Do you have an entrance area that feels somewhat lifeless and you want to bring the feeling of nature to your home?
Do you want to make a good impression on your guests? If so, you may be wondering if it’s a good idea to install a mirror in your entrance area.
Entrance areas can benefit from mirrors in various ways. Adding a mirror can make your home more inviting and make small spaces appear larger. They brighten up dark rooms by reflecting light and add character and depth to your decor.
In the following, I will discuss the benefits of adding a mirror to your entrance area and when you should not add one to your decor. I will also cover selecting a mirror for your entrance and its hanging.
The benefits of a mirror in the entrance area
The entrance area is the first thing people see when entering your home. Mirrors bring additional light and immediately draw attention. They also give depth and openness to your space, especially if it is on the smaller side.
Combining a mirror with an entrance table or bench provides a moment to pause, drop your keys or shoes, and relax in your space when entering.
When leaving, it provides you with a place to gather the things you need, put on your shoes, and check your appearance before leaving the house.
Mirrors can also make tight and narrow spaces feel larger and more open. It’s important to choose the right size and style for your entrance area.
Mirrors can highlight parts of your home that you particularly love. If you want to draw attention to a feature of your house, a mirror hung opposite it will suffice.
When not to use a mirror
Since mirrors reflect, consider what the mirror will reflect. If there is something you don’t enjoy looking at, and if you hang a mirror, you would see it twice, do not hang the mirror.
A mirror could make the space feel more cluttered and less open if you have no natural light in your entrance area.
Additionally, some spaces are simply not equipped to safely hang a mirror. In this case, you should not compromise the integrity of your home and the safety of the people living there just to hang a mirror.
There are always alternatives. You can use a floor mirror or a wall mirror if you have the space. Pair it with small standing decor items or a bench to complement your aesthetic.
You can also balance a mirror on a table or dresser to distribute the weight better. The mirror should be mounted on the wall to prevent tipping.
Integrating your mirror into your entrance area
There are many opinions on this subject as there is not one solution for every space. Here are some things to consider when integrating a mirror into your foyer.
Contents
1. Mirror in tight spaces
Try combining a small round mirror with a floating shelf for narrow, cramped entrances. The mirror adds character to your narrow space without taking up too much space. The mirror gives your area depth by making the space appear larger.
You can place a basket, small shoe rack, or umbrella stand on the floor below the shelf. Make sure to hang the floating shelf at about elbow height as it is easy to reach items on the shelf at that height.
Another option without a shelf would be to hang a tall mirror that extends from floor to ceiling. It can be as wide as the wall or tall and narrow.
In either case, it will help make the space more spacious. You can use a leaning mirror if you like.
However, these are generally more suitable for wider entrances as they take up floor space and negate the purpose of a narrow foyer.
2. Mirror in larger spaces
Imagine a mirror mosaic made up of small round mirrors. You can center them above your table or bench. If you want to add a little more character, you can offset them and place a medium to large potted plant on the other side to create visual interest.
You can also use tall mirrors or a large round mirror to create the illusion of height. Higher mirrors should hang about 30cm above the floor.
Round mirrors should be centered on the wall and hung at a height where you can see yourself without stooping.
3. Mirror in rooms with high or low ceilings
Consider using a tall floor or wall mirror if you have a high ceiling. You can hang a large mirror if you have the studs for it. Make sure it hangs about 30cm above the floor on the wall.
If you have low ceilings, hang or lean a large mirror against the entrance wall. The mirror reflects the ceiling and creates the illusion of a taller space. It will also reflect the light and make the room brighter.
4. Combining mirrors and furniture in the entrance area
If you are combining a mirror with another piece of furniture in the entrance area, the two should complement each other in size, style, and color.
The table or bench could also have an artificial or live plant to bring nature indoors and facilitate the transition into the house.
Center a single mirror on the wall above the furniture, about 6 to 8 inches (15.24 to 20.32 cm) above it.
Consider hanging multiple or decorative mirrors off-center and balance them with other decorative items.
5. In which direction should the mirror be hung?
A rectangular mirror can be hung vertically or horizontally, depending on the available space and design preferences.
If you want to make the foyer appear longer, then you should hang the mirror horizontally. Hang the mirror vertically if you want to give a room with low ceilings more height.
Final thoughts
Mirrors provide an easy way to bring light into your entrance area and facilitate the transition from outdoors to home.
They can make a room appear larger and more inviting. A mirror can highlight features of your home that you love. Entrance mirrors can also be a defining piece of decor.
Sources
- HGTV: 20 Designer Entrance Ideas to Steal
- Home Decor Bliss: Should An Entrance Area Have a Mirror [and how big should it be]
- Decoist: 40 Entrance Mirror Ideas That Are Absolutely Captivating
- The Gem Picker: How to Choose the Right Mirror for Your Entrance Area
- 21 Oak: Entrance Mirror Pros and Cons for Your Home
- From House To Home: Low Ceilings: 10 Ways To Make A Low Ceiling Appear Higher
- Hadley Court: Tips on Hanging a Mirror