it's possible to transform the look and feel of a living room. Mirrors reflect and enhance a living space's best features, while expanding the overall visual impact of the room.