Where to place a mirror in a room: 9 tips for maximum impact

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06 August 2023

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5 min read

Mirrors are a fantastic furnishing in a room and can be an even greater asset when used in the right way. While many will simply look for an empty space for their chosen mirror, you can actually be more strategic with your mirror placement, enjoying benefits that go above and beyond your own expectations.

Knowing where to place a mirror in a space is not just about aesthetics, though this is certainly an important consideration. It's about impact and understanding all the unique qualities of a mirror and how to harness them to your advantage. Thankfully, there are some well-established tips on where to place a mirror to help you enhance a room and they are fairly easy to follow too.

1. Opposite a window to reflect natural light

Placing a mirror opposite a window is a great way to bounce natural light into a room, making it feel brighter and more open. It's a tried and tested interior design trick to accentuate the feeling of spaciousness, quickly and easily. Of all the mirror placement tips to follow, this is probably the simplest and arguably, most effective too.

The sublime Blob Wall Mirror positioned to take full advantage of the natural light from a window.

2. Above a fireplace for warm and cosy vibes

The mantel above a fireplace is a great place for a mirror, serving a number of benefits. Firstly, it can be a decorative element in a space that draws the eye and provides visual interest. Secondly, it can reflect the warm shimmering glow of fire when in use, adding ambience and cosy vibes. There are plenty of small rectangular mirrors you can use for this as well as hanging mirrors for placement above the mantel too.

The unique Belize Mirror by Kensaku Oshiro positioned to amplify the warm shimmer of the fireplace below.

3. Behind furniture to enhance the illusion of space

Mirrors are great for enhancing the illusion of space in a room and positioning one behind or even alongside a piece of furniture is a great strategy for doing exactly that. If you put a mirror behind a piece of furniture it extends the depth perception of the space by eliminating the visual barrier where a wall would normally be. It's a surprisingly effective way of making a room feel more expansive and a good way to use a large or oversized mirror.

The stylish Vantage Point Mirror placed besides a side table, armchair and footrest.

The sleek Silhouette Mirror Rectangle by Fredericia positioned behind an armchair and stool.

4. Facing an attractive view for calming ambience

If you're lucky enough to live in a home with beautiful views then you should do all that you can to take advantage of it. Placing your mirror in a spot that will reflect this scenery in all its glory will allow you to enjoy it from within your home. This is also considered good Feng Shui as it adds positive energy to the space especially when it's a reflection of beautiful natural surroundings which are a calming and relaxing presence. This is a very uplifting mirror placement tip and one that is highly recommended should circumstances allow it.

Taking advantage of an amazing view with the Caadre Freestanding Mirror.

5. Alongside a dining table to elevate the dining experience

The dining room is a great space in the home for a mirror, especially when placed alongside an exquisite dining table. A well-chosen dining room mirror can enhance the horizontal form of the dining table, making it seem more prominent in the space. Again, the increased sense of depth and spaciousness here adds a lot of value, elevating the dining experience to something that much more special.

Related article: 13 stylish dining room trends for your home

A dining table mirror, or three, can transform the experience of an evening, especially when paired with an impeccable furnishing like the London Dining Table.

6. Showcasing a work of art for interest and expression

A work of art is a great foil for a well-placed mirror, especially if it is a piece that is particularly personal and meaningful to you. Visually, a mirror opposite an artwork can create a nice symmetry in the room bringing balance to the space. It can also help enhance the feeling and sentiment of the piece, especially in larger spaces which can sometimes feel a little more vacant and expressionless. When doing this, you should also think about how the style of the mirror will complement the work of art, given the mirror will ultimately frame the piece.

Art on one wall, mirror and art on the other, executed with style here using the Geoffrey Mirror Clothes Stand by Alian Gilles.

7. In a dark corner that needs brightening up

In the design of any room, it's not unusual to have a few dark spots here or there as a result of the design of the home. A mirror can be used as an alternative to a lighting fixture like a floor lamp to reflect light in the space, brightening it up. Better still, it won't consume any power making it a cost-effective choice. Corners in rooms are usually untapped spaces in any case so you'll be giving them purpose with a mirror placement in this area.

The Deja-vu Mirror by Magis, resting in the corner of a stylish space.

The elegant Arch Full Length Mirror, similarly positioned in a vacant corner.

8. On a feature wall as a statement piece

Another strategy that can work very well is to choose a statement mirror for the prime spot on a feature wall. There are some fantastic mirrors available on the market today that are absolutely exquisite, designed to draw the eye. Whether you choose a detailed and delicate framed mirror or a bold wall hanging mirror with sculptural qualities, you'll be able to create a striking look with the right option as your centrepiece. It can make a great point of difference in a room and a conversation starter for you and your guests.

A stunning example like the Inception Mirror by Timothy Oulton can be a statement piece in its own right.

9. With other mirrors of similar or contrasting styles

The great thing about mirrors is that they are incredibly versatile. You can use them perfectly fine independently but you can also use them in combination with others in a variety of different ways. You can pick the same type of mirror in different sizes for a cohesive look or you can choose mirrors of completely different styles for an eclectic and stylised appearance.

Different sized models of the Luna Round Mirror, gracefully combined together in this wall space.

Some easy-to-follow-tips for stylish mirror placement

As you can see, there are plenty of different ways to place and hang mirrors in a room to improve lighting, ambience, appearance and more. By understanding how to manipulate these characteristics, you can tailor your choice and its placement to ensure you get the most out of your mirror and the space that it's in.