Let’s face it, no matter how much we want to do it, sometimes knocking down a wall to make your home look bigger is simply not an option. If you are living in a rental property, your landlord will likely have some serious problems with you taking a hammer to the wall. Even if you own the house, tearing down a wall will most likely cost you a pretty penny and it can be rather inconvenient.
So, what should you do if your rooms feel too small and cramped? The answer to that is simple: you can use a few DIY mirrors hacks to make a room look bigger.
While almost all of us have mirrors in our houses, we need to realize they can do more than just making sure you look good – if placed correctly, they can also make your home look bigger by creating an illusion of space and amplifying light.
In fact, adding mirrors to the decor is also one of the easiest ways to make your home look more expensive on a budget.
Tips on how to use mirrors to make your home look bigger
Here are some tips on how to fake some extra square footage using clever mirror hacks.
Use a mirror to fake a window
Not all homes are blessed with a ton of natural light streaming in through large windows or doorways. It’s a well-known fact that lack of light makes rooms appear smaller than they are, so the first step to make sure your house doesn’t seem too dark is to invest in some good light fixtures and lamps.
The second step is to fake a large window by strategically placing a mirror on the wall that reflects light. It will not only make the room look bigger but it will also serve as a focal point and prevent claustrophobia. You can either frame the mirror in the shape of a window or have it cut to mimic an opening in the wall.
Place mirrors behind furniture
If your drawing room feels a bit confined, tuck a big mirror behind your couch or other furniture in tight spaces to break up the visual clutter and open up the place.
However, make sure the mirror is the same width as the piece of furniture it’s placed behind so that it seems intentional and purposeful. A well-placed mirror can up the desirability factor of your home by several notches while making it appear stylish and more spacious at the same time.
Use mirrors to brighten up the kitchen
The kitchen is usually one of the smallest rooms in the house, but you can make it appear almost twice its size by placing mirrors in the place below the cabinets and above the counter.
These mirrors will bounce the light back and make the traditionally dark area appear brighter. You can also place a large mirror on the wall facing the doorway. Apart from making the kitchen seem bigger, it will also keep you aware of what’s happening in the background.
However, avoid placing regular mirrors directly behind or above the stoves. Instead, invest in some heat resistant safety mirrors for that purpose.
Invest in floor-length mirrors
Large mirrors can give the illusion of high ceilings if placed at the correct position. Not to mention, tall and slender mirrors can actually create a multitude of optical illusions by mimicking a narrow hallway, which will make your room look even bigger.
If you have a tiny entryway, place a floor length mirror on one of the walls to make your home look bigger and less claustrophobic. However, instead of casually leaning the mirror against a wall, secure it with clips to avoid any unfortunate accidents.
Brighten up your dining area
Do you know why most fine-dining restaurants have at least one mirror wall? It’s because the mirror reflects the soft light from the chandeliers to illuminate the dining hall and make it look larger than it actually is.
Placing a big mirror in dining areas is a tip most interior designers swear by, which means a mirror near your dining table will also make your house look expensive and well-decorated at the same time.
For an even better effect, place the mirror right behind a light source, be it a pendant light or a candle holder. You also don’t have to spend a lot of money on intricate frames. Just buy a moderately priced frame and paint it the same shade as the window frames in your house.
Install mirrors on cabinet fronts
Another fun idea to liven up your home while faking extra space is to cover the surface of cabinets and cupboards with mirror. Most hotels use this mirror hack to make the room look bigger and more extravagant. You don’t even need to frame these mirrors, just measure the surface of the cabinets and have the mirrors cut to the exact size. However, don’t forget to leave some space for the handle. If you live in a rental, use hooks to support the mirror as glueing it on might ruin the material underneath.
You can also cover door panels with mirrors, but don’t overdo it or else your house might turn into a hall of mirrors.
Replace your headboard with a mirror
If you live in a studio apartment or have a small bedroom, place a mirror directly behind your bed. Replace your headboard if you have to because nothing will make your room look bigger and trendier than this DIY mirror hack.
The mirror will not only reflect natural light and brighten up the place, but it will also add value to your room décor.
Group small mirrors together
Give your home an artistic touch by displaying a collection of small mirrors in different sizes but preferably in similar shapes. Compared to large, floor-length mirrors, smaller mirrors are bound to be easier on the pocket.
You can have them framed in colours that stand out against the paint of the wall without making the décor seem cheap. Not only will these tiny mirrors make your home look bigger and enhance its aesthetic appeal, but they will also add some character to it.
Moreover, they’ll also illuminate the place by reflecting light in different directions.
Meanwhile, if you feel like you don’t have enough space, take a look at some simple design ideas for small living rooms.
