Using Mirrors to Make Spaces Appear Larger

One of the easiest upgrades we recommend is incorporating mirrors in tight spaces. They require no layout changes but make such a visual difference. It's magic, but with logic.

Using mirrors to create the illusion of space is one of the oldest tricks in the interior design playbook. And the best part? It's inexpensive, renter-friendly, and requires zero renovation. With the proper placement, a mirror can bounce light, fake depth, and make a room feel like it has expanded by 20%. (Okay, not scientifically—but it feels like it.)

Let's explore how to create an illusion with mirrors, supported by examples and expert tips, because a small space doesn't mean a small style.

Why Mirrors Work

Mirrors reflect light and scenery. That means they double up whatever they're facing—sunlight, a leafy plant, a beautiful light fixture, even a doorway to another room.

They trick the eye into thinking there's more room than there is. 

So, how do you use mirrors to make a space look bigger? It's all about placement and purpose.

1. Across from Natural Light Sources

The golden rule is to place mirrors opposite a window. This amplifies the amount of natural light bouncing around the room.

Example: A small dining nook with one window becomes twice as bright and looks twice as large when a big mirror is hung directly across from that window.

Try a frameless or minimal-frame mirror for a sleek, modern feel. The less visual bulk, the better the illusion.

2. Behind Furniture (Especially Sofas or Console Tables)

Do you want to know one brilliant trick? Tuck a mirror behind a couch, console table, or headboard. It adds depth and acts like a window in rooms that don't have one.

In narrow entryways, a floor mirror behind a console can immediately open up the space and create that airy, expansive vibe.

3. Grouped Mirror Gallery Walls

You've seen art gallery walls, but mirror gallery walls? Game-changer.

Mix shapes and sizes, such as round, arched, square, ornate, and minimal. When styled thoughtfully, this adds visual texture and dimension.

Just don't go overboard. Balance is key. Three to five mirrors are often enough unless you go for full drama.

4. Mirrored Furniture = Double Duty

From mirrored coffee tables to dressers and nightstands with reflective panels, furniture with mirror finishes doesn't just look glam. It also lightens a room's visual weight.

They blend into the space, reflect the surroundings, and trick the eye into thinking there is more floor than there is.

5. Full-Length Leaning Mirrors

Invest in a tall leaning mirror to help give you space and a vertical lift. 

Please place it in a corner or near a window to reflect light. Who doesn't love a complete outfit check before heading out?

6. Mirrored Backsplashes

A mirrored backsplash can be a lifesaver in kitchens or dining areas that lack light. It reflects light from overhead fixtures and creates a more spacious cooking zone.

A client once swapped out the white tiles in her small galley kitchen for a mirror-finish subway tile backsplash. The result? A brighter, more elegant kitchen that felt twice as wide.

7. Mirrored Closet Doors

If you live in a small condo or apartment, you likely deal with tight bedrooms. Consider mirrored sliding closet doors. They reflect light, eliminate the need for extra dressing mirrors, and make the entire room feel airier.

What to Avoid

• Too many mirrors facing each other – You'll create a weird, infinite loop effect.
• Placing mirrors at awkward angles – Like reflecting a blank wall or clutter.
• Over-framing – Heavy, ornate frames can add bulk. Choose sleek edges when in doubt.

Designers also recommend avoiding placing mirrors directly across messy shelves or bathrooms because what you reflect matters.

The Tiny Living Room Fix

What would you do if your living room felt more like a walk-in closet, with only one small window and low ceilings?

You can install a large horizontal mirror above your sofa, swap heavy curtains for light sheers, and add a slim mirrored console near the entryway.

Your room will go from cramped to charming in two hours, and you'll feel like it has grown two feet in every direction.

Mirror Placement Guide by Room

• Living Room: Above the sofa, across from a window, or behind a console table
• Bedroom: Full-length leaning mirror near the closet or beside a window
• Entryway: Mirror above console or coat hooks to open up narrow halls
• Dining Room: One large mirror reflecting pendant lighting = instant wow
• Kitchen: Backsplash or cabinet paneling