Mirrors are an excellent way to bring more light and visual interest into any room, but according to designers, there is such a thing as overusing mirrors in a home, and you’ll want to be extra careful when it comes to determining how high they should hang, too. Read on as the pros share insight on these two topics and chime in on other mirror-related mistakes they often see people making.
Not Thinking About The Reflection
Even if you think a mirror would look beautiful in a certain corner of your home, don’t mount it to the wall before considering what it will reflect.
“One of the biggest mistakes people make with mirrors is placing them in a location that does not reflect anything lovely,” says Layton Campbell, the founder of J Layton Interiors in Charlotte, North Carolina. “For example you don’t want to hang a mirror that simply has a door with casing and some drywall in its reflection.”
Instead, Campbell says, aim to position your mirror so that it reflects something pleasant—a piece of art, a view of the outdoors, or a nice vignette are great contenders, he explains.
Hanging Them Too High Or Too Low
Hanging a mirror too high or too low on the wall will distort any room.
“Mirrors should be at eye level to maximize their visual impact and functionality,” says Laetitia Laurent, the founder of Laure Nell Interiors in Boca Raton, Florida. “Improper placement can make a room feel disjointed or fail to reflect the space effectively.”
Not Considering Scale
Additionally, mirrors should be proportional to the wall they are on and the other furniture items ina a room, Laurent explains.
“A mirror that’s too small can look insignificant, while an oversized one can overwhelm a room and disrupt balance,” she says.
Choosing A Bland Frame
A mirror with an underwhelming frame won’t add much style to any room.
“If you are looking to add a mirror to a space, look for a framed mirror that has personality like an antique grass frame, painted metal, or even a leather frame,” says Shelby Van Daley, founder of Daley Home in Austin, Texas. “Avoid blah frames and go for something bold that can add to the space and not just be another item hanging on the wall.”
Laura Williams, the founder of ATX Interior Design in Austin, finds that mirrors with frames are especially key in the bathroom.
“Framed mirrors look more thoughtfully chosen and add depth and personality to a bathroom,” she says, adding that a mirror’s frame should adequately complement the other design features in a space.
Using Too Many Mirrors
Avoid the funhouse effect and keep the number of mirrors you use per room to a minimum.
“Overusing mirrors can create a confusing and disorienting environment,” Laurent says. “Mirrors should be used thoughtfully and sparingly, enhancing the space without overpowering it.”
In general, do not place mirrors opposite one another or you will experience what Mary Lambrakos of Lambrakos Studio in Houston refers to as the “overwhelming infinity mirror effect.”
When in doubt about whether a mirror makes sense, remember this perspective from Shelagh Conway, the founder of Triple Heart Design in Austin.
“My rule is mirrors should be used as a functional item first,” she says, noting that too often, she sees mirrors being displayed as decor. “I don’t love the idea of mirrors being used to replace a thoughtful piece of art.”
