The Dos and Don’ts of Decorating with Mirrors

Mirrors are a great way to add some light, space and style to your home. But before you go crazy with hanging mirrors everywhere, here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind.

Do: Use mirrors to reflect natural light. If you have a window or a skylight in your room, placing a mirror opposite or adjacent to it can help bounce the sunlight around and brighten up the space.

Don’t: Use mirrors to reflect artificial light. Unless you want to create a disco effect, avoid placing mirrors near lamps, candles or other sources of artificial light. They can create glare and make the room look harsh and uninviting.

Do: Use mirrors to create the illusion of space. Mirrors can make a small room look bigger by expanding the visual field and adding depth. You can also use mirrors to create focal points or accentuate architectural features.

Don’t: Use mirrors to create clutter. Too many mirrors in one room can make it look busy and chaotic. You don’t want to overwhelm your eyes with multiple reflections and images. Choose a few strategic spots for your mirrors and leave some wall space for other decor elements.

Do: Use mirrors to express your personality and style. Mirrors come in all shapes, sizes and frames, so you can find one that suits your taste and theme. You can also use mirrors to display your collections, art or photos by arranging them around or on the mirror.

Don’t: Use mirrors to hide flaws or imperfections. Mirrors are not magic; they will not make your stains, cracks or holes disappear. In fact, they might draw more attention to them by reflecting them back at you. If you have something you want to hide, use paint, wallpaper or art instead.