Mirror, Mirror on the Wall - Decorating with Mirrors in Living Rooms

Mirrors can completely transform the look and feel of any living room. Strategically placed mirrors reflect light, create the illusion of more space, and provide elegant decorative accents. From ornate antique mirrors to modern frameless designs, there are so many stylish ways to incorporate mirrors into your living room decor.

Read on for plenty of tips and ideas to help you decorate with mirrors!

Types of Mirrors for Living Rooms

Before deciding where and how to place mirrors, first think about what type of mirror you want to use. Here are some of the most popular styles of mirrors for living rooms:

Framed Mirrors

Framed mirrors come in endless frame variations to match any decor. Here are some framed mirror options perfect for living rooms:

• Vintage mirrors with ornate, carved frames lending a traditional elegant feel
• Antique mirror frames in silver, gold, or natural wood tones for a classic look
• Simple black, white, or natural wood frames for clean-lined contemporary spaces

Frameless Mirrors

For a sleek modern look, choose a frameless mirror with beveled edges. The beveled edges soften the shape and add dimension. Frameless mirrors give a lightweight, contemporary feel perfect for minimalist spaces.

Round Mirrors

A round mirror can add an eye-catching shape to a living room. Try a circular mirror with a thin metal rim for a modern touch. The simple round shape makes these mirrors suitable for even small living rooms, as they don't overwhelm the space.

Wall-Mounted Mirrors

Lean a large wall-mounted mirror against a wall for a casual effect. Rectangular floor mirrors also create the illusion of more space when mounted vertically. Full length mirrors are another option for making small spaces appear larger.

Mosaic Mirrors

For lots of shine and visual interest, try a mosaic mirror. Mosaic mirrors comprise many small mirror pieces arranged in geometric or abstract patterns. The multitude of mirrors bounces light around the room. Their colorful, textural look makes them ideal focal points.

Strategic Mirror Placement

Where you place a mirror in your living room impacts its decorative and functional effects. Here are some of the best places to position living room mirrors:

• Above the fireplace - reflects light and anchors the space
• On the wall opposite windows - bounces more natural light into the room
• Behind or beside living room seating - expands the feeling of space
• On accent walls - creates a focal point and complements wall decor
• In the entryway or foyer - visually expands the entry space

Avoid placing mirrors directly across from each other, as this creates an disorienting infinite reflection effect. Instead, think about angles - placing mirrors at right angles helps reflect views at pleasing off-center angles.

Using Mirrors to Reflect Light

One of the most practical uses for mirrors is bouncing light around a room. Consider these strategies for using mirrors to maximize light:

• Place a mirror opposite windows to reflect more natural light indoors.
• Position a mirror to reflect a chandelier or pendant light and amplify its ambient glow.
• Highlight architectural details by reflecting light onto crown molding or ceiling medallions.
• Angle a mirror to reflect artwork and decorative items.

Adding mirrors near lamps or sconces can also make them more effective by dispersing light around the room.

Creating the Illusion of Space

One of the most common reasons to use mirrors in interior design is to make a room feel larger. Here are some mirror tricks that create the illusion of more space:

• Hang an oversized mirror or floor-to-ceiling mirror to instantly expand the feel of the room.
• Mirror an entire wall, broken up with framing, to double the perceived space.
• Lean an elongated mirror against the wall to mimic a window.
• Use mirrors to accent tight spaces or corners and make them feel more open.

Placing mirrors opposite windows multiplies the view outdoors. The reflection gives the perception of a wide open wall instead of a window.

Mirror Gallery Walls

One trendy way to display mirrors is in a gallery wall arrangement. To create a mirror gallery wall:

• Mix various mirror sizes and shapes for visual interest.
• Overlap frames and position mirrors at angles.
• Incorporate different textures - some mirrors can have ornate frames while others are simple.
• Coordinate with other gallery wall items like artwork, photos, or decorative plates.

The eclectic arrangement makes mirror gallery walls intriguing focal points. Feel free to go bold and creative when designing your own!

Incorporating Mirrors into Furniture

Mirrors can be integrated seamlessly into living room furniture for doubled decorative impact. Some ideas:

• A glass coffee table top with mirrored bottom shelves or legs
• Mirrored cabinetry on bookshelves, media consoles, or bar carts
• A headboard covered in mirrored tiles or panels
• Nightstands or side tables with mirrored sides or shelves
• Hang a statement mirror above a sofa table or console table

Look for small ways to add mirrored furniture accents. The reflections add depth while complementing the rest of the living room decor.

Decorating with Mirrors

Mirrors are so versatile - they can be displayed in countless decorative ways. Some creative mirror display ideas include:

• Clustering a symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangement of mirrors on a wall
• Outlining mirror edges with LED strip lighting for a dramatic effect
• Layering leaning mirrors with vases, books, candles, or other decor
• Leaning mirrors against fireplace mantels or furniture
• Creating dazzling mirrored installations as artwork

Or keep it simple by just letting a stunning mirror be the focal point. Thoughtfully decorate the area around the mirror to let it shine.

The right living room mirrors can completely transform a space. Consider the shape, size and style of mirror to complement your decor. Place them strategically to reflect light and views for added function. Get creative with mirrored gallery walls or furniture. Decorating with mirrors opens up so many possibilities!

You're sure to find the perfect mirrors for your living room. Use these tips and tricks to help you achieve a living room mirror display you'll love coming home to.