A world without mirrors is unimaginable. For one thing, it makes personal grooming less cumbersome. Mirrors are one of the most versatile decorative elements in interior design. A mirror captures and projects light—creates spatial and textural illusions—that visually expand a small space. Its transformative effect on a somber wall is almost magical. It may well be just a trick, the way it plays with our eyes, but what a pleasing diversion it serves.

Mirrors are the most effective solution in making homes feel bigger and cramped quarters look brighter. The trick is to choose a strategic spot so that it will reflect the maximum amount of light and visual space. It’s also tempting to think that a small home can never have too many. But, the importance of proper placement must not be overlooked. A well-placed mirror is your humble abode’s best friend.

The use of mirrors is a mainstay in managing small spaces; every budding decorator and experts alike will tell you that decorating your home with mirrors solves most design predicaments. In a way, they are right, but there are a few guidelines you should follow before you hang that mirror on your wall. Here are different ways to use mirrors in making narrow spaces seem much more spacious, with a few caveats:

1. Mirrored Furniture

Because mirrors trick the eyes into thinking the mirror is invisible, incorporating mirrored furniture (i.e., mirrored chest of drawers) enhances the room by making it appear as if the furniture is disappearing. Large pieces of furniture can overwhelm the room and make the inhabitants feel uncomfortable, but with mirrored surfaces, your furniture appears smaller and provides a sense of equilibrium in spatial areas. However, it is counterproductive to place mirrored furniture in a busy room; the beleaguered aura of the place will only intensify.

Mirrored furniture is also not ideal in kitchens because of watermark threats, but if your kitchen badly needs a transformation and you don’t mind additional cleaning time, you can opt for a  mirrored backsplash to transform a rather plain and unimpressive kitchen area.

2. Oversized Mirror in The Living Room.

Don’t be afraid to go big. A large framed mirror leaning against the wall makes the ceiling appear higher. For a glowing effect, you should consider installing light behind it. A large mirror creates an illusion of depth and space: the larger the mirror, the more space it will appear to create. Strategically place a mirror on the wall to reflect the chandelier or across a prized ornament piece of artwork.

If your living room is suffering from a gloomy vibe, a large mirror may solve the problem. An oversized mirror in a place where you often entertain guests invigorates the room by giving the illusion of more guests.

3. Full-Length Mirror

If wide mirror gives the illusion of more space, floor length mirrors make any space feel taller. You can just leave them out on their own or behind furniture for added depth. Use mirrors with the same width as the furniture so that the piece will look prominent and not tucked in. Even if the mirror is resting on the floor, you should attach it to the wall using brackets to prevent accidents. Floor mirrors with lights will make any place brighter and more vibrant.

4. Mirrors in Narrow Spaces

Narrow hallways and tiny bathrooms will benefit from the illusion of spaciousness. To make the space feel less cramped, place a larger bathroom mirror behind the sink or above the toilet. Mirrors impose a welcoming effect because they reflect the light in the room. To boost a dark, narrow hallway and make an entryway brighter, a floor-to-ceiling mirror will cause the reflected light to bounce around and enliven the space.

5. Mirror Layering

Because larger mirrors can be quite expensive, some homeowners choose smaller mirrors. If you don’t have a budget for larger and pricier mirrors, purchase small mirrors and layer them on the wall. Even if your mirrors come in varying shapes and designs, frames with intricate designs will add an interesting flair on your wall. Paneled doors and walls are also a great excuse to add small, inexpensive mirrors.