Mirrors to Visually Double Room Size

As someone who has lived in more than my fair share of small living spaces, I know the struggle of trying to make a cramped room feel open and airy. Trust me, I’ve tried all the tricks – minimalist furniture, clever storage solutions, and even a dash of Marie Kondo-inspired decluttering. But the one design element that has truly transformed my spaces time and time again? Mirrors.

Yes, mirrors might seem like a simple solution, but when used strategically, they can work actual visual magic, making even the tiniest of rooms feel twice their actual size. And as the founder of Sofa Spectacular, a custom sofa company in the UK, I’ve seen firsthand how mirrors can be the key to creating the illusion of spaciousness.

The Science Behind Mirror Magic

Now, I know what you might be thinking – how can a mere reflective surface make such a big difference? Well, my friends, it all comes down to the way our eyes and brains perceive depth and space.

You see, when we look at a room, our brain processes the information it receives from our eyes to create a mental map of the space. But sometimes, our eyes can get a bit confused, especially in smaller rooms with limited visual cues. This is where mirrors come in to save the day.

By strategically placing mirrors, you can trick the brain into thinking the room is larger than it actually is. How, you ask? Well, mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of depth, making the space appear to extend beyond its physical boundaries. And the larger the mirror, the more expansive the effect.

As design expert Vern Yip, author of Vacation at Home and Design Wise, explains, “An oversized mirror – the larger the better – is a cure-all for cramped quarters since it expands the sense of visual space, so long as you stick with a fairly simple frame.” Anything too ornate can actually hinder the illusion.

Mirrors: The Swiss Army Knife of Design

Now that we’ve established the science behind mirror magic, let’s dive into the many ways you can use these reflective wonders to visually double the size of any room.

Reflect the Outdoors

One of my favorite mirror placement tricks is to position a large mirror directly across from a window. This allows you to “bring the outside in” by reflecting the natural light and views from the great outdoors, instantly making the space feel more open and airy.

As designer Paula McHugh of Belltown Design puts it, “Using a mirror to reflect nature outside of a window will help bring the outside in and make the room feel bigger.” It’s like having an extra window without all the construction hassle.

Tackle Tricky Angles

We’ve all got those odd-shaped rooms with strange corners and angled walls that can make a space feel cramped and uncomfortable. But mirrors can be the secret weapon to combat these architectural challenges.

“If you have any angled walls in your interior, be sure to reserve these for hanging a large mirror,” suggests McHugh. “This trick works since it allows for reflection from multiple angles and gives the illusion of the room being larger.”

Reflect, Reflect, Reflect

But mirrors aren’t just for walls – they can be integrated throughout a space in all sorts of clever ways. Designer Isfira Jensen, CEO and lead designer at Nufacet Interiors, recommends using mirrored furniture and other reflective surfaces to create the illusion of space.

“Consider using mirrored coffee tables, accent tables, or storage consoles to help reflect light through the room,” Jensen advises. “The use of mirrors to make a room look bigger involves a bit of strategy, so always opt for a large mirror with a small frame and a minimalist design.”

Frame the Light

Lighting and mirrors go hand-in-hand when it comes to visually expanding a room. Design pro Will Taylor of the Bright Bazaar blog suggests pairing a statement mirror with a table lamp for a dynamic duo that boosts brightness and adds atmosphere.

“My favorite combo is Anthropologie’s Instagram-famous Primrose wall mirror in front of a table lamp,” Taylor shares. “The ornate surround serves as a visual frame to the lamp itself.” And don’t forget about the magical glow of candlelight reflected in a mirror – it’s a surefire way to make any space feel more inviting and expansive.

Maximize Mirrored Walls

For the ultimate mirror-powered expansion, consider going all-in with mirrored walls. As Jensen explains, “Custom-fitted mirror panels have the ability to double the visual space of a room by not only creating depth but also visually expanding the boundaries of a room beyond their actual limits.”

Of course, a fully mirrored look may not be for everyone. In that case, designer Elaine Griffin suggests an “oversize wall mirror” as a more approachable alternative. “My favorites are steel-wrapped infinity mirrors,” she says. “IKEA has the most versatile and best-priced one called the HOVET, which clocks in at 31 inches by 77 inches.”

Mirrors: The Dynamic Decor Duo

Mirrors are not only functional in making a room feel more spacious, but they can also be incredibly stylish design elements in their own right. By thoughtfully incorporating mirrors into your decor, you can elevate the overall aesthetic while simultaneously creating the illusion of a larger, brighter space.

Leveraging Mirrors as Art

One clever trick is to use mirrors as a type of “art” in your space. Designer Vanessa de Vargas suggests leaning a large, rustic mirror on your patio or balcony to make the outdoor area appear more expansive. And Elaine Griffin is a big fan of using starburst mirrors as oversized wall art, flanking them with smaller mirrors to create a visually proportionate setup.

“Wall art that’s too small can make your whole space feel puny,” Griffin explains. “Starburst mirrors work brilliantly for this. Just hang one on either side of the art, and voilà – a visually proportionate setup and more light bouncing around the room.”

Mirrors as Multifunctional Marvels

But mirrors aren’t just for show – they can also be incredibly practical, serving as both decor and functional elements in your small space. Designer Angela Belt, for example, hung a mirror with a shelf attached in her bedroom, about 30 inches off the ground.

“Not only does it make her bedroom feel loftier,” Belt says, “but it also acts as a nightstand and vanity, with a storage ottoman tucked underneath.” Talk about maximizing every inch!

And let’s not forget the classic mirror-over-the-mantel or mirror-over-the-bed placements. These strategic locations not only create the illusion of depth and expanded space but also serve as the perfect frames for your favorite artwork or as the focal point of the room.

Mirrors: The Small Space Superstar

At the end of the day, mirrors are the small space superstar that every design enthusiast should have in their toolkit. Whether you’re looking to brighten a dark corner, visually expand a cramped room, or add a touch of style to your décor, these reflective wonders are the key to making any space feel larger than life.

So, the next time you find yourself in a tiny terrace or a cozy cottage, don’t fret – just channel your inner mirror maven and let the magic happen. Trust me, your home (and your eyes) will thank you.