Mirror Wall Accents for a Stylish Living Room
Mirrors can completely transform the look and feel of a living room. Strategically placed mirrors act like magic, making a small living room appear more spacious, brightening up a dark corner, or just adding a touch of elegance to an existing decor. When used creatively, mirrors introduce brilliant light effects, reflect beautiful views, and provide a contemporary focal point. From minimalist modern to cozy traditional, a statement mirror or an artistic mirror arrangement brings visual interest and new energy to any living room style.
When decorating with mirrors, it's important to think about placement, size, shape, and style to complement your existing furnishings and layout.
Advantages of Decorating with Mirrors in the Living Room
Mirrors make beautiful living room accents for many reasons:
- They make spaces appear larger and brighter by reflecting light around the room.
- They can visually expand a small living room when placed opposite windows or focal points.
- They introduce depth, texture and visual interest to plain walls and corners.
- They reflect beautiful outdoor views indoors, like a garden or landscaping.
- They bounce light onto other surfaces to highlight decor and architectural details.
- They add elegance and a touch of glamor when creatively displayed.
When planning living room mirror decor, consider what you want to reflect or draw attention to. This will guide you in choosing mirror shapes, sizes and placement.
Where to Place Mirrors in the Living Room
Mirror placement directly impacts their decorative effect and functionality. Here are some of the best places to position a mirror in your living room:
Across from Windows
Hang a mirror directly across from a window so it can reflect the outdoors and sunlight indoors. The mirror will capture treetop views, cloud patterns or architectural details on surrounding buildings. Position it centered on or above a sofa or sideboard to double the brightness and give the illusion of a larger room.
Above Furniture
Mirrors make excellent living room wall decor when hung above furniture. Position above a sofa or console table to make the furnishings pop. Layer artwork or shelving in front of the mirror to create an artistic focal point. Or place a mirror above the fireplace mantel to reflect light and views in the room.
On Adjacent Walls
Bounce light around by mounting mirrors on adjacent walls. They'll reflect views of architectural details and decor you want to highlight. Adjacent mirror placement also makes a narrow living room appear wider.
Types of Mirrors for Stylish Living Room Decor
Choosing a mirror style that complements your living room's existing aesthetic is key. Consider these popular mirror types to elevate your space:
Full Length Mirrors
Make a dramatic statement and add functionality with an ornate, gilded full length mirror. Position against a wall, lean in a corner or mount to a panel. Perfect for final outfit checks before heading out!
Frameless Mirrors
For contemporary cool, frameless mirrors have sleek, clean lines. Their beveled edges catch and reflect light in interesting ways. Group multiple sizes together for an artful look.
Round Mirrors
Circular mirrors provide a soft, organic shape to balance hard lines in modern decor. Use as a doorway focal point, above a sofa or layer with other circles for an eclectic gallery wall.
Square Mirrors
Crisp, symmetrical square mirrors evoke classic, traditional appeal. They make timeless additions above a console or mantel. Cluster squares together for a checkerboard effect.
Mirrored Furniture
Vamp up your living room with mirrored furniture like a bar cart, cabinet, chest, nightstand or vanity. The reflective surface catches the light and has a glamorous vibe.
Mirror Placement Ideas for Different Living Room Layouts
In addition to wall placement, also consider how your living room is arranged when planning mirror decor. Tailor mirror ideas to your specific room layout:
Small Living Rooms
Visually expand a small living room with a large mirror hung opposite a window. The reflective surface makes the space appear bigger. Use mirrors to bounce light into dark corners or a hallway.
Long Living Rooms
Break up the length of an awkward, narrow living room with centered mirror placement. Hang on the far wall to catch light from windows and reflect it down the room. Mirrored coffee or console tables also brighten a long space.
Open Concept Living Rooms
Define living room boundaries in open concept spaces with strategic mirror placement. Position them where you want to mark an edge or corner of the living room area. Use mirrors to reflect desired focal points.
Mirror Decor Tips for Various Living Room Styles
The mirror you choose should integrate seamlessly with your living room's decor personality. Here are mirror ideas suited to popular decorating styles:
Modern Living Rooms
For contemporary appeal, select clean-lined rectangular or round mirrors in sleek black, white or metal frames. Hang asymmetrically or in geometric groupings. Mirror an entire wall for an artistic look.
Rustic Living Rooms
Rustic style comes alive with an oversized mirror in a natural wood frame. Position above a reclaimed wood mantel or console table. Leaning floor mirrors also complement the cozy, laidback vibe.
Traditional Living Rooms
Evoke timeless sophistication with an ornate antique mirror mounted above a sofa or flanking a window. Sophisticated framed mirrors with architectural molding details or crystal accents also suit traditional living rooms.
Eclectic Living Rooms
Make a bold eclectic statement by grouping mirrors creatively on a wall or leaning them in clusters. Mix round, square, antique and vividly-framed mirrors for lots of shine and visual interest.
Creative Ways to Hang Mirrors in the Living Room
Tired of boring old mirror arrangements? Liven up your living room with these inspired mirror decor ideas:
Gallery Walls
Create a dazzling gallery wall with a mix of framed mirrors and artwork. Add interest by layering round mirrors overtop paintings or photographs. Mix up the frame colors, sizes, and shapes.
Mirror Tiles
Cover a wall in shiny mirror tiles for a contemporary feature wall or backsplash effect. The small mirrored squares pick up light and add lots of reflection to brighten the room.
Unconventional Shapes and Sizes
Make a unique style statement with an unconventionally shaped mirror like a sunburst, diamond, oval, cone, or a set of leaning cheval mirrors. Oversized floor mirrors propped in a corner dramatize the proportions.
Budget-Friendly Mirror Decor Options
There are many budget-friendly ways to accessorize with mirrors if you have champagne taste on a beer budget:
DIY Ideas
Make your own trendy round mirror with affordable acrylic sheets, or upcycle a dated frame with spray paint and new hardware. Lean old window frames as full length mirrors.
Thrifted Mirrors
Browse thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales, antique shops and flea markets to score unique vintage mirrors on the cheap. Repurpose old mirrors from these places into modern wall art.
Big box stores, discount home decor shops and online retailers offer inexpensive mirror options. Or, look for end-of-season mirror sales events to get higher end pieces for less.