How to Use Mirrors to Add Drama to a Living Room

Mirrors add a lot of light to a living room. They also bring the outside in if placed strategically to reflect beautiful scenes from the yard outside the living room. Mirrors come in a wide variety of styles, from starkly modern to vintage romantic; thus, whatever your decorating scheme, there is a mirror available to match it. You can also make mirrors by using an old picture frame to create a frame. Even an old dresser drawer can be used to make a mirror frame.

Things You'll Need

• Hammer
• Nails or devices to hang mirrors

Instructions

1. Decide where you want to place mirrors in your living room. Choose areas that will reflect light or beautiful scenery from the yard. Clear the wall of anything on it to prepare to place a mirror there. Observe the area and think about what style, shape and size of mirror would look best.

2. Write down the measurements (width and height) of areas where you wish to place a mirror. Also list the shapes and styles of mirrors that you might use. Go through a few decorating magazines and see if you find any mirrors you like. Cut out the pictures and bring them with you when you shop for mirrors.

3. Go to decorating stores and flea markets to look at a wide variety of mirrors. Look for quality mirrors of a weight that would be possible to hang on your living room wall. You should be able to easily lift the mirror. If you struggle with the weight of a mirror while lifting it, the glass is too thick and it's too heavy to be hung safely.

4. Choose mirrors that are distinctive and will serve as a focal point to add drama to a living room wall. Mirrors with frames in gold, sliver and white will add brightness to a room. A plain mirror without a frame is also a very modern look that adds a lot of drama to a room.

5. Use mirrors in groups to add a point of interest and drama to a room. You can use several mirrors that look the same or group different mirrors together that have a common theme, such as gold frames or a shabby chic look. There are many ways to style a group of mirrors together, so be creative.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for inexpensive mirrors at thrift shops, Salvation Army stores and flea markets. If you find a mirror you like with a damaged frame, fill the hole with grout and then paint the frame in a new color, such as gold, silver or white.

• Ensure that the mirror is wired properly for hanging. Use long nails or wall hanging devices to firmly attach mirrors to the wall.

Resources

• Video about decorating with mirrors