You Don't Need A Bulky Mirror: There's An IKEA Solution To Save Space
Mirrors are practical and decorative additions to any room; they can even make your home feel larger. When using a mirror for this purpose, you want something elegant, like a gilded mirror — the once-tacky vintage decor that's making a major comeback. However, sometimes you need a mirror for more practical reasons, like checking that your outfit looks nice before you walk out the door. Finding the right place for a full-length mirror isn't always easy. They're bulky and can take up a lot of space on the wall or in the corner of a room. Thankfully, IKEA has an option that might work for you. The brand's KOMPLEMENT Pull-Out Mirror slides neatly inside a closet where it doesn't take up much space at all.
The design of the mirror itself is sleek, too. It measures 11 inches wide by 51⅛ inches tall and features an ultra-slim frame in white or dark gray. To install this KOMPLEMENT fixture, all you have to do is use an electric drill to attach the rails that the mirror hangs on to the side of your closet. Then, you can slide the mirror out and adjust it to the best angle for your needs or space. It's specifically designed to work with genius IKEA PAX DIYs that will change the way you design your space. However, you may be able to make it fit into other types of closets — IKEA-made or not — with some simple installation modifications, like drilling additional screw holes. Unfortunately, even if you're willing to do some DIYing, these changes won't work in every situation.
Make sure your closet can work with the mirror before buying
The IKEA KOMPLEMENT Pull-Out Mirror is mounted on hinges that require enough space to slide out of the door frame surrounding your closet. As mentioned, it's designed to fit the specifications of PAX wardrobe systems. If you have a generic built-in closet, even the cleverest of hacks may not make it work. If the door frame doesn't line up flush with the interior wall, the frame can restrict the movement of the hinges, stopping the mirror from sliding outward. You may not be able to adjust the angle of the mirror, either. Even if you use the IKEA PAX wardrobe system, the closet needs to be configured appropriately. For starters, the KOMPLEMENT installation instructions provided by IKEA state that the mirror can't be used in a corner closet.
Customers have reported additional limitations in their product reviews on the company's website. For example, the mirror's pull-out function may be impeded by drawers or shelving. "Unfortunately, I can't use the mirror because I didn't realize that it can only be installed in a closet that has a clothes rod and maybe a drawer at the very bottom," writes Stephanie in a translated product review. They gave the mirror three stars out of five, though they still recommended it to other buyers. The closet also needs to be at least 22⅞ inches deep to hold the mirror and the frame. If KOMPLEMENT doesn't fit into your existing closet but you're still looking for a discreet full-length mirror, you'll want to consider adding mirrors to your IKEA wardrobe doors — or the doors of any other brand of closet you have — instead.