STORY BY BETHANY DOUGLASS
This story has been adapted from the winter 2024 issue of Magnolia Journal.
Mirrors have a way of capturing the things we don’t want to miss: the light and the life that remind us we’re home. Whether an oversized standing mirror or a delicate antique, these additions playfully echo our surroundings, broaden the feel of small spaces, and draw attention to our favorite nooks. They bounce light into dark corners, bring beauty to a robust gallery wall of art, and give us one last look before we leave for the day. With a variety of styles and no shortage of places to put them, mirrors can be both functional and charming reflections of the spaces we love.
LAYER IN CHARACTER
An unusually shaped or detailed mirror adds a layer of character and story. Incorporate a small mirror into a gallery wall (left) for a surprise addition. Even in a utilitarian space like a bathroom, a vintage mirror (right) becomes a charming focal point.
BRIGHTEN & EXPAND
Placing an oversized mirror opposite an open space makes a room feel bigger. Above an entry table, this rectangular mirror (left) lightens the pass-through space. A wall-to-wall mirror (right) is an unexpected choice but helps a bathroom feel spacious and highlights the midcentury style.
SHOW OFF EXISTING ARCHITECTURE
Instead of reflecting a blank wall or an uninteresting part of a space, place a mirror where it can highlight the best parts of your home, whether it be tall ceilings and a bright, open kitchen (left) or stunning architectural details, like lattice windows (right).
MAKE IT A MOMENT
Big or small, in any shape, a mirror can serve as a great styling tool. Here, it becomes the focal point for an entryway and the backdrop for other styling elements like books, lighting, and greenery. What was once a blank wall or empty nook becomes a scene that feels complete.
Inspiration for life and home, delivered to your doorstep:
