Mirror in a frame – 130 photos of the best ideas for creating an original design with your own hands

It is easy to improve the quality of the interior with decorative elements. These are not difficult to find - mirrors in the interior of any room perfectly solve this problem. In addition to the function of an accessory, they do an excellent job with the practical part of the design, transforming the room for the better. But in order for the decoration to claim style and relevance, it is worth familiarizing yourself with design innovations and the latest trends.

Photo examples of use will provide inspiration and suggest which mirror frame will best convey your character. The correct location and choice of the appropriate way to decorate a room guarantees the creation of an interesting project - elegant or defiantly bold.

Functions in the interior

In some rooms of the house, in the bathroom and dressing room, mirrors are required to primarily serve their primary purpose. In the living room or open plan, they can do more. Then the function of demonstrating the owner’s appearance fades into the background, and may not be fulfilled at all: decorative properties come first. Not only standard mirrors, but also tiles and panels can be used in interior design. What tasks can a reflective surface cope with, especially if the interior is in light colors:

• improves the visual perception of space;
• will increase the level of illumination;
• will change the proportions of the room;
• will disguise the protruding structure;
• expresses the stylistic concept.

The frame becomes the main detail that comes to the fore: the modern or antique look of the mirror depends on it. Its material can be different - modern plastic can pleasantly surprise.

Options for using mirrors in the interior of an apartment

Let's consider in what form a mirror is most often used when decorating a living space:

• A type of finish that is a completely monolithic one-piece mirror panel is often found and looks chic in any room. Such decorative walls made of solid mirror can be afforded by owners of decent-sized homes. In small rooms - be it a bedroom or a hallway - a design in the form of a solid mirror panel does not look as impressive.
• The appropriate tiles can decorate the room and give it a stylish look. Correctly placed tiles will make the room very interesting and luxuriously decorated. And if a mosaic is used - solid or as a panel - then it can make your bathroom look like a disco bar. This stylistic technique with decorative tiles is found in the design of apartments of stylish and active young people.
• Decorative cabinet doors are the most common way to use mirror fabric in the design of modern apartments. This decor is perfect for those for whom the space at home does not allow for a separate wall for a mirror. Mirror wallpaper can also be successfully used in this case.
• Framed mirrors are also still a popular method. This is the oldest version of the room design. Now on sale you can find various options for mirrors in frames: both floor and wall, you can also buy them without frames. They will look great in the hallway, bedroom, and kitchen. It all depends on the design of the specific room and material capabilities. Moreover, the frames can even be plastic - modern materials can be very stylish in this design. Even a mirrored wall in the living room in a similar design will look great.

Mirror wall in a bright bedroom

Large mirrored wardrobe in the hallway Mirrored wall in the living room with fireplace

Mirror cabinet in the children's room

Mirror panel in a spacious bathroom

Mirror wall and bathroom cabinet Mirror panels in the bedroom Wall made of wood and mirrors in the living room

Mirror wall in the bedroom

Modern interior with mirror wall

Mirror wall with vanity table Large mirror in the bathroom

Mirror wall in the dining room

Posting rules

For all mirrors in the interior, and not just the living room, there are certain placement principles, depending on the desired result:

• Increased space - opposite the window.
• Transform a rectangular room into a squarer one using long walls.
• Additional airiness and lightness – a reflection of the light finish.

Reasonable precautions:

• You should not place too large objects like a sofa near a mirror surface;
• in extreme cases, they should be light in color;
• many small objects will create a feeling of chaos.

Feng Shui makes its own, sometimes exaggerated, demands on the environment. They are far from interior aesthetics, and contain continuous “don’ts”: opposite the bed, the front door, opposite each other. But there is a certain logic in this. Moderation, adjusted proportions of mirrors, placement heights will bring comfort, which is fundamental for proper design.

Functions of mirrors in the interior

In skillful hands, mirror surfaces can work miracles of transformation. In order to fully realize the potential of mirrors in the interior, it is necessary to understand its main functions. Using a reflective surface you can achieve the following effects.

• Visual expansion of space.

This is the main function most often used by interior designers.

It is especially useful when decorating small or narrow spaces.

• Scattering of light.

If the room lacks additional lighting, then a mirror in the living room can help with this. To use this feature, you need to place a reflective surface in front of a window or artificial light source.

The rays will be evenly scattered throughout the room.

• The effect of abundance.

Some stylistic trends involve loading the interior with many decorative elements.

A mirror will help to visually double their number.

• Correction of the shape of the room.

By placing a mirror in the right place, you can correct the proportions of the room and visually raise the ceilings.

You can also change the ratio of the walls of the room.

• Placement of accents.

You can easily highlight any object with the help of reflection and small lighting.

You can choose a frame in the same color as the walls.

• Decor.

In addition to emphasizing individual interior details, a mirror can be an independent decorative element.

This effect is achieved by decorating it with ornaments, laying it out using a mosaic method, or framing it in a beautiful, stylish frame.

Stylish frame

The frame of the mirror is chosen in unity with the style of the room and must necessarily rhyme with the surrounding environment. If the frames are wooden, the type and shade are carefully selected. Some representatives completely replace art objects. This is achieved through a non-standard shape and an unusual frame. The latter are complex, sculptural works.

Often mirrors in the living room have a spectacular baguette, emphasizing luxury and elegance, if it is a classic or historical style. A small guide table will show you the relationship between distinctive details and preferred style.

Lately, designers have been striving not only for expressiveness in their work, but also for individuality, and therefore boldly mix elements of different styles. Option: a mirror in an aged frame against the background of a brick wall of a typical loft. But only moderation separates fusion style from bad taste. If in doubt, it is better to go with a calmer version.

As for modern styles, the main place here belongs to color. More often than not, a white or similar light, neutral background is a great excuse to add some pop of color through the frame. Cheerful colors will inspire, and the variety of choices will not make purchasing bright, rich accessories expensive.

Manufacturers continue to surprise by coming up with frames that look unconventional and are perfect for a living room decorated in a bold, youthful style: in the shape of lips, a tennis racket and other original ideas.

Originality in simplicity: without frame

Those who favor minimalism and the absence of pretentiousness in decorative details should choose models without frames. But this does not mean that absolutely all such solutions look like boring geometric shapes from a mirror canvas. Thus, models with a wavy edge are offered.

It is possible to make the interior more comfortable with the help of a mirror made using the artificial aging technique. Some manufacturers use more inexpensive materials for this (metal alloys: copper, zinc, aluminum). The price of the product will not differ much from the standard one, while it will have a deep shimmering texture, without a frame that draws attention to itself.

Another interesting way (and a budget one) to enliven your interior is painting. Then the simplest form and the absence of framing are suitable criteria for this. This method will emphasize the lightness of the interior. Choosing a suitable pattern and color is quite easy - just focus on the colors involved. Thermoplastic allows you to create three-dimensional drawings. In general, any mirror without a frame of a clear shape (oval, rectangular) is a great way to express your creative impulses. The decor in the form of artificial flowers made from scrap materials looks interesting.

Where does a mirror wall look best in the interior?

• Mirror options are great when the bathroom needs decoration. Using individual elements of a mirror panel you can achieve a strong effect. Tiles coated with a light patina will look best in a bathroom interior. This gives the room a certain vintage feel and gives the effect of antiquity. It is better to use plastic frames here - they are not afraid of water and look stylish.
• In the bedroom, a mirror design looks best at the head of the bed. In order to choose the right mirror size in this case, start from the size of the bed. A huge king-size bed will easily accommodate an equally huge mirror design. Conversely, a modest-sized bed will look good next to the same panel.
• An excellent choice for the bedroom would also be individual elements at the head of the bed, decorated with baguette frames. Moreover, if the bedroom is in light colors, then dark frames will become a stylish decor. You can even use plastic for frames, but painted to resemble wood.
• In places where guests gather and the whole family spends time, for example, in living rooms, kitchens, mirror decor should be placed carefully. Since in such rooms there is often animation, walking, and activity, many mirrors can create a flickering effect, and the eyes of everyone present will ripple. Therefore, in living rooms, designers recommend placing mirrors behind sofas and armchairs.
• An excellent place where a mirror wall can be used is the hallway. There are rarely many people gathered in the hallway at once, so you can use any mirrors, of any size and shape - tiles of different shapes, special panels, and any other design will do.

Large mirror in the bedroom

Mirror wall in the living room with a bar counter

Large framed mirror in the hallway interior

Mirror wall in the dining room

Mirror wall in the living room

Mirror wall and mirror in the bathroom

Mirror wall in the bedroom behind the bed

Mirror panel in the interior

Mirror tiles in the interior

Mirrored apron in the kitchen Mirrored panels in the dining room

Plural

Placing several mirrors on the wall at the same time is a guarantee that even a closed room, such as a corridor, will be transformed. This non-standard method is also suitable for the main room in the house, because it is also a fashionable method of decorating an empty wall. The latest collections from manufacturers offer ready-made variations that are also suitable for self-assembly. What ideas and principles do designers offer:

• approximately the same size, simple shape;
• identical frames for a neat look;
• complex shape - leave without frame;
• strict symmetry or free negligence is a matter of taste;
• several round mirrors - associations with sunbeams;
• one large and several small ones, asymmetrically located around.

Mirror compositions - different emotions

It is quite difficult to create an expressive composition from a “magical” surface of different sizes and shapes. The main problem is the undesirable effect of random clutter, especially if the composition is located locally and not stretched across the wall.

Other decorative elements located nearby on the wall or standing on an attached console or table can “dilute” the effect of crowding of mirrors somewhat:

• candlesticks, lamps;
• boxes, vases;
• paintings, posters;
• watch.

This approach to design is appropriate for the living room and for more intimate spaces (bedroom, bathroom). Such a work looks especially impressive in an adapted ancient style. For a modern look, many round small mirrors of different diameters, hung up to the ceiling, are more suitable.

Important. Be sure to leave free space between the elements, and it is better to choose a monochromatic background.

Types of mirrors

Rectangular

It is best to place such a mirror on a wall that is free from other decor, and in such a way that it takes up at least half of its space, otherwise it will not look very appropriate.

Rectangular full-length mirror on legs in the bedroom

Kitchen apron made of aged rectangular mirrors Rectangular mirror in a decorative wooden frame

Round

Mirrors of this shape look good in the bedroom, located, for example, above the bedside tables, they add romance and coziness to this room.

Round mirror above the fireplace in a decorative metal frame

Decorative round mirror in the bathroom Round mirror in Rococo style in a private residence

Round sun mirror above the fireplace in the living room

Square

The laconic shape of a square looks good in the interior, but in terms of its functions it is still inferior to a rectangle. Used mainly to save space.

Square mirror in a classic bathroom interior Decorative aged square mirror

Oval

An oval-shaped mirror best copes with its main task. It does not take up extra space and, due to the lack of corners, visually smoothes out the space around it.

Arch

An arched mirror combines the advantages of oval and rectangular, reflects well and saves space.

Mirror in a decorative frame

Hexagonal

This unusual form of mirror has been gaining more and more popularity lately. It can be used in any room where it can fit harmoniously into the interior.

Hexagonal decorative mirror

Free form

An even more unusual type of mirror, suitable for avant-garde interiors, can be presented in the form of a puzzle, animal figure, plant, etc. Looks best in large rooms that are not overloaded with other decorative elements.

Figured decorative mirror in the living room

Decorative mirror in the shape of an elongated hourglass above the chest of drawers in the living room

In the modern world, mirrors are not limited to just the above forms, there are many other diverse mirror design ideas.

• A sun mirror, which is based on a round mirror framed in a frame of mirror rays or rays made of other materials.
• Mirror panel, which can be made up of small mirrors of different shapes and sizes.
• The mirror seems to be assembled from fragments. A very unusual design solution that will not appeal to everyone.
• Colored mirrors. Tinted in different colors, they can set the tone for any setting, but will be especially good in the bedroom.
• Convex or depressed mirrors look very unique, but they allow you to look at the space of the rooms reflected in them in a completely different way.
• Aged mirrors. Sometimes they not only have a vintage frame, but their reflective surface looks as if it has been in the world for many, many years, or even centuries. Suitable for classic luxury interiors.

Mirrors in decorative frames in the living room Oval mirror in Art Nouveau style

Fireplace area

Not only real, but also stylized fireplace portals deserve to become the central part of the room. Their design cannot be done without mirrors:

• Place a small mirror among other expressive, elegant accessories on the mantelpiece.
• Completely finishing the portal with mirror panels is a bolder option, suitable not only for a modern style, but also an adapted classic one.
• The inner surface of the false fireplace is lined with a mirror - romance and comfort are guaranteed.

In addition to the fireplace, the room may contain other interesting details, for example, false windows with a layout:

• Black frames and trims will emphasize the graphic nature of the interior.
• A large arched “window” with a layout made of darkened, aged metal is a catchy accent.

Floor models

Sacrificing space for the sake of surroundings - this is what floor models really deserve. Interiors that aspire to historical expressiveness are simply obliged to acquire one. This is quite a fashionable attribute and can often be seen in photos of design projects not only for bedrooms, but also for other rooms.

• Pristavnoe. The heavy frame makes it a central figure.
• Psyche. The mirror canvas, fixed on a special axis, can change the angle of inclination and is often double-sided.
• On a stand. It can be mobile, for example, on wheels.

Points worth paying attention to:

• height minimum 170 cm;
• compatibility of frame color with floor covering;
• safety of the structure, especially the attached one;
• free space in front of the mirror – 1.5-2 m.

Relevant. A rotating mirror with hidden shelves on the back surface is a solution for small spaces, such as a hallway or a studio apartment, where you need to hide the excess without losing space.

Mirror furniture

Such furniture is considered fashionable and is suitable not only for modern style. Even simple facades without decorations make it spectacular. One statement piece is enough to declare that your home is up to date with the latest trends. Kitchen fronts are an excellent solution for an open plan.

Other attractive designs:

• large ceremonial table;
• coffee table;
• chest of drawers or console;
• bar.

Important. It is worthwhile to provide inconspicuous handles on the facades - doors that open by pressing will not tolerate fingerprints.

Which performance technique is the most popular:

• standard, glossy - for industrial chic;
• aged - for vintage;
• matte – discreet glamorous effect.

Not only furniture items, but also decorative items can offer a couple of creative ideas:

• Large floor vases, trimmed with reflective strips, will make an interesting harmonious duet with similar furniture.
• Frames for posters, photographs, botanical illustrations with a mirror edge - expressive wall compositions.

Architectural elements are also included, whose decoration contributes to lightness and transparency:

• door frames and portals;
• sections of stairs;
• window slopes;
• plinth.

Size matters: full wall

Typically, more global mirror planes are made in the following variants:

• seamless panels;
• tiles of various shapes and sizes;
• panel

In the latter case, the mirror canvas is combined with other materials, turning the area into an artistic composition. Most often these are wooden panels or slats, or parquet flooring. Honeycomb walls are another technique typical for different types of premises. The central role belongs to the framing: these can be classic moldings or a more modern version with plastic glazing beads. It is possible to attach small square or rectangular reflective surfaces at different angles - this look will definitely not get boring.

A single mirror sheet with visual integrity is an excellent solution for modern styles with their minimalism and industrial finishing materials. The size of the surface also plays a big role. If for a small bathroom such a technique is more than justified, then in residential areas it can look quite aggressive, and even somewhat resemble a gym. The following will help you not to lose your comfort:

• Decoration of a solid canvas with figured elements.
• Beveled edge - beveled edges on diamonds or rectangles will create a play of light and shadow and additional volume.
• Subtle highlighting of joints. The framing can be different, creating many geometric shapes.
• Sandblast engraving.

Relevant. The mirror wall will hide the integrated interior door.

A similar screen can be an excellent alternative to a mirror wall. Its technical and decorative advantages:

• certain mobility;
• necessary zoning;
• stylistic expressiveness.

Frames made of tarnished, aged metal will add a vintage touch. Such a screen, as if from an antique store, will become a valuable art object and room decoration.

Which rooms are mirror panels suitable for?

Since the main specificity of mirrors is to visually expand the boundaries of the room, the following are primarily intended for them:

• corridor;
• hallway;
• bathroom.

In order not to clutter the hallway with mirrored cabinets, you can cover one of the walls with mirror panels. In this case, the panels should be wide, without joints, and combined with light walls and the same pieces of furniture.

A mirrored wall instead of the usual oval above the sink is a simple and successful solution for the bathroom. Moreover, this room, as a rule, also needs additional light and space.

In the living room, one of these techniques may be the effect of missing part of the wall or creating a false window. However, designers do not recommend covering the living room wall with solid panels without gaps: such an experiment can cause persistent psychological discomfort. Small panels made of faceted mirror tiles, large drawings lined with flexible mirror film or figured stickers made of mirror cloth will look much more beautiful and organic.

Mirrors in the bedroom interior are a personal matter. Some people think they don’t belong there, others think that a mirrored wall or ceiling adds spice to this room.

You can reconcile both points of view by decorating the head of the bed, the corner of the room where the dressing table is, and the periphery of the ceiling with mirror stickers (in the shape of stars, hearts, butterflies) and inserts. In these cases, mirrors will add enchanting depth to the room without disturbing the personal peace of vacationers.

Mirrors in the kitchen interior can most often be found in the form of a stylish apron made of beveled tiles. This decor looks very beautiful and also allows you to visually expand the kitchen space, which will be especially important for small rooms.

Where do mirror panels go wrong?

— In the nursery, psychologists say. Indulgence is possible only if these are small stickers (for example, silhouettes of animals) located where the child’s gaze does not fall before falling asleep or immediately after waking up.

Mosaic: a thousand reflections

Mosaic, along with large-format mirrors and solid mirror sheets, is another tool for changing space for the better. A small mirror mosaic gives an amazing effect - each color spot will change in size, creating an interesting pixelated picture.

What are the advantages of such non-standard material:

• Relatively easy to install.
• Use for complex surfaces (semicircular, curved).
• Good technical characteristics - moisture resistance, wear resistance.
• Excellent compatibility with trendy finishing materials - glass, plastic, ceramics, enamel, metal.
• Suitable for delicate and brutal interiors, depending on the environment.

This choice of using mirrors is suitable for any room whose design implies a spectacular impression. For example:

• glamorous apron in the kitchen;
• bathroom;
• section of accent wall;
• part of the ceiling.

Mirror ceiling

Mirror walls, despite their popularity, are still not suitable for every owner. Constantly watching reflections and flickers causes fatigue. Another controversial example of finishing is a mirror ceiling. Among the advantages, it is worth noting the increase in the height of the room, but completely finishing the surface above the head is somewhat vulgar and banal.

But the moderate use of mirror surfaces on the ceiling is a good way to diversify the design without turning it into kitsch. For the living room, main dining area, where it is important to create the best view possible, more sophisticated options are perfect:

• Along the edges of the ceiling, creating an edging. A beautiful white ceiling plinth is an excellent companion.
• In the center of the ceiling. This can be an octagonal tile, artistically laid out. This composition goes well with the front chandelier, increasing the flow of light.
• A coffered ceiling with mirror inserts is a reinterpreted traditional solution.

Colored mirrors and other novelties

One of the interior innovations is colored mirrors, the palette of which is quite diverse:

• bronze;
• grey;
• gold;
• blue.

They can act as independent elements or be used in conjunction with a simple mirror cloth, for example in the form of narrow stripes.

One cannot ignore another interior novelty – vinyl mirror stickers. Thin (about 1 mm) and easily adhesive, quite inexpensive, they are able to expressively emphasize the main idea:

• floral and plant motifs;
• butterflies, birds;
• romantic stories;
• abstraction.

All kinds of broken, crooked mirrors can become an effective finishing touch in the design:

• A convex mirror with a round modification is non-standard.
• Abstract compositions combined into a single whole - a kind of panel.
• A round mirror framed by volumetric rays of broken geometric shapes.
• Mirror letters are a bold, life-affirming inscription on the wall for a shocking interior.

Kitchen mirrors

You don't often see a mirror in the kitchen. Most likely, this is because in this room it plays a purely decorative role. Not every owner considers it necessary to hang a mirror where food is prepared and there is a risk of severely contaminating it. But there is also a place for a mirror in the kitchen if you want to emphasize one of the zones, visually duplicating it. Small wall mirrors will also look good here.

Square mirror in the kitchen

Decorative mirror in the kitchen interior

Decorative mirror canvas in the dining room of a city apartment

Well, these are, perhaps, all the main rooms in the house that can be decorated using the reflective surface of mirrors. Now let's move on to consider the various forms and types of this most magical decorative element.

Light sources and mirrors

A duet of lamps and mirrors can give a pleasant feeling from the space changed with their help. Not only the room, but also your own reflection can be transformed for the better. To do this, just illuminate the mirror on the sides or the entire perimeter.

The latest requirements for modern lamps are a minimalist shape and a sufficient amount of light. The concept will be embodied by wall sconces and lamps located symmetrically on the sides of the mirror. Modern spots, installed not only on the walls, ceiling, but even on the floor, will allow you to direct the lighting as necessary in each specific case.

You can place a small beautiful lamp in front of the mirror if the style does not involve LED lighting. A good solution for a small room is combined options. Universal: a mirror with built-in lighting, located on the wall in the recreation area, will serve as a source of light in the evening, and during the day – as an original decor.

Among all the examples that successfully combine practical and decorative functions, it is easy to choose the one that is suitable for each specific design. A beautiful mirror is a worthy element of the interior, and the opportunity to admire your reflection in any part of the house is a pleasant bonus.

Bedroom mirrors

Mirrors in the bedroom play the role of a unique addition to the main interior. It is best to place them away from the sleeping place and in such a way that the sleeping person is not reflected in them. In the realities of our apartments, the mirror in the bedroom is often placed on the door of the built-in closet, which does not provide much space for imagination. But here, too, there are decorative options: a beautiful design can be applied to the mirror or soft colored lighting can be used. A small tabletop mirror or a mirror in a decorative frame would also be appropriate in the bedchamber.

Rectangular mirror in a classic white frame in the bedroom

Decorative sun mirror in the bedroom

Venetian mirror in the bedroom interior

Mirror canvas on the bedroom wall in a modern design