Mirror Buying Guide: Elevate Your Home Styling With Mirrors

The decorative pieces you choose to introduce into your home styling have the power to shape its ambience and overall aesthetic. When refreshing your interiors or seeking to elevate your home styling, mirrors offer an effortless way to uplift the elegance of your space. Sleek, chic and luxurious, the right mirror can completely transform a room.

Although often seen as a practical essential for bathrooms and bedrooms, mirrors have grown to become an integral element in contemporary home styling. Their reflective surfaces enhance natural light, opening a space while making small rooms feel larger and inviting. Whether used as a statement decorative piece or incorporated amongst your existing selection of decorative pieces, a thoughtfully chosen mirror will introduce an understated elegance to your home styling.

At KOO, our collection of mirrors offers a variety of styles, shapes and sizes to suit a range of decorative styles. In this carefully curated buying guide, discover everything you need to know about choosing the perfect mirror for your home, including how to select the right mirror for any room.

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• Things to Consider When Shopping For Mirrors
• Mirrors for the Bedroom
• Mirrors for the Living Room
• Mirrors for the Bathroom
• Mirrors for Hallways & Entryways
• Choosing the Right Mirror Shape

Things to Consider When Shopping For Mirrors

When shopping for a mirror, there are a few considerations to keep in mind to ensure the mirror is right for your room. From size to shape, here are a few key elements to consider when mirror shopping.

Consider the Size

The scale of your mirror should work in proportion with the surrounding furniture and wall. A mirror that's too small can look lost or misplaced, contributing to a cluttered feel. On the other hand, while an oversized mirror can often act as a statement in larger spaces, in smaller rooms oversized floor mirrors can make a space feel confined. Consider the size of the room you're mirror shopping for and make sure you know where you'll be placing it to determine the appropriate sized mirror for your space.

Think About the Shape

In addition to size, our range of mirrors includes a variety of shapes to choose from.

Round and curved mirrors can introduce softer lines to a room, offering a more homely touch, while rectangular and square designs offer a more structured, contemporary feel that brings a sense of modern luxury to a space. In addition to classic round and rectangular designs, KOO also offers a selection of arched and organically shaped mirrors that can also make a beautiful decorative statement.

Choose a Style That Complements Your Home

Consider the frame and finish alongside your existing furniture and décor. While mirrors feature the same reflective surface, it's the overall frame that you use to complement your chosen decorative style. Natural timber can add warmth, while black, metallic and minimalist frames can create a more contemporary look. You can also find a selection of artistic frames with intricate designs that bring a sense of visual intrigue for an eye-catching decorative piece.

Think About the Reflection

Before hanging your mirror, consider what it will reflect. Positioning a mirror to capture a window, artwork, greenery or another attractive feature can enhance the room, while reflecting clutter can have the opposite effect.

Mirrors for the Bedroom

A bedroom mirror should combine practicality with style. If you regularly get ready for the day in your bedroom, a full-length mirror is an essential addition, allowing you to check your outfit from head to toe. Position one near your wardrobe or dressing area where it's easy to use as part of your morning routine.

For smaller bedrooms, a wall-mounted mirror can be a great alternative when floor space is limited. And if you find you're limited on wall space, try placing a decorative mirror above a dresser or vanity to create a dedicated getting-ready space.

If your bedroom is already a calm and considered space, look for a mirror with a soft, curved or organic shape to complement the relaxed atmosphere. Alternatively, a statement frame can add personality and become a feature in its own right.

When styling a mirror in the bedroom, consider what it will reflect from the bed and surrounding areas. A calm, uncluttered reflection will help maintain the restful feel of the room.

Mirrors for the Living Room

The living room is the perfect place to make a mirror part of your overall styling. Rather than simply serving a practical purpose, a larger decorative mirror can act as a piece of wall art and create a focal point within the space.

Try positioning a statement mirror above a console, sideboard or fireplace, acting as a work of art that opens the space up. For a more relaxed look, floor mirrors leant up against the wall exude an effortless laid-back charm. In terms of placement, a mirror positioned near a window can also help bounce natural light around the room and create a greater sense of openness.

For a more eclectic look, consider grouping several smaller mirrors together to create a gallery-style arrangement. Mix different shapes and finishes for a layered look or keep the frames consistent for a more cohesive feel.

When choosing a mirror for the living room, consider the scale of your furniture. A large sofa or substantial console generally calls for a mirror with enough presence to balance the space.

Mirrors for the Bathroom

In the bathroom, a mirror needs to be as practical as it is stylish. Start by considering the size and shape of your vanity, as this will help determine the most suitable mirror.

Round mirrors are a great way to soften bathrooms with lots of straight lines, while rectangular mirrors can complement a contemporary or streamlined vanity. In larger bathrooms, an oversized mirror can help make the room feel more open while providing plenty of practical reflection space.

Because bathrooms can be exposed to moisture and condensation, practicality is particularly important when selecting a mirror. Make sure your chosen design is suitable for the environment and consider how it will work with the lighting around your vanity. For a cohesive look, consider matching the mirror frame with other finishes throughout the bathroom, such as tapware, hardware or lighting.

Good lighting can make all the difference. Position your mirror where it receives even, useful light for everyday tasks such as applying makeup or getting ready.

Mirrors for Hallways & Entryways

Often overlooked when decorating, hallways and entryways are ideal spaces for a mirror. A well-placed mirror can make a narrow or darker area feel more open while creating a welcoming first impression as you enter the home. A hallway or entry mirror also has an obvious practical benefit - providing a quick last look before heading out the door.

For a narrow hallway, consider a tall, vertically positioned mirror to draw the eye upwards and create a greater sense of height. Alternatively, a horizontal mirror can help visually widen the space.

In an entryway, try placing a mirror above a console or hall table, completing the look with a small vase, decorative object or greenery to create a considered styling moment, while keeping enough space clear for everyday use.

Choosing the Right Mirror Shape

If you've decided on the room, colour and size of the mirror but are stuck on choosing the right shape, let this be your guide to help inform your decision:

• Round: Soft, relaxed and versatile, round mirrors work beautifully in bedrooms, bathrooms and entryways.
• Rectangular: A classic choice that suits almost any room. Use vertically to emphasise height or horizontally to make a space feel wider.
• Arched: An arched silhouette brings architectural interest and works particularly well as a statement piece in living rooms, bedrooms and hallways.
• Organic: Irregular and curved silhouettes are ideal for adding a softer, more contemporary feel to your interiors.
• Full-length: Designed with practicality in mind, full-length mirrors, also known as floor mirrors, are perfect for bedrooms, dressing areas and larger hallways.

Elevate Your Home With Mirrors From KOO

Looking to elevate your home styling with a carefully curated selection of home decor? Mirrors are the perfect start to uplifting the styling of your space. Available in a range of shapes, sizes and styles, you'll be sure to find the perfect mirror for your space right here at KOO.

For more advice on the right homewares for your space, read through our helpful buying guides including our Guide to Artificial Plants and tips on How to Create a Gallery Wall.

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