Mirror placement…easy, right? Think again. In modern interior design, mirrors are more than just practical bathroom features or decorative pieces to fill space. Today’s designers use mirrors in creative ways to maximize perceived space, play around with natural light, and boost the overall room aesthetic.
At Atlantic Glass, we’ve seen it all…
We’ve witnessed how poorly placed mirrors can create awkward reflections or harsh glare.
On the other hand, we’ve helped countless clients use expert mirror placement to visually double room dimensions, redirect natural light into shadowy corners, and create stunning focal points that elevate their entire design scheme.
Drawing from our extensive custom mirror glass expertise, we’ve compiled a list of our best tips and tricks for residential and commercial mirror placement.
The Basics of Mirror Placement
From a design perspective, there are three main factors at play when it comes to mirror positioning.
Light Reflection
When light rays hit a mirror’s surface, they’re redirected into the surrounding space. By angling mirrors opposite or adjacent to natural light sources, you can spread natural light deeper into your home or commercial space. In effect, this can decrease your reliance on artificial lighting and make a space feel more welcoming.
Creating the Illusion of Space
Possibly its neatest architectural superpower, a mirror can be used to create visual depth, making a small space feel larger than it actually is. This is particularly effective when mirrors are placed opposite windows. With a little forethought, a large mirror can transform a closed-in living space, office building, or retail store into an open, comfortable space for residents, employees, and guests.
Enhancing Focal Points
Say your dining room window features a lovely waterfront view. Positioning a mirror opposite the window creates a captivating focal point for guests sitting with their backs against the window. Have a fascinating piece of art or a beautiful architectural feature? Use a mirror to draw special attention to the detail and enhance the energy of the space.
Tips for Mirror Placement in Your Home
Whether you live in an apartment or a multi-story family home, strategically placed mirrors can help you achieve your preferred style, functionality, and ambiance.
Living Room
- Use large wall mirrors to make a closed-off living space feel larger and more open.
- Hang mirrors behind your sofa or other furniture to add depth and reflect views of your fireplace, artwork, or living room windows.
- Place small or wide mirrors above your fireplace or mantel to create a striking central focal point.
- Position mirrors to reflect maximum natural light without sending obnoxious glares into the eyes of anyone relaxing on the couch.
Bedroom
- Place a full-length mirror on your closet door or otherwise near your clothing storage to create a convenient, functional dressing area.
- Install a mirror above a short dresser or vanity for quick appearance checks before starting your day.
- Avoid positioning mirrors facing the bed or on the ceiling to preserve the calming, sleep energy of your bedroom.
- Opt for small, decorative mirrors instead of large mirrors to prevent sleep disturbances and nighttime restlessness.
Bathroom
- Install bathroom mirrors comfortably at eye level, with the bottom edge of the mirror at least 2 to 3 inches above the highest point of your faucet.
- Use tall vanity mirrors to increase the perceived space of cramped bathrooms.
- Go for a vanity mirror with a width equal to or less than your sink or vanity.
- For double sinks, opt for two separate mirrors above each basin or one large mirror spanning the entire vanity.
- Position mirrors to take advantage of existing natural and artificial lighting without creating harsh shadows or glare.
- Protect your privacy by ensuring mirror placement doesn’t create direct sightlines from the bathroom door to the toilets or shower areas.
Hallways & Entryways
- Use large mirrors to visually widen narrow hallways and entryways.
- Positions a mirror in a convenient spot for a quick appearance check before heading out the door.
- Place a mirror directly opposite your door to create a pleasing visual anchor upon entering your home.
- Install mirrors opposite or adjacent to windows or artificial light sources to brighten dark hallway spaces.
- Avoid mirror placement that creates confusing reflections, disorients guests, or produces optical illusions that could cause missteps.
- Consider natural traffic flow, position mirrors where they won’t be bumped by passersby.
Kitchen & Dining Room
- Brighten dark or shadowing kitchen work areas with strategic placement reflecting natural and artificial light.
- Make smaller kitchens feel more open with mirrors placed opposite kitchen windows.
- Create visual depth in your kitchen with tempered, easy-clean mirror backsplashes.
- Angle mirrors to reflect outdoor views into kitchens that otherwise lack a connection to the outdoors.
- Position mirrors to reflect chandeliers or hanging lights over dining tables, augmenting the light effect during evening meals.
- Instead of traditional art, use an ornate framed mirror in dining spaces to create a striking mealtime focal point.
- Utilize a mirror to make a small breakfast area feel more spacious and to reflect morning sunshine for a brighter start to the day.
Tips for Mirror Placement in Commercial Settings
Mirrors are also powerful tools in commercial environments where guest experience and ambiance are essential.
Retail Space
- Angle fitting room mirrors thoughtfully to give shoppers a 360-degree view (possibly even considering three-panel mirrors).
- Pair mirrors with soft, diffused light sources to create a flattering environment for guests.
- Place mirrors behind product displays to product visual depth and showcase items from multiple angles.
- Position mirrors near jewelry, accessories, or cosmetics to increase purchase likelihood.
- Create a more comfortable shopping experience by using mirrors to visually expand narrow aisles and crowded areas.
- Strategically angle mirrors in high-theft areas to eliminate blind spots and improve staff visibility throughout the store.
- Install mirrors at the ends of aisles or on rear walls to create the impression of a larger, more extensive retail space and inventory.
Restaurants & Bars
- Enhance the warm, intimate ambiance by using mirrors to reflect lighting elements like chandeliers, pendant lights, or candles.
- Thoughtfully place mirrors to visually increase the size of small dining areas or narrow bar spaces, creating a more open atmosphere for guests.
- Use mirrors behind the bar to showcase bottle displays and make liquor collections appear more impressive.
- Angle mirrors to help bartenders and waitstaff monitor the space without having to physically move or stop what they are doing.
- Place mirrors in a way that allows diners who prefer not to sit with their backs to the door to monitor the entrance through reflections.
- Use mirrors to emphasize architectural features, décor, or other design elements unique to your establishment.
Gyms & Fitness Studios
- Cover entire walls with full-body height mirrors to allow all exercisers to monitor proper form and posture from any location in the room.
- In studios with high ceilings, use taller mirrors to accommodate overhead exercises and jumping movements.
- Use mirror height or framing to visually separate different workout zones.
- Leave appropriate space between mirror walls and workout areas to prevent damage to glass surfaces.
- Pair mirrors with appropriate lighting that produces clear visibility without harsh reflections.
- Leave some areas without mirrors for members who prefer to exercise without constantly seeing their reflection.
Office Spaces
- Place stylish mirrors in reception areas to create a welcoming, spacious first impression for clients and visitors.
- Use mirrors to make small conference rooms or narrow hallways feel less claustrophobic.
- Position mirrors carefully to avoid creating sightlines into private offices or areas where confidential work occurs.
- Place discreet mirrors near exit points or restroom entrances for quick appearance checks before client meetings.
- Maximize natural light in the office (and potentially reduce lighting costs) by positioning mirrors opposite or adjacent to windows.
- Create a more natural, inviting workspace by using mirrors to reflect indoor plants or outdoor views.
Atlantic Glass: Custom Mirror Glass Solutions in Wilmington, NC
Need custom mirror glass for your Wilmington, NC home or business? Contact Atlantic Glass for a FREE quote today. Let us help you reflect your unique style!
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