Using Mirrors to Add Light to Rooms

Light plays a central role in a room's design, whether it's a large or small room. To help people make the most of interior lights, mirrors can be strategically placed to absorb light. When mirrors help to balance and reflect light, energy bills are reduced and homes require less light fixtures. Mirrors also make rooms appear larger and brighter, depending upon placement. Designers recommend the following tips when adding mirrors to homes.

Placement - Mirrors should be placed near lighting sources, but avoid direct reflections so it doesn't cause unsightly glare. Mirrors look attractive placed near wall sconces or reflecting dining room chandeliers. Natural light can be reflected by placing mirrors adjacent or across from windows. Small rooms with a single window benefit from a mirror being hung directly across from the window, which gives the illusion that the room has a second window. This makes rooms feel bright and spacious.

Size - Large mirrors reflect light into rooms. Small mirrors can still brighten petite spaces if they are appropriately grouped on a wall. Mirror collages placed opposite windows add an attractive focal point, which brightens rooms.

Mirror Selections - When choosing a mirror, the room's style should be considered. Mirrors should bring a cohesive style to rooms. For example, ornate, antique mirrors look best with traditional furniture themes. Frameless and sleek mirrors that feature contemporary metallic materials look best in modern homes. Mirrors with thick frames can actually trap light, which counteracts the brightening effect. Frames that intentionally contrast with a home's wall color actually enhance rooms, avoiding the color-trapping effect.

Beyond Walls - Mirrors don't have to be hung on walls. Mirrors can be placed on bookshelves, hung in collages of varying sizes, placed on furniture or even made into coasters and trays. For example, mirrored trays look attractive holding centerpieces and other small decorative pieces. Candles look especially good on mirrored trays, as they reflect a warm, inviting and flickering glow.

Greenery - Homes need a dash of greenery. To reflect greenery throughout a home, consider placing mirrors near attractive plants or flowers. Combine several plants, such as ferns, spider plants, flowering bromeliads and snake plants for a dramatic, one-of-a-kind effect.

Style - Gilded mirrors give rooms an antique, traditional appearance. Oval mirrors, rectangle mirrors and round mirrors all give unique appearances that reflect a home's sense of style and decor.

White - Place dark, attractive mirrors against white painted walls for an instant focal point that will help reflect bright light.

Clutter - Homes that use mirrors to reflect light should avoid unsightly clutter. Clutter is simply reflected in mirrors, making spaces feel smaller and more cramped. Consider storing blankets, linens and other knickknacks in attractive cedar chests, on bookshelves or in drawers.