Whether decorative or functional, bedroom mirror ideas have a big role to play in your design. They can radically enhance the sense of space in the room, increase the lighting, highlight the views .. the list goes on.
“Mirrors are interesting art forms, in the way they play with dimension, reflection, truth and illusion,” says interior designer Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin. In terms of placement, think about what you want to reflect: Through a mirror you can project your favorite artwork into an unexpected corner of the room. You can hang a mirror across from a window to bring the outside in, or place it next to a door as a keyhole for what’s in the next room.
When it comes to outlining bedroom wall decor ideas, a mirror is one of the best tools in your arsenal. But where in the room should you put it?
We’ve sought designers’ advice, along with great examples of bedroom combinations with mirrors to inspire you.
12 bedroom mirror ideas to make your space look bigger
Keep in mind that in addition to their practical uses, bedroom mirrors also double as decorative pieces. Size, pattern, colour, shape and position are all important.
Before placing a mirror in the room, think about what the space requires or lacks (perhaps light, views, functional areas such as a dressing space, etc.), and place it like the last missing piece that completes the puzzle.
1. Disperse patterns with smart mirror design
(Image credit: A1000XBetter. Photo by Virtually Here Studios)
A beautiful, ornate, or elegant mirror with a smart design is the only thing that makes a room sing. Use the piece to add a touch of sparkle to a room. A smart-looking piece can also be used to break up wallpaper or pattern paint in the master bedroom, to make sure the room doesn’t look too closed off.
In this photo, the mirror is a neat and clean design that doesn’t dominate the walls but adds visual relief from the large nature-inspired wallpaper prints. The unusual design contributes to the modern flair of the room and adds luster to the overall scheme.
We love using mirrors in the bedroom; They add visual interest and also play an important role in reflecting light, says Kirsten Blazek, lead designer at the A1000XBetter. (Opens in a new tab). There are plenty of beautiful vintage mirrors available so I always look for them first. Think about the era of elegance that will work in your room and start your search from there.
2. Choose a tall horizontal mirror to reflect the view
(Photo credit: Living with Lolo. Photo by Life Created)
A huge, tall, horizontal mirror will not only add an interesting new dimension to your home, but also enhance the sense of space and even the views. Place it by the window, creating the impression of illusion of depth, as if the room extends far beyond the square space. If you stay near a park or lake, you can magnify their views with a large mirror that reflects the scene outside at all times.
“One of the most important decorative ideas for a great room is the mirror,” says interior designer, Garrett Yoshida. (Opens in a new tab). Most cities have apartments that are very dark or very cramped, so when my mind turns to New York interior designer as I enter my clients’ apartments, I immediately want to either consider the view or create an idea of the space. Mirrors visually capture the drama outside or they can double the sense of space.
3. Or use it to better reflect interior views
(Photo credit: Utkan Gunerkan)
Sure, it’s nice to bring the outside inside with the help of mirrors but what happens if your interior is more beautiful than the outside? Double your luxurious bedroom views with a tall, free-standing mirror set against the best parts of your room. Plus, you can always reposition them to update the look and take them with you when moving houses.
A full-length mirror in the bedroom is also a practical option for checking out and experimenting with your look on clothes, but it can also make the room more attractive. You can add string lights around the mirror to give it an exotic touch.
4. Install a bedside mirror to increase the light
(Image credit: Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop. Photography by Chad Mellon)
A well-lit space is essential to a good Feng Shui bedroom. If you don’t want to add more fixtures or lamps, a bedside mirror by the window can do all the work. It will make the room look brighter and also add a nice decorative feature to your bedroom decor.
“There are many benefits to having a mirror in the bedroom,” says Mary Patton, founder of Mary Patton Design. (Opens in a new tab). Placing a mirror in the bedroom can give the impression of space. Also, a mirror with a complex frame can improve the attractiveness of the room and make it more comfortable. If the bed is perpendicular to the window, placing a mirror next to it can bring more light into the room. This will save you money on energy bills because you don’t have to use artificial lighting during the day.
5. Swap artwork for a mirror over the headboard
(Image source: Lance Thomas. Photo Jen Burner)
Each bedroom can do artwork to add color, design and pattern. But in small or spare bedrooms, where space is at least as well as budgets, a mirror can stand as a work of art, filling the space above the headboard. For an extra design touch, you can install two or three mirrors and create a cool scene.
‘When placing a mirror over a headboard, don’t choose a square design because it looks too angular and surgical,’ says Lance Thomas, lead designer at Thomas Guy Interiors. (Opens in a new tab). Instead, opt for shapes that are slightly curved for some visual interest in the bedroom space.
6. Use a mirror above the bedroom dresser
(Photo credit: Living with Lolo. Photo by Life Created)
With working from home still going strong, having a small study inside the bedroom is no longer frowned upon. And if you have a small bedroom, inserting a mirror into the study space can make this a multi-purpose area, where you can work and get ready. Like a small office bedroom wardrobe! Use the table to hold your laptop during the day, and your makeup essentials in the evening.
Choose interesting, organic or unusual shapes to make this zone interesting and unique, and to skillfully create a separate zone in the room. If you’re in the creative field, a flashy mirror can create a workstation that reflects your job. Plus, it’s always nice to have a mirror on checking looks before the zoom call!
“We love round mirrors in bedrooms because most other pieces of furniture tend to be square in shape, so this is a great way to add some curve and visually divide things,” says Lauren Lerner, lead designer at Living with Lolo. (Opens in a new tab).
7. In a room without windows, use a mirror to create the illusion of one
(Image credit: Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop. Photography by Chad Mellon)
If you live in a small apartment, your bedroom will likely have either a small window or no window at all. In this case, a difference can be made in the mirror. Choose a large, large design and place it either opposite the bed or next to it to increase the lighting of the room, and even create the illusion of a window.
For a minimalist bedroom, choose frameless mirrors that look like they’re part of the room, creating a seamless effect. Instead, choose a mirror designed to mimic the look of a traditional window frame. This will help create a real effect.
Interestingly enough, placing a mirror between two windows can also trick the eye into believing that there is another window there. This trick can work if you want to give the room a more open feel.
“A mirror should be placed opposite or next to a window to help reflect light in a small bedroom,” says Jessica Lagrange, principal designer at Jessica Lagrange Interiors. (Opens in a new tab). This gives the room the illusion of more space and a brighter space. Mirrors can be placed above bedside tables or above dressers, regardless of the size of the room.
8. Bring a vintage design to add an old world feel to your room
(Image credit: Koket)
Use this piece of decor to make a statement. Choose a gold, ornate, antique piece and create a large and wonderful bedroom. The piece will turn the mirror into a decorative feature rather than being purely functional, but it does the same proportion enhancing service as a standard mirror.
In addition, the golden mirror frame will add a little shine to your room and make it look richer and more tasteful. If you love the look of gold, you can even consider adding gold leaf on your bedroom ceilings to match the effect.
Place this mirror in an important place in the room so that it can be seen as soon as you enter the space. Above the bed or on the right side would be ideal.
9. Consider thinner and thinner designs in small bedrooms
(Image credit: Heju)
Add depth and brightness to a small modern bedroom with a tall, thin mirror. Small spaces often look dreary or cramped, but a simple floor-to-ceiling mirror can open up visuals and keep them from appearing cramped. Place a lamp in front of it to increase the lighting in the room.
“A rectangular mirror will give you the most surface area to use for reflection purposes,” says Jessica. If you’re aiming for the mirror to act as a more decorative piece, circular shapes are effective in disrupting the straight edges often found in the bedroom.
Interestingly, if bringing in a new piece of furniture isn’t possible for you, you can even consider mirror tiles that have a smooth, antique finish, providing a much warmer and gentler feel than a single piece of high-gloss mirror.
10. Use mirror cabinets as a smart space-saving idea
(Image credit: Heju)
Mirrored cabinet doors are incredibly useful modern bedroom furniture items. They can make a space feel generous and are, of course, handy to check out your look. In this bedroom, mirrors have been used to great effect, helping to feel as large and light as possible.
11. Create a comfortable sitting area in the bedroom with a mirror
(Photo credit: Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop)
Do you have enough space in the couple’s bedroom for a small sitting area? Create a cool and cozy space with a large armchair and ottoman and to add that little “something” bring in a mirror to create the perfect living room style ambiance.
By placing a mirror behind a sofa or a light, you are surreptitiously suggesting that there is more space than meets the eye. The effect is subtle yet very charming.
12. Add drama with a star design
(Photo credit: Jessica Lagrange Interiors. Photo by Werner Straub)
When it comes to choosing wall art for your boho bedroom, we say ornate mirrors with ornate frames or carved designs can look unique and make a big impact. Case in point: stellar mirrors. Place it above a console or behind your bed, and it’s perfect for rooms that lack character. This type of mirror is also a great tool to dictate the center of a room and create a focal point.
What is the appropriate size of the mirror for the bedroom?
The bedroom mirror is a versatile piece that can be placed anywhere in the room to serve many purposes. Place it above the bed, in the console, by the window, or over a desk. Whether the space is large or small, a large or Scandinavian bedroom, the advantages of having a mirror outweigh everything.
“If a client doesn’t want a TV in the space, a mirror above the dresser is always a good option,” says Lauren. “If there is no room for a mirror in the actual bedroom, a mirror hanging from the closet or bedroom door can be a good solution.”
When it comes to the ideal size of the mirror, the small size round wall mirror can reach about 50cm, while the large size can reach 80-90cm. The size of the square mirror can be 50 x 80 cm or 60 x 80 cm. If you are looking for a full-length dress mirror, choose a design of 40 x 140 cm.