Extra Large Wall Mirrors to Brighten Any Living Room
Extra large wall mirrors can completely transform the look and feel of any living room. With dimensions ranging anywhere from 4-6 feet across, these dramatic mirrors make a huge visual impact.
Oversized mirrors visually expand small living rooms to make the space appear larger. The reflective surface bounces light around the room to brighten dark corners. Plus, a big mirror creates an eye-catching focal point to highlight your style.
Visually Expand Room Size
Hanging an extra large mirror is one of the most effective tricks for making a small living room look bigger. The reflective surface gives the illusion of additional space by showing more of the room.
Position a large leaner mirror near seating areas to showcase more of your space. Or hang a wide horizontal mirror near eye level to widen the room. It's an easy decorating hack that instantly makes a small room appear more open and airy.
Reflect Natural Light
Oversized mirrors also bounce light around the room to illuminate dark corners and create a brighter, more inviting living room.
Strategically place an extra large mirror across from any windows. This maximizes daylight reflection to make the most of natural light. The mirror catches and amplifies sunlight to reach all areas of the space.
Create a Stylish Focal Point
An extra large wall mirror serves as a glamorous focal point to highlight your living room's style. The eye-catching mirrored surface instantly draws attention.
Choose an oversized mirror with an ornate frame to create vintage allure. Or opt for sleek, clean lines to complement a contemporary space. Wherever you place your mirror, it will showcase your design aesthetic.
Tips for Selecting the Perfect XL Mirror
When considering an oversized mirror, first assess your room size and layout. Measure your wall area to ensure sufficient space for a mirror of this scale. The proportions need to suit the room so it doesn't overpower.
Also choose a mirror that aligns with your existing decor. Match metals, frames, and finishes for a cohesive look. Here are top tips for picking the ideal extra large wall mirror:
Factor in Room Size
First, assess your living room dimensions to select the right sized mirror. An overscale mirror can make a small space feel cramped. For rooms under 350 square feet, a 4-foot mirror provides presence without overwhelming.
Larger living rooms over 500 square feet can accommodate a dramatic 6-foot statement mirror. But anything in between, opt for a medium 5-foot wide mirror for best proportions.
Measure Installation Area
Before purchasing, carefully measure your desired installation spot. Record both width and height. This ensures your mirror will fit the allotted wall area.
Also measure ceiling height if hanging a mirror. Leave several inches between the top edge and ceiling for best appearance. Consider all architectural details so your mirror enhances the space.
Match Style to Decor
When choosing a frame, select a finish and style aligned with your existing accents. For traditional living rooms, an antique gold frame adds warmth. Contemporary spaces suit sleek stainless steel or black metal frames.
The shape of the frame also matters. Lean into curved lines or geometric shapes already found in your furniture and lighting fixtures for a cohesive aesthetic.
Hanging Extra Large Mirrors
Installing oversized wall mirrors requires special precautions. Their size and weight call for careful mounting methods to keep these statement pieces secure.
Be sure to anchor into wall studs behind the drywall. When this is not possible, use special hollow drywall anchors rated for the mirror's weight. Follow these pro tips when mounting extra large mirrors:
Anchor Firmly Into Studs
Locate the wood studs behind your wall using a stud finder. Mark their positions with painter's tape. The best practice is screwing into studs behind the drywall for most secure mounting.
For giant mirrors, use 3-4 screws spaced across different studs to distribute weight. Counter sink screws and pre-drill holes into studs to prevent cracking the mirror.
Use Heavy Duty Hanging Hardware
Do not rely solely on nails. Choose sturdy hanging hardware like roundhead screws or mollies specially designed for heavy objects. The hardware needs to be rated to handle overweight.
Also use wall anchors where you cannot hit studs. For example, wing toggles securely fasten into holes drilled into the drywall alone. They can handle 100+ pounds when properly installed.
Mount at Proper Height
Hang your mirror around 57-60 inches from the floor to optimal viewing. Place the mirror's center point at eye level for best perspective.
If hanging multiple mirrors, offset heights for interest. Just be sure the bottom edge clears any furniture below like console tables or credenzas.
Decor Ideas for Small Living Rooms
Giant mirrors help maximize limited space to open up small living rooms. Take advantage of their reflecting qualities with smart positioning techniques and creative arrangements.
Use wide horizontal mirrors to visually push back walls. Break up one large mirror with framed prints for textural intrigue. Or layer varied shapes to form an artistic installation.
Widen with Horizontal Mirror
Hanging a wide horizontal mirror near eye level perceives a small room as larger. Place it across from seating areas so the mirror showcases more of the space.
The mirror's reflection makes walls seem to move back. This layout enlarges lounge areas for a more spacious atmosphere. Flank both ends with matching sconces for a finished, designer look.
Span Across Corners
Corner placement maximizes a mirror's potential to cast reflections and bounce light. Angle the mirror across the corner to span two walls. Use an oversized leaner style for flexibility.
The double reflection showcases walls on both sides to instantly make a cramped room appear more open. It also brightens formerly dark corners that lacked light.
Break Up with Framed Prints
One massive mirror tends to dominate a small space. For a lighter look, break up the solid expanse by mounting framed photos and artworks directly onto the mirror's surface.
This technique adds beautiful textures and colors for visual interest. Mix round, square, and oval frames across the giant mirror. Varying sizes also help segment the mirror into manageable sections that fit the room's scale.
Design Ideas for Styling Mirrors
Properly showcasing your extra large living room mirror enhances its striking presence. Draw the eye by illuminating the frame and surrounding it with decor.
Add adjustable accent lights to spotlight ornate mirror details. Layer artwork and photos directly in the reflection. The strategic placement of furniture and accessories also improves the mirror's dramatic impact.
Flank Mirror with Sconces
Calling attention to the mirror frame is important for emphasizing its beauty. Position adjustable wall sconces or reading lamps on both sides to cast soft glow onto intricate details.
Go for articulating arm sconces to fine-tune the direction of light. Opt for bulbs that match other lighting in the space for a cohesive ambiance. This ensures the mirror frame gleams as the focal point.
Showcase Artwork in Reflection
Hanging artwork in a large mirror's reflection doubles its visual impact. Assemble a salon-style gallery wall across from your giant mirror to showcase it all.
Mix framed prints, paintings, photographs, and tapestries for lots of texture and color. Their reflection in the mirror makes the entire collection pop with visual excitement. It brings new life to existing pieces by showing them in a different light.