8 Of The Worst Places To Hang A Mirror Anywhere In Your Home

We love filling virtually every room in our home with mirrors. They feel like an instant upgrade by creating the illusion of a bigger space or adding more light to darker areas. The trick for decorating with mirrors so they can work their magic is to hang them in the right places throughout your home. When a mirror is hung in the wrong spot, it can completely throw off the balance of the room, draw attention to areas you'd rather it didn't, and create a harsh glare that feels unwelcoming. There are just a few places you should avoid when you want to create a perfectly harmonious aesthetic.

Most people hang mirrors to brighten hallways, make rooms look bigger, or fill empty wall space. But mirrors are more than just a pretty decoration. They reflect the view that's in front of them. When that view is messy, awkward, unflattering, or too bright, a mirror can make everything look worse. That's why placement matters almost as much as its size and style. For example, mirrors in narrow hallways and high-traffic areas are just asking to get bumped into. Similarly, in a dining room, it can feel uncomfortable when the mirror is directly across from you while you're eating.

As much as we adore decorating with mirrors, it's easy to go overboard and make the room look smaller. Avoiding these common mistakes will make mirrors do what they do best — emphasize the features you want and minimize those you don't.

Putting a mirror in a narrow hallway probably sounds like a quick fix that instantly makes the area look more spacious, but this can cause problems. For starters, the hallway can feel busier by adding the reflection of movement, making it feel even more narrow. Plus, since hallways should be clear for walking, any mirror that sticks out runs the risk of getting bumped and falling off the wall.

Hanging a mirror across from your windows probably sounds smart in theory. However, it can produce way too much glare all over the room. Rather than subtly lighting up your space, a mirror can throw bright reflections straight into your eyes and throughout the room, making it feel uncomfortable. You could also catch views you'd rather not look at twice, like your neighbor's house or a busy road.

A mirror that sits directly across from a toilet is almost always a bad idea. Besides showing off the least attractive part of the bathroom, it makes for an awkward view in smaller spaces when the mirror feels too close. Instead of fighting a clinical-like aesthetic, there are more affordable mirror layouts to copy that can brighten things up and create a balanced bathroom.

If you want to keep your bedroom a relaxing, calm space, then don't hang a mirror across from your bed. You'll have constant movement thrown back at you every time you stretch or check your phone at night. This can make it harder to relax, particularly when the light is low, and your peripheral vision catches your activity in the mirror. It completely throws off the cozy vibe you're hoping for. 

Hanging a mirror at eye level in the dining room can make guests feel uncomfortable. Most people don't want to watch themselves while they're eating or talking. When the mirror is too low, it just pulls the focus away from conversations. Instead, hang the mirror a bit higher, so it can reflect light and give the space a warm, welcoming glow.

One of the last places you want a mirror is in the kitchen. That's because kitchens get steamy and messy really quickly, not to mention you'll have to constantly clean the mirror to maintain its function. And if you have stainless steel appliances, you already have plenty of light-reflecting items to keep the area bright. A mirror in the kitchen will only highlight the messes you don't really care to see reflected.

If you have an area of your home that's a magnet for clutter, the last thing you should do is hang a mirror across from it. When you do, you'll get two views of the mess: both coming and going. Mirrors reflect that pile of clutter like a chaotic shelf with piles of mail. The mirror only magnifies the mess rather than bringing a decorative vibe to the room. 

While many people may be inclined to hang a mirror over the sofa, it's not the best place for it. It can potentially get bumped and fall, plus the reflection can be quite a distraction when you're trying to relax. Instead of making the space feel cozy and peaceful, it makes it feel busy. Another way to ensure your living room stays calmer is to avoid the common couch mistakes that can make it feel cluttered.