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Mirrors in hallways


Hall mirror ideas – ways to add light and interest to hallways of all sizes

These clever hall mirror ideas can help you add depth to the decor without taking up any valuable floor space. A simple yet stylish mirror can do wonders to transform any room, especially hallways where space and light might be lacking.

Mirrors are brilliant for reflecting light back into an immediate space to create a sense of airiness, invaluable in light-deprived corners of the home.

Hall Mirror Ideas

'Mirrors have long been used by interior designers to subtly transform spaces through clever tricks of light and space,' explains Habitat's Andrew Tanner, Design Manager.

'Ideal for compact spaces such as hallways, mirrors maximise luminosity, reflecting light around the room.'

Mirrors are just one of many clever hallway ideas that help open out the space. They are especially handy by the front door to provide the perfect place to check your hair before leaving the house! Take inspiration from our hall mirror ideas to creatively use mirrors in your own home.

1. Make a stylish first impression

(Image credit: Heal's)

'The hallway gives visitors a first impression of your home, so it’s important to create a comfortable and inviting space. The simple addition of a mirror can have a big impact on how the room feels,' says Sabrina Miller, Head Buyer at Heal's.

If you're looking for small hallway ideas, a mirror is one of the best design tricks you can employ to make the space feel bigger.

'Typically one of the narrowest areas within the home, the hallway often has a minimal footprint, which can immediately be opened up by a well-placed mirror.' Especially a stylish frameless design, like this Heal's design above, that looks like a photo frame.

Buy now: Rectangular Fine Edge Mirror, from £219, Heal's

2. Set a mirror above a console table

(Image credit: Future PLC/Bridget Peirson)

For a classic approach to dressing your hallway decor choose to hang a traditional mirror above a slim console table. This set up provides a timeless option for enhancing the interior of this small space. It makes it feel better dressed and more of its own entity, rather than merely an area you pass through without thinking about the decor.

In this neutral hallway colour scheme a contrasting French-style ornate mirror grabs attention. Choosing a striking or contrasting colour for a mirror will help to draw focus, to ensure it stands out.

A petite console underneath provides drawers for storage to keep items hidden away. The top offers a surface on which to dress with fresh flowers and family photos to make a welcoming first impression.

3. Keep decor simple in a small hallway

(Image credit: Future PLC/Kasia Fizer)

When space is at a premium, look to keep the decor as pared back as possible with a simple mirror design and a soft colour scheme. In this bright white hallway all that is added is an on-trend circular mirror with a streamlined floating shelf underneath.

The smart frameless design of the mirror ensures it doesn't project too much from the wall, so it doesn't encroach on the limited space. The black mirror is coordinated by a slimline shelf/ledge that provides just enough space to store a few knick knacks. But it can't be overwhelmed with stuff – it's essential not to over clutter a small space.

4. Create intrigue with a window pane mirror

(Image credit: Future PLC)

Window panes are a popular choice for small spaces. They create a trick of the eye, giving the impression of a window to add architectural detail. Of course we know there's no window there but it's enough to add depth and cause intrigue. This makes the hall a more purposeful space.

In this stylish grey hallway idea an incredibly slim console table provides a platform to place a copper lamp, which delights on so many levels. Firstly the metallic finish reflects lights. Secondly, being in front of the mirror creates a greater reflection which enhances the altered perspective of the layout.

5. Add warm accents to a colourful hallway

(Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore)

In a hallway that celebrates colour, look to add a mirror that can welcome a hint of warmth to the hallway colour scheme without clashing. A warming brass or gold framed mirror is not only very on-trend, it's perfectly paired with almost any colour scheme.

To amplify the effect of a mirror in a hall Sabrina Miller advises, 'Add sculptural LEDs, such as Wave or Ribbon, as the reflection will add a sense of drama. And look for metallic finishes to further brighten your scheme.'

6. Brighten a small space with multiple mirrors

(Image credit: Future PLC)

Use more than one mirror to make a statement in a small hallway. 'Don’t be restricted to just one!' says Andrew Tanner. 'Incorporating multiple designs balances a space, significantly brightening dark schemes and making intimate rooms appear larger.'

If you're wondering how to make a narrow hallway look wider, install multiple mirrors on one wall as shown above. In this narrow hallway space the homeowners have been creative. They have used traditional wall hooks to suspend a row of well-placed mirrors, reflecting light and creating the illusion of a wider space.

7. Create balance for walls

(Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore)

Dividing the walls with colour in a narrow hallway is a clever decorating trick to make the space feel more generous. In this grey hallway the lower half of the wall is filled with character thanks to the on-trend wall panelling idea. It's painted in a dove grey which is echoed by the smart radiator cover.

The decorative detail at the level below waist height is enough to set the tone of the room. But if you want to avoid hallway decorating mistakes, don't go for bare walls as they can feel lacking in any living space.

That's where a mirror can be ideal. The upper half of the walls are painted white to create a striking colour contrast. A painted white mirror design is just the thing to balance the colour scheme. And the decorative element on the empty walls, too.

Unlike a piece of artwork that could distract from the detail of the wood clad walls, a mirror adds a decorative element without causing any distraction.

8. Give a furnished element to a corner

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme)

Make more of your hallway decor by selecting an over mantel-style mirror to give a sense of purpose to a hallway bench. This space also makes the most of every inch with this clever hallway shoe storage idea.

'With minimal room for larger furnishings, such as armchairs or sofas, or without wanting the scheme to feel cramped with accessories, mirrors now come in a range of finishes, shapes and sizes. So, you can still add an element of interest and personality to the hallway, whilst enjoying the space-enhancing benefits,' says Sabrina.

9. Extend the space with smart positioning

(Image credit: Future PLC)

In a small, cramped hall you might want to place the mirror on the wall which will reflect the most interesting perspective.

For instance a mirror placed at the bottom of the stairs will reflect back the view up the stairs, making the space feel more generous in size. While also on a practical note allowing vision of who's coming down the stairs, to avoid overcrowding the space.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)

A narrow hallway, exactly like this one, will always benefit hugely from hanging mirrors to reflect light into the space to make it feel brighter and more forgiving. Choosing a decorative metallic finish for that frame will add to the light reflecting qualities which make mirrors so valuable in small or dark spaces.

In this bright white hallway, space is limited but the style credentials are not! Guests are immediately met with a large silver gilded wall mirror that beautifully bounces light back into the narrow stairwell beyond.

11. Make a mirror multipurpose

(Image credit: A Place For Everything)

A mirror with concealed compartments in the back offers a smart hallway storage idea when you want to keep the space clutter free. 'Multifunctional storage is a clever way to store items without sacrificing the decor of the room,' says Simon Glanville, managing director of A Place for Everything.

A wall-mounted storage cabinet with a mirror front provides all the winning qualities of a hall mirror. The added bonus is that it can double up as a concealed shelf for keys and bits and bobs.

A concealed mirror unit is a great idea in a small hallway where having fewer items on show will help to keep the space feeling less cluttered.

Buy now: Hallway Storage Mirror, £85, A Place For Everything

12. Style a decorative hallway

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

Add a stylish on-trend mirror to a hallway to set the tone for your well-dressed home. In this characterful hallway a black edged round mirror is hung over a matching slim framed black and glass console table.

The slimline table is purely there to enhance the decor, to display fresh flowers and candles which creates an attractive, welcoming space.

13. Coordinate colour throughout the hall

(Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore)

This colourful hallway takes matching decor to stylish new heights. From wall colours to accessories and even the mirror all match in tonal shades of blue to create a cohesive colour scheme.

Matching the mirror frame to the wall colour helps to make it seamlessly blend into the wall, meaning it doesn't attract too much attention. Plus this smart mirror design features a slim ledge for handy storage.

14. Get creative with a feature wall of mirrors

(Image credit: Future PLC)

Why hang one mirror when you can choose to make a feature wall of mirrors? In a hallway or landing space this is a great way to add character to the bare walls and open up the space by bouncing light around. This idea is particularly effective with white walls, because white paint helps to reflect light rather than suck it up.

15. Create a continuous flow within the layout

(Image credit: Future PLC/Jonathan Jones)

Create a cohesive decorating scheme which flows from one room into another by choosing matching materials. This white hallway space seamlessly draws you into the room beyond thanks to the consistent use of natural wood materials, from the mirror to the floorboards. The key for this idea is to keep the scheme simple, so no one design element overwhelms the other.

16. Seek simplicity

(Image credit: Future PLC/Robert Sanderson)

To make a style statement in a contemporary hallway space, choose the largest mirror your budget will allow. Make it the complete focus of your hall decorating scheme by choosing a soft neutral colour scheme that won't overwhelm the pared-back ethos of the decor.

If you want to add a finishing touch with furniture, seek a slimline console table that sits underneath the oversized mirror to offer a surface for displaying single stem flower arrangements.

17. Guide the eye up the stairs with mirrors

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

Use mirror placement to gently guide the eye up the stairs. This hallway wallpaper idea is probably too overpowering for most tastes. But this design principal can work for all wallpaper and paint colour choices.

18. Incorporate a mirror into shelving

(Image credit: Future PLC)

Add layers to the look by hanging a characterful mirror that incorporates a storage/display element. It may be that the piece you choose is upcycled from an old kitchen dresser. An interesting accessory is a great way to make the decor feel unique and intriguing for your home.

Do mirrors look good in hallways?

Mirrors always look good in hallways, welcoming interest to walls as well as light to create a sense of space. Mirrors are one of the most natural home accessories to welcome into halls because they add so much decorative value yet they take up very limited space.

Wall-mounted mirrors are the perfect solution for dressing hallways where you want to keep the look streamlined, but presentable.

How do I choose a hallway mirror?

To choose a hallway mirror that's right for your home firstly think about how you use the space. This will determine which style you need – do you want purely decorative or do you need a storage element too?

Heal's head buyer Sabrina Miller offers this advice for choosing a hallway mirror: 'Choose the largest one your budget will allow as this will help to create depth. In the absence of natural daylight, mirrors will also help artificial illumination feel much brighter, bouncing the light back into the space.'

10 ways to brighten your entryway |

(Image credit: Future)

Hallway mirror ideas are a quick and easy way to instantly transform the look and feel of an entryway. A brilliant way to maximize light and create an illusion of space, mirrors can play a big part in creating a warm and uplifting welcome for guests as they enter your home.

‘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 .

1. Choose a large architectural mirror

(Image credit: Future)

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

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

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. 

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

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 .

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 

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)

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 

(Image credit: Oka)

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

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)

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 .

'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

(Image credit: Jonathan Adler)

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 brings a retro twist to this simple space. 

8. Create a relaxed feel with a leaning mirror

(Image credit: Graham & Green)

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

(Image credit: Future / Brent Darby)

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

(Image credit: Amara)

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 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 . '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.

Pippa is Content Editor on Homes & Gardens online contributing to Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors print issues. A graduate of Art History and formerly Style Editor at Period Living, she is passionate about architecture, creating decorating content, interior styling and writing about craft and historic homes. She enjoys searching out beautiful images and the latest trends to share with the Homes & Gardens audience. A keen gardener, when she’s not writing you’ll find her growing flowers on her village allotment for styling projects.

Where to place a mirror in the hallway

Many people do not think about how and where to properly install a mirror in the hallway. This implies a lot of errors, due to which the mirror canvas does not fully reveal its potential. Much to the question of how and where to hang a product in the hallway, says Feng Shui, a philosophical doctrine that appeared many thousands of years ago. Find out how to choose and install a mirrored canvas in the hallway of your home.

nine0002 The question is whether it is allowed to hang a mirror in the hallway opposite the front door. According to Feng Shui, this is strongly discouraged. Mirror surfaces tend to reflect energy flows, change their direction and attract to themselves. It depends on the position of the canvas whether the positive energy will remain in the house and be distributed among the rooms, and where the negative flows will be oriented.

According to Feng Shui, a mirror placed in front of the front door reflects positive energy back into the entrance or outside for the apartment and house respectively. As a result, negative energy accumulates in housing, which negatively affects the psychological state and well-being of the residents of the house. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to place the canvas on the same wall where the door is, or on the side of it. nine0003

Size selection

Another pressing question - what size mirror in the hallway is better to install? It is desirable that it reflects a person in full growth. The minimum height of the structure in this case is 110 cm. If you place the canvas at a slight angle, then you will see yourself in full growth in a product of a lower height. In any case, the wall-mounted mirror product is hung on the wall at a height of at least 30 cm from the floor surface.

The orientation of the canvas is also important - horizontal or vertical. Vertical structures are best suited for the hallway, as they occupy a minimum of space in width, they show a full-length reflection. The horizontal format also has its advantages. It visually enlarges the space, makes it brighter. If it is properly hung at an angle, then a full-length person can be seen in it. nine0003

Installation tips

You already know that the wall opposite the door is not the best place to hang a mirror in the hallway. However, there are other recommendations, following which will help you properly install the mirror sheet in the room:

If the room is large enough, it makes sense to install a floor structure instead of a wall mirror canvas. Place it so that it does not come into contact with the doorway and the door itself in its open position. A floor mirror is also a practical option because it is often equipped with drawers and shelves for storing items. In addition, in the floor structure, a person is reflected in full growth, which is convenient. nine0003

It does not matter if you do not adhere to the rules of the philosophical teachings of Feng Shui. It even simplifies the task, as you hang the canvas where it is convenient. The main thing is at some distance from the door, where the product is safe.

Mirror in the hallway: options, photos, tips

The hallway is the first place in the house where guests enter, and there they are usually met by a mirror that can both improve the first impression and spoil it

Photo: shutterstock

With the right mirror, any room becomes cozier. We deal with an expert how to properly fit it into the interior, where it is better to place it and which one to choose.

Expert in this material :

Zulfiya Daeva , interior designer, member of the Union of Designers and Architects, blog author @daeva_design. nine0003

adv.rbc.ru

Where is it better to place a mirror in the hallway

The main purpose of a mirror is to enable a person to evaluate his appearance and put himself in order. But that is not all. A mirror can visually enlarge the space of a small or narrow hallway and even brighten a room without a window.

Try to find a place for the mirror, for example, on the side of the door (Photo: courtesy of an expert)

But for this, the mirror must be placed correctly.

Zulfiya Daeva:

— A mirror should be convenient for all family members to use. Optimally, for example, if it is a full-length mirror with a direct approach to it, it is also good to place a portrait-type mirror above the console.

Do not hang or install the mirror where it can be easily damaged. It would also be a bad idea to place it in front of a window: bright sunlight adversely affects the mirror layer. nine0003

How to choose the right mirror in the hallway

First, of course, the quality is important: the mirror must be smooth, without scratches and chips, not to distort the image. But besides these basics, there are other factors.

Zulfiya Daeva:

Take a closer look at the oval mirrors (Photo: courtesy of an expert)

- The mirror should be proportionate to the hallway. Panels of elements with facets are already a thing of the past, like other complex forms. The trend is more concise options: rectangle, circle, semicircle, oval, rectangle with rounded edges. Arched forms will also be very relevant. It looks unusual to use two mirrors of different shapes if they are in harmony with each other. nine0003

What else to look for when choosing

A small mirror will look organic in a small hallway. If the area of ​​​​the room is small, you can install a mirror on the facade of the cabinet. For long and narrow hallways, choose larger mirrors, preferably horizontal.

In rooms with high ceilings, vertical mirrors should be preferred. But in a low hallway, a horizontal mirror will look advantageous. nine0003

If there is a window in the hallway, it is better not to hang a mirror in front of it.

Tall vertical mirror in a hallway with high ceilings (Photo: courtesy of an expert)

Hallway mirrors

Built-in

Built-in mirror helps to make the most of the space in a small hallway (Photo: courtesy of an expert)

Built-in mirror can be located both on the outside of the facade and inside: so it will not constantly reflect any elements of the hallway.

Wall mirror (Photo: courtesy of an expert)

Hanging mirrors are always in trend and can be of any shape. And if you fix the mirror on the wall with a slight slope, it will reflect the whole figure. nine0003

Floor mirror

Floor mirrors are bulky and take up a lot of space.

Zulfiya Daeva:

— I do not recommend placing a floor mirror in the hallway that needs to be leaned against the wall, especially if the hallway is cramped or there are small children in the family. The floor mirror needs to be stable and in a position where it won't be hit every time you pass by. If you don’t have such a place, use a hinged one.

Furnished

Mirror with a table and lighting along the contour in the interior of the hallway (Photo: courtesy of an expert)

The solution is suitable for owners of small hallways, as it maximizes the use of space in the room.

Lighting options

This lighting looks spectacular in darkened corridors (Photo: provided by the expert)

Zulfiya Daeva:

- I do not recommend using a ceiling light just above the head of the person looking in the mirror - because of it, there will be a shadow on the face all the time. The light should fall on the forehead, not on the top of the head. That is, sconces or pendant lights on both sides of the mirror are most suitable for the hallway.

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