Decorating with mirrors – discover the fairest ways to use reflective surfaces 

Found a mirror you love? Then splash out and buy three. It’s the magic number when it comes to grouping items – but keep it interesting by using a few different sizes. Further add to the visual appeal by hanging them slightly off-centre and at different heights.

One of the great things about decorating with mirrors is that they’re more pleasure than practical. This scheme is a good illustration of how to add a layer of difference to an otherwise considered scheme. While the rest of the interior is more linear in style, with a square coffee table and an L-shaped sofa, the twisted frame of the gold circular mirrors adds a subtle sense of glamour and style.

Tried all the decorating tricks of lighter floors and wall colours, but still feel you could do with more space?

There’s a simple trick you can employ, says Mary Buchanan, creative director of Laura Ashley Lighting and Mirrors at the Där Lighting Group.

“Opt for a larger mirror that covers the majority of the chosen wall. A grand horizontal or vertical mirror will invite our eyes to perceive the bouncing reflections as increased volume, making the room look bigger.”

We love how this oversized ornate gilded mirror not only adds to the sense of space but oozes glamour, blending in perfectly with the gilt upholstered chair, gold bedframe and ornate bedside wall lights.

If you use your bath time as a chance to lie back and reflect on the day’s events, add some richness with golden-hued tiles that surround your bubble break.

Take advantage of the wide range of tile shapes and sizes now available and try pairing mirrored brick-shaped tiles with long, thin rectangular ceramic tiles, to create a bathroom design that’s anything but boring.

Leigh Price, co-director of Real Stone Tile and Bathroom says: “Whereas mirrored tiles were previously only available in very basic design options, as the modern homeowner’s tastes have evolved, many leading tile manufacturers are recognising the demand for unique and character-rich tiles.

“As a result of this, we are now seeing much more variation in the shades and patterns of mirrored tiles available on the market.”

We love how this scheme combines opulence with a more natural feel by adding a strap-hung mirror and a vintage wooden and metal stool. It’s also a neutral-toned scheme, making it the perfect bathroom for the whole family and any visiting guests.

If you prefer to shine a light with furniture rather than mirrors, follow the approach of this beautiful scheme and use mirrored cabinets and tables. But remember that not all mirrored surfaces have to be glass. Polished metallics such as silver and gold can equally provide light, shine, space and sparkle to your interior design.

Unite the look with some common points of interest, taking inspiration from this room, where the gold base of the table matches the gold cabinet base and chair legs. Add bright blues, cream and softer shades of a grey for a scheme that’s got just enough dopamine decor to brighten the darkest of days.

There’s no denying the benefits of plants in our home. From the best kitchen plants, to safe houseplants for pets, there’s a wealth of verdant delights to grace your interior.

But if you’re particularly green-fingered and running out of space to showcase your latest specimens, pick a mirror with a shelf and double up on the visual enjoyment. Leafy structures are also a good way of softening up a hallway such as this one, which is more linear in design, with rectangular cupboards and the contrasting lines of horizontal stair treads and vertical bannisters.

If you’ve gone to the expense of renovating your bathroom and adding matching sinks, don’t skimp by only hanging one small mirror to share.

Instead, keep to the pattern of two by adding simply framed mirrors to match your cabinetry. Frame with co-ordinating wall lights and you’ll never fight for time to ask who is the fairest of them all.

Although this scheme features rectangular mirrors that line up with the rest of the design – such as the wall panelling and doors – oval or circular shapes would have equally worked and provided a pleasing visual contrast and connection to the door handles.

We meant it when we said there’s hardly anywhere in your home that doesn’t benefit from mirrors – and that includes your kitchen.

“Mirrored tiles work as a great tool for bouncing sun rays into areas shaded by cupboards and extractor fans,” says Price, allowing them to make for a super-effective kitchen splashback tile.

“If your kitchen layout allows,” adds Price, “try placing mirrored tiles directly opposite windows for maximum impact.”

And instead of choosing a plain mirrored surface, treat yourself to something more stylish, such as an antiqued mirrored finish. It has the added benefit that its mottled effect will help hide splashes, leaving you to enjoy your food and worry about the cleaning later.

It would be remiss of us not to include wardrobes in an article about decorating with mirrors. But just what is it that makes them so versatile?

“Mirrors have the power to create an illusion of space through their reflective nature. They help to channel natural light, so integrating them into your wardrobe design will make your bedroom feel bright and airy,” says Rachal Hutcheson, national retail manager at furniture company Sharps.

“Wardrobe doors which incorporate a mirrored finish are particularly effective in smaller spaces. They not only maximise your storage space, but they can also be installed to the interior to create a dressing table – removing the need for any separate freestanding pieces that can take up precious floor space.”

Hutcheson’s top tip? “Do bear in mind that they will reflect what they are facing so try and keep the space as clutter free as possible.”

Nothing beats a well-curated and organised hallway with the best coat hooks and hallway lighting that leads the way, both in form and function. To add the icing to your carefully created cake, make sure you top your console table with a mirror. No-one ever regrets a last-minute appearance check before heading out the door. After all, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.

Key to getting this look right? Practicality. Always make sure that everyone in the household can see in the mirror before you fix it in place. There’s no right or wrong in terms of shape or style, it just needs to be the right height.

Managed to add a small garden office to your outdoor space and have a view to die for? Reflect it with an outdoor mirror in a circular shape that gives a porthole feel to a stylishly slatted wall. Fit outdoor wall lights either side and pop a more rustic bench below to create the perfect sundowner spot.

We love how this scheme has combined a more contemporary black slatted wall with the earthier tones of a wooden bench and added to the rustic feel with a copper-framed mirror and plant pots. It’s a great example of how decorating with mirrors can be simple yet stylish.