Mark Zuckerberg Uses This Simple Visual Trick to Make His Minimalist Living Room Look Twice as Big, and It Actually Works
This clever optical illusion makes even large rooms feel dramatically bigger
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Mark Zuckerberg’s living room offers more than a rare look inside the home of one of tech’s most influential figures. It also provides a compelling lesson in how a thoughtful design choice can significantly alter the ambiance of a space. While the Facebook founder’s interior is rooted in warm minimalism, it’s the use of full-length mirrors that quietly does much of the heavy lifting when it comes to scale.
The room already feels calm and expansive, thanks to its neutral palette and pared-back styling. But when it comes to decorating with mirrors, this space shows just how powerful the effect can be: the near full-length mirrors subtly enhance the sense of openness by reflecting light and extending sightlines, creating depth and movement within the room. It’s a classic optical illusion, but one that remains incredibly effective, especially when executed with restraint.
Mark Zuckerberg’s minimalist living room is, of course, generously sized. Yet that’s precisely what makes this design choice so instructive. If full-length mirrors can make a large living room feel even more expansive, they can be transformative in smaller homes. In compact spaces, where natural light and square footage are often limited, mirrors work harder – visually pushing walls back and lifting the overall atmosphere of the room.
‘In terms of functionality, a mirror can be used to spread natural light and to create the illusion of space,’ says Anna Franklin, Interior Designer and Founder of Stone House Collective. ‘If you have a small living room, consider mounting a large mirror above a fireplace, or styling one leaning against a focal wall. To maximize light, position mirrors where natural light shines so it’s reflected into more dimly lit areas, making the overall space feel brighter throughout the day.’
Unlike smaller decorative mirrors, full-length designs encourage the eye to travel both vertically and horizontally, subtly stretching the perceived dimensions of a room. When placed thoughtfully, they enhance a space without adding visual clutter – an especially valuable quality in small living rooms.
Similarly to Mark Zuckerberg's home, this oversized mirror acts as a sophisticated architectural portal, seamlessly dissolving the wall to 'double' the room’s perceived depth. By echoing the height of the adjacent doorway and layering a curated console in the foreground, the design creates a masterful illusion of expanded proportions and radiant, reflected light.
‘Hanging a mirror in a living room where the light naturally falls is one of the oldest but best tricks in the book,’ say Jen and Mar, Co-Founders of Interior Fox. ‘It enhances the natural light and makes the room appear much larger and brighter. A carefully placed mirror opposite a window will echo the light and greenery into a smaller room, helping to bring the outdoors in.’
The takeaway is refreshingly simple. You don’t need a vast home or dramatic architectural changes to make a small living room look bigger. As Mark Zuckerberg’s space shows, a well-placed full-length mirror is one of the most effective tools for visually expanding a room – a timeless design trick that works just as beautifully in small, everyday homes as it does in grand ones.
Shop Living Room Mirrors
Even without seeing every corner of Mark Zuckerberg’s home, it’s easy to take inspiration from his approach to space and light. When it comes to mirrors, the right choice can visually expand a room while adding a timeless, sophisticated touch. Here are some of my favorite picks that effortlessly elevate a neutral living room and make it feel brighter, more open, and beautifully curated.
With its undulating lines, this mirror is one of my favourite designs – modern, playful, and easy to style. Made from resin reinforced with engineered hardwood and mirrored glass, it’s designed to lean against a wall, adding instant character while visually opening up a room. A true statement piece that doesn’t try too hard.
I love how versatile this Arch-Shaped Full Body Mirror is – it’s one of those pieces that instantly elevates a room without breaking the bank. With three ways to use it, you can hang it on the wall for a chic focal point or lean it against any corner with the sturdy stand for a more relaxed, stylish vibe. Perfect for bedrooms, dressing areas, or even a living room, this mirror not only opens up your space visually but also brings a timeless, elegant touch – all at an affordable price.
This Carved Beaded Floor Mirror from Threshold is the kind of statement piece that transforms a room instantly. The arched shape and wooden frame, detailed with a carved beaded edge, give it a timeless, elegant look that works beautifully with modern or mid-century decor. Perfect for leaning in a small living room, this mirror not only makes a stylish statement but also creates the illusion of a larger, brighter space.
