Mirrors are sometimes considered as accessories, but they are typically functional additions to any home, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits. Not only do they provide a convenient way to check your appearance before heading out, but they can also help create the illusion of more space and light in your home. They come in many shapes, sizes, and designs, giving you some freedom to choose pieces that can effortlessly blend into your space. Here are several different types of mirrors available in the home, each with unique features and benefits.
Wall Mirrors
Wall mirrors are the most common type of mirror and are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. They can be hung in various ways, either by using hardware so they are hung on a height where a person can easily see their reflection. Wall mirrors can help to make a small room appear larger, reflect light, and add a decorative element to your home.
Full-length mirrors
Full-length mirrors are larger than wall mirrors and can either lean against a wall, come with a stand, or be mounted on one. They are often used in bedrooms and dressing rooms to help you dress for success. It helps ensure that your outfit works well with one another to make sure that you are groomed perfectly before you head out, as it provides head-to-toe reflection. Full-length mirrors can also be added to the hallway or entryway, so you can check yourself out before going out the door and also to give your guests a chance to check themselves out. Floor mirrors are also a great way to add style and function to your home while also increasing the illusion of space.
Tabletop Mirrors
Tabletop mirrors are smaller mirrors that can be placed on a dresser, nightstand, or vanity. These mirrors come with a built-in stand, and they are portable. These types of mirrors are perfect for applying makeup or styling your hair and are often used in bedrooms and bathrooms. You can also add one to your home office desk so you can check out your appearance quickly before hopping on that next Zoom call.
Vanity Mirrors
If you’re lucky enough to own a vanity for doing your makeup, then you’ll absolutely need a mirror with it. Vanity mirrors are usually used in bathrooms and bedrooms and come in a wide range of styles and shapes. They can be mounted on the wall, placed on the countertop, or have a built-in stand. Vanity mirrors sometimes have built-in lighting for better visibility and can provide a more professional look when applying makeup.
Backlit Mirrors
Backlit mirrors have a built-in lighting system, typically LED lights, around the edges or back of the mirror. This provides a soft, even light that is perfect for applying makeup or for use in a bathroom or dressing room.
The benefits of owning a backlit mirror cannot be overstated – it can help make your grooming process much more convenient and add a touch of elegance to your room. LED lights are often used for these mirrors because they provide soft light and remove shadows when you’re grooming at night. The bathroom is one of the areas where backlit mirrors can also be helpful since it’s one of the areas that need adequate lighting for safety purposes.
Decorative mirrors
If you need an easy way to decorate your empty wall, decorative mirrors are the key. They can instantly add a stylish appeal to your space, whether in the living room, bedroom, hallway, and dining room. Many stylish designs make it a perfect addition to your home décor, like sunburst mirrors, flower-shaped mirrors, wall clock mirrors, and mirrors with ornate designs.
Bathroom mirrors
Everyone needs a bathroom mirror to brush their teeth and wash their face. You can opt for a simple, thin mirror if you have a small bathroom, but you can go for a medicine cabinet with a front mirror for more storage space.
Entryway mirrors
As mentioned earlier, you can add a full-length mirror for checking out your outfit and makeup before heading out the door. But a smaller, upper-body mirror can work just fine if you don’t have the space for a full-length mirror.
Leaning mirrors
Leaning mirrors are a staple in many styles of houses. These are mirrors that lean against a wall, which is great for small spaces, making them feel much more airy, bright, large, and open. It’s seen in almost any home style – from French country to contemporary to farmhouse homes. They usually come in elegantly-designed frames, so they can double as wall décor, but you can certainly find ones with minimal frames that are more to your liking if you prefer simple designs.
Frameless mirrors
Most mirrors that you can buy are framed, but there are also frameless options that are designed to seamlessly blend with the rest of the home design and provide more brightness as it offers a larger surface area for reflection.
Antique Mirrors
Antique mirrors are a great way to add a unique and stylish touch to any home. These mirrors can be found in various sizes and shapes and are often adorned with decorative features such as etching or gilding. Antique mirrors are the favorites of those who love sophistication and class. When added to different areas of the house, it can instantly add a touch of elegance and character. Whether your house comes in traditional, rustic, or contemporary style, there are always ways to incorporate antique mirrors.
The living room is the best place to add an antique mirror, as this type of wall mirror can bring sophistication to the space. It can also be used for the kitchen backsplash, where there’s a spacious wall, to help create an illusion of space while adding a touch of elegance.
How to Decorate with Mirrors
Mirrors are a versatile and popular decorative element in homes, as they can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the beauty of your space. Here are some tips on how to decorate your house with mirrors.
Use mirrors to create the illusion of space
Mirrors can create the illusion of space, making your house look larger than it actually is. Place mirrors in strategic locations, such as in hallways or on walls opposite windows, to reflect natural light and make the room feel more open and airy.
Add lots of mirrors in small spaces
If you live in a small house or a studio apartment, you should always use mirrors. Not only are they a great way to make your room feel bigger – but they can also reflect some light to dimly lit spaces.
Create a statement piece
Mirrors can also be used to create a statement piece in a room. Consider a large, ornate mirror as a focal point in your living room, dining room, or bedroom. Alternatively, you can group smaller mirrors together to create a unique and eye-catching arrangement.
Place mirrors in unexpected locations
Mirrors can be used in unexpected locations to add interest and beauty to your space. Consider placing a mirror behind a bookshelf or on the ceiling to create a unique design element.
Use mirrors to highlight artwork
Placing mirrors near artwork can help to highlight and enhance the beauty of the piece. Consider placing a mirror next to a beautiful painting or sculpture to add depth and dimension to the room. Or you can also put a mirror on the opposite side of an artwork so that the mirror reflects the art by default.
Use mirrors to reflect views
Speaking of reflecting, mirrors can be used to reflect stunning outdoor views or natural landscapes. Place a mirror strategically like opposite a window to reflect a beautiful garden or natural scenery, bringing the outdoors inside.
Create a mirror gallery
Instead of a typical gallery wall that features artwork or family photos, you can create a mirror gallery on one of your walls. It’s a unique and beautiful way to display your mirrors. Group mirrors of different shapes and sizes together on a wall to create a stunning gallery that is both functional and decorative.
Combine mirrors with lighting
Mirrors can also be used in combination with lighting to create a unique and stunning effect. Consider placing a mirror behind a lamp to amplify the light, or use mirrors in combination with a chandelier or pendant light to create a sparkling and reflective effect. This way, you and your house guests no longer need to look up to appreciate how beautiful your ceiling lights are!
Incorporate mirrors in murals
If you want to transform your wall into a work of art, make use of mirrors to layer the scene you’re trying to make. Murals on indoor house walls are getting more common now, especially for art lovers, so make yours unique by adding some mirrors.
Try overlapping mirrors
A unique way to add some visual interest to mirrors is by overlapping them. For instance, you can place a large, rectangular leaning mirror on top of a console table, and lean a smaller, round mirror in front of it, besides other decorations like vases.
Double-check what it reflects
You may have a space in your place that looks like it’s begging for something to decorate it with, like a mirror. But before hanging one, you’ll want to ensure you’re happy with what the mirror is reflecting. If it faces an unattractive or cluttered area of your house, you may want to put it there.
Add it on top of a fireplace mantel
The fireplace mantel is the best spot for a mirror. Place the artwork on another wall instead, and lean a large mirror on top of the mantel for a streamlined, clean, and bright effect.
Conclusion
Mirrors are an essential component in any home, and there are many different types to choose from, depending on your needs and preferences. And you can get creative with mirrors – you can use them to decorate your space and not just to provide reflection. When choosing a mirror, it is important to consider both the functionality and aesthetic of the mirror to find the perfect match for your home.