Mansion Global

Decorating—Tastefully—with Mirrors

Mirrors can make a room feel larger and more elegant, the trick is knowing how to incorporate them

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A grand, old-world style mirror provides the focal point for this living room designed by Lori Morris.

Brandon Barrè
A grand, old-world style mirror provides the focal point for this living room designed by Lori Morris.
Brandon Barrè

Mansion Global tackles an interior design topic with an elite group of designers from around the world who work on luxury properties. This week we look at how to incorporate mirrors into a room in a classy way.

Mirrors aren’t just vessels for capturing your own reflection. Placed strategically, they can enhance a room both decoratively and spatially. "Mirrors are a great way to create the illusion of space, adding depth to a room to complement it or make it look more expansive," said Linda Pinto, head of Cabinet Alberto Pinto interior design in Paris. "They also have the effect of reflecting the surrounding textures, so they create a kind of continuity and reflect light into the room."

The effects of mirrors as décor are varied and can enhance a room in many ways. For tips on how to decorate with mirrors in an elegant way, follow these ideas from the pros.

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Be Creative

"You can put mirrors anywhere, from walls to ceilings to the tops of furniture pieces as long as everything is done in proportion with the elegance and sophistication required to make the room sing.

"A mirror on the ceiling of a foyer or dining room adds to the glow from the chandelier in the reflection. We’ve added mirrors in fireplace niches to create a sense of depth.

"There are many ways to do mirrored walls in any of the modern, classic, or traditional styles. This can be as sleek as mirror alone, or with ornate detailing by way of moldings or fretwork.

"The most important aspect of making a mirror the focal point in a space is its reflection. This is something people often forget when placing it."

— Lori Morris of Lori Morris Designs Inc. in Toronto

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Consider Multiple Locations

"Our design style is based on eclecticism. We keep a very open mind and consider various influences. We work with very traditional mirrors, such as vintage Venetian pieces, to modern, sculptural, and unusually shaped mirrors."

"Mirrors flanking both sides of a fireplace are always a good idea for a living room; this highlights the symmetry of the space. I also love using antique mirrors all over the bathroom. We’ve done an entire master bath paneled in beautiful vintage Art Deco mirror and designed a custom mirrored wall, which had a tree with leaves in green patina overlaid on top of the surface of the wall."

Designed by Cabinet Alberto Pinto for 27 East 79th Street in New York City, this paneled vintage Art Deco mirrored wall adds glamour and the illusion of space in a master bath.

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−Linda Pinto, head of Cabinet Alberto Pinto interior design in Paris

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Placement Has Its Perks

"Designing with mirrors both brightens and energizes any space. Depending on their size, shape, and positioning, mirrors can take on either a leading role or supporting position in a home’s decor. For example, a classic vertical rectangle mirror resembles a large piece of artwork, so it’s ideal as the center stage for a living room or above a mantle. On the other hand, small mirrors such as accent mirrors placed in a powder room or in a guest bedroom add some extra light and glimmer.

"Hanging two mirrors on opposite walls in a room creates incredible depth. Hanging mirrors directly opposite a window multiplies light, almost providing a sunroom effect. You won’t believe how much this can brighten up the whole room.  

A mirrored wall panel gives the illusion of a larger bathroom at Metropolis residences.

Metropolis

"Hanging multiple mirrors in a room such as a matching pair hung above double sinks in a bathroom or in a bedroom can have a lovely symmetrical effect and add an extra layer of style.   

"A mirrored wall call be great in a den or a home office to create the illusion of a much larger space and a level of grandeur to an often dark space. Mirrored walls are always tasteful in a walk-in closet too.

"When using a decorative mirror as a focal point of the room, the shape of the mirror can have a powerful design effect. For example, a classic shape is a little less understated than a large round mirror but quieter than a rectangle."

— Hana Cha, Managing Director, The Agency Development Group based in Los Angeles, California

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