‘Mirrors are the easiest way to make a space seem bigger and brighter, especially in areas like a hallway where it can be dark and narrow. Having one by the front door also gives you the perfect opportunity for a last-minute outfit check before you leave the house,’ says Sam Hood, co-founder & chief creative officer at Amara. In addition to their practical uses, with so many designs to choose from, mirrors are a great opportunity to introduce personality into a hallway, which is a space that can easily be overlooked when it comes to decorating. To get you inspired we’ve rounded up an array of mirrors to add to your list of hallway ideas.
Hallway mirror ideas
Hallway mirror ideas may not be at the top of your decorating list, but decorating with mirrors can make a big impact on a space and is a particularly effective narrow hallway idea, as they instantly make a room feel wider. As spaces in which we do not spend huge amounts of time, it can be easy to overlook hallways when it comes to decor, but they can be a fabulous place to make a design statement to impress guests. ‘Don’t feel you have to stick with a traditional rectangle you can create just as much impact with a sculptural mirror as you can with a piece of art, so I like to look for more unconventional shapes to make a real statement,’ says Sue Jones co-founder and creative director at Oka (opens in new tab).
1. Choose a large architectural mirror
If you have a home with grand proportions why not take a cue from the architecture and showcase an oversized architectural mirror? Echoing a window frame, this large mirror enhances the symmetry, light and luxury of this space while the slightly distressed glass adds delicate texture.
2. Make a feature of an alcove
Alcoves can be beautiful architectural features – rather than box them in why not make a feature of them by adding a sculptural mirror and console table, as demonstrated here? This sleek, stylish hallway mirror makes fantastic use of the narrow space and is a brilliant way to create a decorative feature in a small room where scope for decorating is limited. Positioned directly opposite the front door, this mirror reflects maximum light back into the space, which is particularly useful in a hallway.
3. Opt for an elegant circular design
As functional spaces often paved with hard, practical flooring, hallways can sometimes feel cold and uninviting, but adding a circular mirror will instantly soften the space. ‘We often like to use a round mirror. The curvature sits in nice contrast to the sharper lines of a console table or light fixture in a hallway, bringing a softer edge to the space,’ says Louise Wicksteed, design director at Sims Hilditch (opens in new tab). A circular mirror is also a cute cottage hallway idea, especially when combined with furniture and accessories in rustic natural materials and an aged limestone hallway flooring idea.
3. Maximize light in an apartment
If you have a small hallway or are looking for entryway ideas for apartments then consider a floor to ceiling mirrored surface as this is the ultimate light- and space-boosting device. To bring even more light into the a space, consider teaming reflective surfaces with hallway lighting ideas. Positioning table lamps on a console table in front of a hallway mirror will allow additional light to be reflected around the space after nightfall.
5. Add period grandeur
Reminiscent of a Parisian townhouse, this beautiful panelling features an integrated mirror contributing to an air of opulence and luxury. In this case, the ornate woodwork of the panelling creates a frame for the mirror, but for those without ornate panelling can consider hunting in antique shops for beautiful antique designs with decorative frames. Small touches such as these can all help to make an entryway more inviting.
6. Finish a quirky look with an antique fisheye mirror
Antique gilded mirrors make a beautiful decorative statement in traditional hallway and are a natural choice for period properties. However they can also make a quirky statement when paired with contemporary furniture and bold hallway paint ideas as this quirky space demonstrates. ‘Whether buying gilded pieces for investment or purely for decorative reasons there is a plethora of different mediums you can choose from. Statement overmantel mirrors are currently fashionable,’ says antiques expert Marc Allum (opens in new tab). ‘A period Chippendale or Adam-style mirror might cost tens of thousands, but the Victorians and Edwardians made countless reproductions. Other popular styles include Regency convex mirrors with eagle surmounts and Regency triple-plate overmantels with gesso pictorial friezes, which were also reproduced later,’ he adds.
7. Introduce a color pop
One of the first things that guests see when entering your home, a hallway mirror is a brilliant opportunity to make a statement which reflects your personality, setting the tone for the rest of your interiors. With a wealth of designs with decorative frames to chose from there’s guaranteed to be a style to suit your taste. This colorful circular design from Jonathan Adler (opens in new tab) brings a retro twist to this simple space.
8. Create a relaxed feel with a leaning mirror
A full length mirror in a hallway will reflect maximum light into a space but is handy for checking your outfit and appearance before you leave the house. If you’ve fallen in love with a mirror but are worried about the weight of it hanging on a wall then leaning it may be a practical solution – this is often a good way to display large antique mirrors as they are particularly heavy. In fact the weight of a mirror is a good indication of its age when it comes to sourcing genuine antique mirrors. Leaning hallway mirrors also avoid the need to damage walls, although fitting an anchor hook to secure it from the top can be wise. Leaning a mirror also means that it can be easily moved if you fancy a change around.
9. Brighten up a cottage hallway
Hanging a hallway mirror is a quick and easy way to boost light. While they are full of beautiful original features, cottages often have small windows and low ceilings meaning they can lack light. Fitting a wall light above a mirror as above is a clever addition as it will allow even more light to be reflected back into the room. Search flea markets and antique shops for decorative designs and don’t worry about chippy paint or foxed glass – this can all contribute to the charm. In this characterful hallway the mirrors also serve to help frame the entry table decor. ‘A large rectangular mirror brings an elegance and gravitas to the room, particularly when source from an antique dealer,’ says Louise Wicksteed, design director at Sims Hilditch.
10. Opt for sleek circles
Mirrors, feature floors and lighting ideas are all excellent ways to introduce a decorative touch to white and neutral hallways, as this space proves. Complementing the strong lines of the hallway panelling, this sleek circular mirror from Amara (opens in new tab) works alongside a striking geometric floor and sculptural modern light fitting to finish this dynamic modern hallway idea.
Is a mirror good in a hallway?
Mirrors area good way to make a hallway feel instantly brighter, bigger and more welcoming, plus they can create a beautiful decorative statement in a small space. ‘A hallway is the first part of your home that anyone will see when they enter, so it’s important to make sure it’s a true reflection of your personality and style,’ says Emma Deterding, founder and creative Director, Kelling Designs (opens in new tab). ‘To keep a brighter feel, opt for neutral tones on the walls as they’ll keep the hall fresh and use a large mirror to help reflect light whilst giving the illusion of space.’
Where should mirrors be placed in a hallway?
Being narrow spaces, hallways benefit from having mirrors placed on the wall as this will instantly make the spaces feel wider. Mirrors work particularly well hung above a console table at a height convenient for checking your appearance before leaving the house. Alternatively a large mirror can be leant against the wall offering maximum light-reflection and a full length view of your outfit before leaving the house. Displaying a mirror in this way also avoids damage to a wall and means the mirror can be moved more easily. If possible try to position a mirror opposite or adjacent to a light source as this will allow maximum light to be reflected into the space.
