Does a mirror always increase the amount of visual space in a room? Can full-length mirrors be used anywhere other than the bedroom or closet? Mirrors can be fun decorating tools, but there are some do's and don'ts to consider when placing them around the home.
Do: Use mirrors to make a room seem larger. While they cannot actually double the space in a room, they usually help to make it seem larger. Do you have a room that is long and narrow? By hanging a mirror on the longer wall, you can help make the room seem wider.
Don't: Be afraid to use a full-length mirror in the entry. It can be tricky to decorate with full-length mirrors anywhere but in the bedroom or closet, but it can be done. Prop a mirror that is approximately two-thirds of the ceiling height against the entry wall, accompanied by a decorative element, such as a vintage chair or a tall vase filled with branches.
Do: Place a mirror where it will reflect nature. Double the beauty around you by placing a mirror where it will reflect the view outside. Of course, it should still be at eye level so it remains functional.
Don't: Place a mirror where it will reflect plumbing. Mirrors behind sinks and toilets just don't work (yes, it's been done!), especially when there is exposed plumbing. It's just not a pretty view, even if you're trying to make a small bathroom seem larger. Place the mirror above these fixtures to achieve a similar effect.
Do: Mix and match to create a wall of mirrors. A wall that is covered with one large mirror should be saved for the exercise room. In the living area, stick with a wall of smaller mirrors, mixing it up with different sizes and frames. Just make sure the frames have something in common, whether it is style, color, or something else.
Don't: Hang a mirror too high on the wall. Maybe I'm just short, but I've been to homes where the mirrors were hung too high to be functional. It should be centered at eye level for the average height person, which is 5 feet 6 inches. In a household with shorter or taller people, adjust appropriately.
Tonya graduated from the interior design program at Alexandria Technical College in 2008. She currently lives in South Dakota and writes articles related to design, decorating, and home improvement for various Internet sites.
