How does Rest Less make money
We make money through advertising and commission from affiliate links, which enable us to offer Rest Less as a free service to our users. The content on this page may use affiliate links, which track traffic from our website to a third party provider and enable us to receive a commission or payment from any traffic we refer.
* Affiliate links on this page have an * next to them. We place enormous importance on our editorial independence and the integrity of our content which means that we will never change how we write about something as a result of an affiliate link.
Mirrors are so much more than a means to see our reflections. They’re one of the most versatile design tools around, with the ability to completely transform an area. They can inject style and character, enhance natural light, create the illusion of space, and even add texture.
Whether you’re looking to overhaul a compact hallway or room, inject personality into your home, or simply add a final touch to walls that feel a little bare, mirrors are one of the easiest yet most effective solutions.
So, if you’re looking for inspiration, here are nine ways to decorate your home with mirrors.
1. Add mirrors to your hallway
Hallways are another of the most overlooked areas in the home, yet the right mirror can completely transform the space. As well as being handy for a quick last-minute check before heading out, it can also make your hallway feel bigger, brighter, and more welcoming – which is important, considering it’s the first thing you and your guests see when entering your home.
If you have built-in storage or cupboard doors in the hallway, why not consider covering them with mirrors? A full-length mirrored door will bounce light around beautifully while adding a touch of glamour and elegance.
There are plenty of creative ways to style mirrors in a hallway, too. You could try a gallery-style display with a mix of mirror shapes and sizes for a layered, eclectic look. A gold-framed mirror is timeless, while a few convex mirrors dotted along the wall can add a playful, modern twist.
Give unwanteds a better next chapter
Your once-loved items are just waiting to be useful again. Pop them in a box, send them to Vintage Cash Cow for free, and they’ll make you an offer to rehome them all.
2. Add dimension to your stairs
Staircases are often one of those forgotten corners of the home, yet they have so much potential. In many houses, stairs can feel narrow, dark, or enclosed, but with a few clever design tricks, you can completely transform the area.
Mirrors are one of the easiest ways to do that. They bounce light around and instantly make a staircase feel wider and more open. Try hanging a few along the wall to add brightness and a touch of elegance as you move from one floor to the next.
Another idea is to place a large or full-length mirror opposite the foot of the stairs. This reflects the staircase as it rises, creating depth and giving the illusion of space – perfect for making even the narrowest hallway feel wider and more welcoming.
3. Add a mirrored splashback
Marble, ceramic, and stone tiles are classic choices for kitchen and bathroom splashbacks – but for something that feels more spacious and contemporary, you might like to consider using mirrors.
As well as creating a sense of openness, a mirrored splashback can also add a touch of glamour. It can work especially well in narrow galley kitchens, where the reflection can make the space appear twice as wide. And if your kitchen tends to be on the darker side, placing a pendant light (or window) opposite the mirror can maximise brightness.
There’s a practical bonus, too: unlike tiled splashbacks with grout lines, a mirrored surface is completely smooth, making it really easy to wipe clean. Sleek yet understated, mirrored splashbacks pair beautifully with minimalist, handleless cabinetry and modern appliances.
4. Use mirrored doors
If you’re short on wall space in your bedroom, mirrored doors are a smart solution. Not only are they practical and eliminate the need for a separate full-length mirror, but they can also make a room feel brighter and more spacious. Plus, they naturally draw attention to your bed, turning it into more of a feature.
You could simply hang a mirror on the back of your bedroom door. Or if you’re open to investing a little more, why not consider a wardrobe with mirrored sliding doors? This works especially well in smaller rooms, as the reflective surface visually doubles the depth of the area.
Mirrored doors don’t have to be limited to the bedroom, either; in the kitchen, you could add mirrored panels to cabinets or pantry doors. This is a clever way to conceal storage while introducing a sleek, reflective finish. For a softer, more characterful look, you could choose tinted or antique-style mirrors, bringing a warm, vintage touch to the room.
5. Hang a mirror over the mantelpiece
Hanging a large mirror over a mantelpiece is a timeless design move, and for good reason. The fireplace is often the natural focal point of a living room, and placing a mirror above it draws the eye upward, emphasising this centre point while creating a sleek, balanced look.
But it’s not just about aesthetics. A mirror above the mantelpiece can make the room feel bigger and brighter, and serve as a versatile backdrop for styling. From candles and vases to seasonal decor or artwork, a mirror ties everything together without making the space feel cluttered.
It can also help to bring proportion and harmony to the wall above the fireplace. Just remember to hang it at the right height; leaving around four to six inches between the mantel and the bottom of the mirror usually gives the most polished result.
6. Create a mirror wall
If you have a blank wall that feels uninspired, why not think about transforming it with a collection of mirrors? By reflecting the whole other side of the room, and even making low ceilings appear taller, mirrors can create a more open and airy feel.
You could go bold with a single oversized statement mirror, or get creative by arranging a collection of smaller mirrors in a gallery-style layout. Mixing different shapes, sizes, and patterns – from geometric to Art Deco – can add dimension and character, while also giving you scope to experiment with style.
7. Use mirrors in your garden
Mirrors aren’t just for indoors; they can make stunning outdoor features, too. If you have a small or enclosed garden, a mirror can help it feel larger and more open. Try positioning one at the end of a narrow path to create the illusion of length, or mount a mirror on a garden wall or fence to mimic a ‘window’ looking into another space. You can even tuck mirrors behind climbing plants or trellises to reflect greenery and add depth and dimension.
You can also use mirrors as decorative art pieces. A mirror framed like a window or gate can create a lovely ‘secret garden’ illusion. Mirrors can also be placed behind water features like ponds or fountains to enhance the effect of moving water, creating a dreamy, tranquil atmosphere that’s especially beautiful during golden hour.
8. Use mirrored furniture
Mirrors don’t have to stay on walls or doors. Mirrored furniture can be a chic way to bring light and sophistication into your home – although placement is key. A mirrored coffee table, side table, or console can brighten a room, especially when positioned opposite a window or light source. Mirrored cabinets also work well in hallways, as they help narrow spaces feel wider and more welcoming.
That said, too many reflective surfaces can feel overwhelming, so try not to go overboard. To keep the look balanced, try pairing mirrored pieces with matte, wooden, or upholstered furniture to soften the shine.
When styling mirrored tables or cabinets, a few carefully chosen accessories, like vases, plants, books, or candles, can add depth and texture, while a striking lamp or sculpture placed above can create a focal point. Just be mindful not to overcrowd the surface, or things can start to look cluttered.
Give unwanteds a better next chapter
Your once-loved items are just waiting to be useful again. Pop them in a box, send them to Vintage Cash Cow for free, and they’ll make you an offer to rehome them all.
9. Put mirrors in unexpected places
Finally, why not think about some unexpected places to use mirrors? Placing them behind shelving is a clever trick, as they reflect decor, plants, or books, adding depth and visual interest. Mirrors can also work behind sideboards, console tables, or even in nooks.
For a bolder approach, you could consider a mirrored ceiling in your bathroom. This can elevate the space while also enhancing light and creating a sense of openness.
Final thoughts…
Mirrors are one of the most powerful and versatile tools in interior design. From brightening dark corners to adding depth, elegance, and character, they’re one of the simplest ways to improve your home.
Whether it’s a statement wall mirror, a piece of mirrored furniture, or even a reflective feature in the garden, it’s key to think carefully about placement and balance. When used creatively, mirrors don’t just reflect a room; they enhance it, amplifying light and space, adding personality, and transforming unexpected corners and tight spaces into sleek, light-filled spaces.
For further reading, check out our article: 10 ways to bring more light into your home.
Do you use mirrors to decorate your home? Or will you be trying any of the ideas above? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
* Links with an * by them are affiliate links which help Rest Less stay free to use as they can result in a payment or benefit to us. You can read more on how we make money here.
Start your new chapter abroad with this free retirement guide
With Your Overseas Home, you will receive honest guidance, expert advice and a helping hand every step of the way.
Download the free guide to find out how to cut everyday living costs, get tax, pension and visa checklists, and discover top tips from the expat community.
Join the discussion
Read our full commenting terms and guidelines