This Is the Easiest Way to Make a Small Space Feel Bigger

Cramped, constricting, claustrophobic—let’s face it: Small spaces aren’t exactly known to have a roomy reputation. However, with the right industry know-how, there can be more to these limited areas than meets the eye. You may not be able to expand your home’s square footage with the flick of a wand, but if you’re looking for a stylish and equally magical trick, here’s your cue to employ mirrors. 

“Mirrors are the ultimate trick for making a small space feel larger than they really are,” says Los Angeles designer Linda Hayslett. “Not only do they reflect light, which instantly brightens a room, but they also create the illusion of depth, almost like a window into another world.” 

Though affixing a mirror to your wall seems easy enough, some designers are taking this trick to the next level by deftly weaving this reflective accessory into a room’s existing decor. Ready to make your space shine at full wattage? A few interior designers are sharing their best secrets to turn a mirror into a marvelous small space must-have—and how to get the look in your own home.

Prioritize Placement

Lauren Taylor

According to Hayslett, a mirror’s position is everything. “For the best effect, place a large mirror opposite a window or in a darker corner to bounce natural light around the room,” she says. Though a mirror’s job might be to reflect a room’s natural sunlight, it doesn’t have to sacrifice style. For a practical and pretty option, look for a mirror with an artful border—like the brass one Hayslett featured below. “You can also group smaller mirrors in an artful arrangement to add both style and the illusion of space,” the designer adds.

Courtesy of CB2

Blend In

Mariko Reed

Alternatively, minimally-minded homeowners might revel in a barely-there mirror. In this project from Aejie Rhyu of ARA-la Studio, a thin borderless reflection takes on the appearance of yet another window. Though this room might be small, the row of sun-drenched windows offers ample lighting—and the full-height mirror only accentuates that gorgeous glow. “The mirror expands the space in both directions since reflection from the corridor also offers a glimpse of the watercolor painting-inspired wallpaper behind their bed,” the Los Angeles designer says.

Courtesy of Pottery Barn

Beautify Your Backsplash

Sozinho Imagery

If you’re looking to bring a toast-worthy moment to your home, Seattle-based designer LeeAnn Baker has the perfect solution: Add a mirrored backsplash to your home bar. “We felt that adding a mirror would give it the feeling of having a window in this north-facing wall, and would reflect the water views and natural light from the other windows. We chose to use an antiqued mosaic mirror so that the client wouldn’t feel like they were always looking at themselves when walking past.” Bonus points: This reflective detail gives even the most basic setup an alluring, speakeasy feel. Cheers!

Defy Gravity

Christopher Stark

Most people would have you believe that a mirror belongs on a wall, but Tineke Triggs argues the only way to go is up. For the 2024 San Francisco Decorator Showcase, the Bay Area designer covered an entire ceiling with a reflective, slightly patinated finish. “Incorporating antique mirrors plays to the sense of history in this circa 20th-century home: It becomes a storytelling moment as well as an element of surprise,” she explains. “I love seeing the expression on people’s faces when they look around the room and finally look up.” This take might’ve offered a major “wow” factor, but it also created a nice glow without compromising the room’s moody atmosphere.

We only recommend things we love. If you buy something through our site, we might earn a commission.