Nate Berkus shares the one thing you should always have in your home – and it can make your room feel much bigger and taller
It's the oldest trick in the book, but Nate Berkus reminds us how simple it can be to use mirrors to 'expand' a space
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Using mirrors in design has more benefits than just giving you a place to check your outfit. A wonderfully versatile design feature, they add instant glamour and interest while also increasing natural light and maximizing the sense of space in your home.
Interior designer Nate Berkus swears by decorating with mirrors, especially if you want to make your room look taller. One of the easiest decorating ideas, adding a mirror to any room in your home can significantly impact the appearance of the space. However, this is only true if you know the tricks of the trade to position them correctly.
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The Aperture Mirror mirror has been on my must-have list since summer. I am planning to treat myself as an early Christmas present this week. I extol the benefits of mirrors constantly, they make such a difference so it is worth investing in the best ones.
Arches and curves in design are having a moment in the spotlight. For small spaces, curved mirrors can really help to soften the room, whereas in larger spaces, big sweeping curves up the elegance factor, and make a space feel warmer. This highly-rated arch mirror is currently on sale – so be quick.
There is so much to love about gilded mirrors. Gilding is the most opulent and lavish statement: a mark of success, wealth and grandeur – sometimes of excess – but it is also symbolically important in conveying messages of love, compassion, wisdom and illumination.
'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 leaning against a focal wall. To maximize light, position mirrors in areas where natural light shines to reflect the light to more dimly lit areas – making the overall space feel brighter throughout the day.'
The position and placement of your mirror are key. It is especially useful for small rooms where you are trying to increase natural light in the room.
‘Placing mirrors where the light naturally falls is one of the oldest but best tricks in the book, it enhances the natural light and makes the room appear much larger and brighter,’ explains Jenna Choate and Mariana Ugarte, Co-Founders of Interior Fox. 'A carefully placed mirror that is opposite a window will echo the natural light and greenery into a room with limited space, helping to bring the outdoors in.'
Designer Marie Flanigan argues that if you only invest in one element, make it a mirror. The benefits are unmatched.
'Mirrors are not just decorative elements; they are transformative tools that can breathe life into interior spaces. When strategically placed, mirrors have the power to create the illusion of more space, making even cozy rooms feel open and inviting,' she says. 'Some of my favorite locations to place mirrors are on a fireplace surround, or above a focal point.'
However, think carefully about where mirrors are positioned, where they end, and what will be reflected in them. I don’t use them in a dining room as people don’t like to see themselves reflected while eating or speaking. I wouldn’t place a full-length mirror opposite a shower and never one behind a toilet!
