How to Use Mirrors in Decor

Mirrors provide a special magic in decor, adding light and seemingly expanding space. Reflect on these ideas for using mirrors in your home.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plastic Buttons
• Drawer Handles
• Mirrors

1. Hang large framed mirrors on walls to expand and brighten spaces (but be sure the mirror reflects an attractive image).

2. Mirror a long wall in a skinny space to double the visual width of the room. This is a great trick for halls, entryways, narrow dining rooms, exercise rooms and master bathrooms.

3. Use a framed mirror to serve as a tray that corrals perfumes, cosmetics and jewelry on a dresser top or bathroom counter. Hot-glue plastic buttons on the bottom of the tray (the back of the mirror) to serve as nondamaging gliders.

4. Add slim drawer handles to the wide, substantial frame of a framed mirror and use it as a serving tray. Be sure the mirror is well-supported with a backing of plywood or Masonite.

5. Mirror the countertop's backsplash in the kitchen. It will reflect light where you're preparing food, and it's a breeze to wipe clean.

6. Mirror the backs of bookcases or display shelves to add a sense of depth.

7. Have a mirror custom-cut to fit the top of a damaged piece of furniture such as a table or dresser top.

Tips & Warnings

• Place a mirror above a mantel with special care, because it may reflect only the uninteresting tops of furniture or blank wall space within the room. Angle it down - by putting a little slack in the hanging wire - so it reflects something more attractive.
• Situate mirrors so they don't cause glare. Mirrors can be problematic if they're placed across from a window with a western or southern exposure.