Use Mirrors To Make Any Room Appear Visually Larger
Barring home improvements, mirrors are the most cost-effective designer tools to make any room in the home appear visually larger than it is.
11/07/2024
Mirrors have always been an interior designer's tool for visually enlarging rooms in a home, particularly for bedrooms and bathrooms. But mirrors, tall mirrors, are useful for any room in a home if you need to make a room feel larger than it is.
Use Mirrors In Small Bedrooms
Mirrors in a bedroom play an important role. Small mirrors can be used to add aesthetic appeal to walls and also add interest and light by bouncing reflections around the room but nothing adds more value to a small bedroom than a tall mirror, whether left freestanding or hung on a wall.
Interior designers use mirrors small and large to infuse a room with more natural light and create the illusion of more space.
Mirrored doors are not something new and have been a popular component of interior design for many decades, becoming increasingly popular during the 70s as decoration for closet or wardrobe doors. Over the years since then, their popularity waned only slightly but has increased as homeowners realise the value of mirrored doors not only from an aesthetic point of view but also as a valuable decorating tool.
Not everyone has a large expanse of wall space open for mounting mirrors but most homeowners do have built-in wardrobe or closet doors. Purchasing ready-made mirrored doors or taking the task on as a DIY project is an easy one that will instantly alter the look and feel of a bedroom, particularly a small bedroom that is compact and feels claustrophobic. For those who do not have built-in cupboards or closets, there is always the option of replacing a standard door with a sliding door and fitting a tall mirror onto this.
Use Tall Mirrors In Other Rooms
If mirrors are used to visually enlarge small bedrooms, why can't we use them in other areas as well? Mirrored sliding doors are available at select suppliers around the country and you have the option to choose from a variety of design styles. The only requirement is enough space at the side to be able to slide the door fully open.
Not only does a mirrored sliding door add visual trickery but it also takes up far less space than a conventional open/close door, making it ideal for those homes that need a little extra floor space. Think entrances, hallways, bathrooms and living or dining areas in a small home, townhouse or apartment.
Important Tips For Hanging Mirrors
- If you are not going to be using mirror corners to hang mirrors, make sure that you use either urethane or neutral-cure silicone adhesives or an adhesive that is not solvent-based. A solvent-based adhesive will eat away at the coating on the back of the mirror and destroy the finish.
- Ensure the mounting surface is clean before securing the mirror panel with adhesive. Wipe the wall or surface with a degreasing agent and dry with a paper towel beforehand.
- Use an adhesive that will support the mirror panel's weight or make sure that you incorporate additional support. A good idea is to frame the mirror and then attach the frame to the wall or surface as this will ensure adequate support.
- While double-sided foam tape is often recommended for securing mirrors onto surfaces, consider the weight and use the recommended amount of tape, ensure surfaces are clean and dry and preferably use additional support such as a frame surround.