How to Use Mirrors to Effectively Open Up Your Space

It’s a well known fact that large mirrors, if hung correctly, can give the illusion of more space. Whether you live in a small space, or simply want to open up your living area, adding a few attractive mirrors can easily accomplish the look of a bigger room without taking a sledgehammer to a single wall (although that does sound slightly more fun!)

Cary Bernstein Architect – Choy 2 Residence

Here are some helpful tips for hanging mirrors to open up your living area —

Reflecting Light

You can easily double the amount of light in a room by adding a mirror or two. However, this is something you’ll want to do carefully as too many mirrors can make a room look more like a carnival funhouse than a stately home. Hanging a mirror a foot or so behind a hanging chandelier or opposite a window can reflect light beautifully, but more than one large mirror will make the room feel awkwardly bright.

Mandarina Studio – Cambridge Residence

Michael Abrams – Contemporary living room in Chicago

Architects & Designers Building NYC

Reduce the Appearance of Clutter

If you’re like most homeowners, you have at least a small amount of junk secretly hidden behind one or more cabinet doors somewhere in your home. However, too many closed doors can shrink a space. One handy trick is to trade out your wooden or glass fronted cabinet doors with mirrored doors. This will give guests the feeling that your room is wide open and clutter-free, even if you’re harboring loads of junk.

Fluegge Interior Design / Orange County Dining Room

Leland Interiors / Nashville Master Bath

HP Rovinelli Architects / Living room in Boston

Amelie de Gaulle Interiors / Nashville downtown penthouse

Faux Windows & Mirror Walls

For interior rooms and rooms devoid of windows, accomplishing the feel of additional space can often be difficult. Luckily, windows can have the same effect as a window. Although they may not provide a view into the outside world, they break up wall space in a subtle and aesthetically pleasing way. While a large piece of wall art closes a room too much, a mirror of the same size can quickly add dimension to the space.