A mirror is one of those rare things in a home that’s both practical and transformative. Yes, it helps you check your reflection before you leave the house, but it can also bounce light into dark corners, make a room feel bigger, and add personality to otherwise plain walls.
The trick is knowing which style suits each space. We’ll walk through some ideas so you can picture the difference a mirror could make in every room of your home.
Make a good first impression
Hallways aren’t usually the star of the show. They’re narrow, sometimes a bit dark, and often overlooked when it comes to decorating. A mirror can change all that in an instant.
Picture this: a slim console table against the wall, styled with a little vase of flowers or your favourite lamp. Now, hang an arched mantel mirror just above and suddenly the whole space feels taller, brighter, more intentional. Instead of a cramped corridor, you have an entrance that feels grand, even if the floor size hasn’t changed.
If your hallway doesn’t get much natural light, a round mirror in gold brings a soft, warm glow, while black frames give a crisp contrast against white or neutral walls.
Open up your living space
The living room is where mirrors work a bit of magic. A rectangle full length mirror leaned casually against the wall reflects light from your windows and instantly makes the room feel larger. It’s a simple trick, but the effect is dramatic, especially in smaller spaces or rooms with darker corners.
For those who love curves, an arched full length mirror feels softer and more fluid. Try placing one opposite a window so it captures and reflects natural light across the room, brightening things up as the day goes on.
Want something with more personality? A bobbin round mirror works almost like wall art, its textured frame adding depth and detail. Hang it above a fireplace or sideboard, and it’ll draw the eye just as much as any painting would.
Bedroom mirrors that feel calm and considered
The bedroom is where you want a mirror that works hard but also feels calming. A free standing mirror is perfect if you like to see your outfit from head to toe, so there’s no balancing on tiptoe to check out your full fit.
Short on floor space? Wall-hung designs like the round mirror are a great choice. Hung above a chest of drawers, it creates a makeshift dressing table without taking up any extra room. Style it with candles, perfumes, or a jewellery stand, and suddenly you’ve got a corner that feels personal and pulled-together.
Style bathrooms and getting-ready spaces
Here, mirrors are practical first, but that doesn’t mean they need to be boring. An arched wall mirror above the sink softens the sharp lines of bathroom tiles, while also making a smaller room feel less boxy.
In a dressing room, a tall full length mirror is not just ideal for trying on outfits, but for reflecting clothing rails or storage, which makes the space feel bigger and brighter.
A design feature in the dining room
Sometimes a mirror isn’t just a finishing touch, it becomes the main character. The pond mirror with its flowing shape is perfect for this. Hung horizontally above a sideboard, it adds movement to a flat wall, almost like a piece of sculpture. Hung vertically, it elongates a narrow dining room and gives the impression of higher ceilings.
Choosing the right size mirror
The right size depends on what you want your mirror to do. For outfit checks in a bedroom or dressing room, a full length mirror is a must. In a living room or dining room, a medium-to-large wall mirror above a fireplace, sofa, or sideboard often feels more balanced.
As a rule of thumb, go for a mirror that’s at least half the width of the wall it sits on. Large, statement pieces, like an arched full length mirror leaned against the wall, can open up a room and bounce light beautifully, while smaller mirrors work well as accents, adding interest without overwhelming the space.
Find your perfect mirror
Whether it’s a mantel mirror to brighten up the hallway, a full length style in the bedroom, or a more unusual design like the pond mirror in your dining room, the right choice of mirror can completely change the way your home feels.
Explore the full DUSK mirror collection to find the piece that makes your space shine
FAQs
What type of mirror is best for a living room?
Living rooms suit mirrors that make a visual impact. Medium to large wall mirrors work well above sofas, fireplaces, or sideboards, while a full length mirror leaned against the wall can make the whole space feel more open.
If your living room lacks natural light, placing a mirror opposite a window is one of the easiest ways to brighten it up.
Which shape mirror makes a room look bigger?
There’s no single “best” shape; it really depends on what you want to change about the room. Tall mirrors draw the eye upwards and can make ceilings feel higher, while wider mirrors add a sense of depth and openness.
In most cases, a generously sized mirror placed near a light source will make the biggest difference, whatever the shape.
What is the number one benefit of using mirrors?
Mirrors reflect light, which instantly makes rooms feel brighter and more spacious. That’s especially helpful in smaller rooms or areas with limited natural light.
They’re also a great way to add interest to a wall, giving you something that’s both practical and decorative.
Can a mirror be too big for a wall?
A mirror can look out of place if it overwhelms the wall or has no breathing space around it.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a mirror that’s at least half the size of the wall, leaving around 50cm of empty space around the frame. That way, it feels proportionate and intentional, rather than oversized.
