How To Pull Off A Mirror Accent Wall Without Ruining Vintage Charm

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Designers are in agreement that the painted accent wall trend is over. However, out-of-the-box accent walls that incorporate textures or metallics seem here to stay. A mirror accent wall is one such designer-approved choice. This can consist of floor-to-ceiling mirrored panels or one large mirror. You can use them in big spaces, such as a living room wall, or small spaces, like the end of a hallway. Not only are mirrors eye-catching, but they also make small rooms appear bigger, maximize light, and glamorize your home in the process.

If your decorating style is vintage, traditional, or romantic, you may think a mirrored accent wall is too urban or futuristic to work in your home. However, there are a few simple ways to give a wall of mirrors some vintage charm. One way is to use mirrors that have been distressed or antiqued, and another is to frame the mirror (or mirrors) with vintage or architectural details. Finally, you can place some vintage-inspired finds in front of the mirror wall to add softness. If the centuries-old Palace of Versailles can have a Hall of Mirrors, so can you.

A mirrored wall looks expensive, but it is one of the cheapest accent wall options. IKEA sells both mirror tiles (four 12-by-12-inch for $13) and also large scale frameless mirrors (one 24-by-37-inch mirror for $20). You can also find 12-by-12-inch mirror tiles on Amazon, such as these Delma Home Gym Mirrors (16 tiles for $46). To make mirror tiles feel less "home gym" and more "vintage charm," you can use an antiqued mirror DIY or skip this step and purchase pre-distressed tiles. These LiveInUrban Foxed Silver Vintage Mirrors have a peel-and-stick backing and are acrylic instead of glass. 

You can also add some vintage charm with frames. One large baroque frame will add romantic appeal to a large-scale mirror, while individual frames will add softness and visual interest to a wall of square tiles. For a more built-in look, try to DIY a stunning mirror accent wall using architectural molding or wall paneling instead of purchasing individual frames. Another trick is to hang one large empty frame in the middle of the mirror wall to highlight a specific area, such as over a credenza or mantel. Once your mirror wall is hung, add some curvy vintage furniture, plants, and artwork to break up the look. To hang art (or an empty frame) onto a mirrored wall, you can suspend frames from the ceiling with cables, or drill a hole into the mirror.