Small living rooms can be challenging to decorate. This is especially true if you feel that your room is small and boxy.

If you’ve struggled to make your small living room feel a bit roomier, using mirrors in strategic and creative ways can help to make your space feel bigger and brighter.

I’ve got 20 ways to use mirrors that will surprise and delight you.

Let’s get into 20 incredibly cleaver ways to decorate with mirrors in a small living room.

Put a Mirror Behind Furniture in Tight Spaces

Decorating with mirrors over the sofa or behind a couple of chairs or a console table can really open up a small living room visually.

This large mirror behind the pair of accent chairs makes the room feel expansive and open. It will work if your room is 20’ wide or 12’ wide.

It Literally makes the room feel twice as big.

Place mirror behind a light source like a lamp, floor lamp or sconce. It will work great with a candle as well.

The idea is to bounce the light back into the room because light, natural or artificial, will help to expand the recesses of the room.

When light infiltrates the corners or highlights the walls, you get an instant dose of expansion.

Mirrors behind light sources almost act as an additional window in a small living room.

And, if you’re space is small, light it up and watch how that affects your perception of the space!

Other times it’s better to actually add a window to your home. Think about how the placement of a window will look from the outside as well as on the inside. You can improve the look of your home’s exterior with a new window because it can add balance to the facade, which will improve its curb appeal. On the inside, adding a window can not only increase natural light but it can also help with cross ventilation. Michael Bell Architects can help you with this - they offer custom architectural services to design a room that feels way bigger and brighter.

3. Balance Off Center Windows with a Mirror

Create a “window” next to a single actual window to create a balance or as a way to anchor a piece of furniture. This is how to create symmetry in a room with odd placed windows.

I know this is a bedroom picture, but I love this tip and I’ve used it on many occasions. I’ll admit the likelihood of off-center windows occurs mostly in bedrooms but, homes built a long time ago didn’t consider how we live today.

If you own a small farmhouse that’s over 100 years old, you’ll definitely relate to architectural features that don’t make much sense for how we live today.

One reason for this is because families of 100 years ago didn’t have large pieces like entertainment consoles or wall units in their living rooms. They didn’t prioritize “living” in their rooms because they didn’t spend the amount of time in them that we do today.

4. Put Mirrors On the Back of Shelves or Glass Front Cabinets

If you’re looking for an interesting way to create depth or reflect light in interesting ways, try installing shelves with mirrors on the back.

This living room built-in is the perfect example of how adding a mirrored back will give you interest and depth.

Say the shelves are 10” deep. When you place a mirror on the back, suddenly they feel like they’re 20” deep. They look like there’s much more room on them then there actually is. It’s a trick of the eye and it works like crazy!

5. Make a Focal Wall with Custom Mirror

Instead of wallpapering or painting a focal wall color, place a mirror on the entire wall and place living room furniture in front of it. Treat the wall like any other wall and the mirror will make the room feel larger.

For this look, the slight antiquing of the mirror, the loss of silver or whatever treatment they used to make the glass look smoky, really helps to elevate this illusion.

It’s reflective without being over the top and it makes the space feel much more interesting, wouldn’t you say?

6. Create a Gallery Wall with Different Size and Shape Mirrors

This idea is perfect for a boho look that will reflect light and give a space depth. Mirror gallery wall ideas and inspiration is all over Pinterest and Google and there’s endless possibilities to create a look that works for your style.

This grouping has a classic boho look but, with different frame styles, you can create a modern look or an industrial vide too.

The point is, the grouping of mirrors on a gallery style wall will not only reflect light and create depth, it will add an artistic touch to any small living room.

7. Layer Mirrors of Different Sizes and Shapes on Top of a Cabinet or Credenza

I’ve advised layering art on top of shelves, credenzas and cabinets for years. Decorating with multiple mirrors in this same fashion is another way to create visual interest.

Much like including different framed mirrors on a gallery wall installation, you can use different sized and shaped mirrors in this application to make the effect work.

It’s the perfect treatment for a dark corner or for a space that needs that pop of something interesting.

If this groping is placed opposite a bright window, you’ll get the benefit of enhancing the light.

It’s stylish and functional.

8. Use Mirrored Furniture

Large furniture pieces in a small living room can feel bulky and overpowering. The trouble is we all need those larger pieces. It might be a large media console or a big coffee table that you just can’t live without…

If you’re in need of a large piece of furniture, consider getting a mirrored sideboard to use as a media console or a mirrored parsons table to use as a sofa table or small desk.

Mirror sided furniture looks almost transparent. The reflection of the space all around it does wonders to cut down on the “bulkiness” of essential pieces. So, don’t think you have to compromise style in order to get functionality. Give a mirrored piece a try and you just might find the perfect compromise for your space.

9. Use Mirrored Accessories

You may not want to go all in on a fully mirrored wall or have large furniture pieces covered in mirrored panels. That’s okay.

If you keep in mind that mirrored finishes are an important thing to include in any home’s design, you can absolutely achieve a reflective fix by using accessories like lamps, candle sticks, decorative boxes, or trays.

As you can see here, these accessories are clean lined examples of accents that will look great in a transitional, modern or contemporary space.

If you prefer a different look, I’m certain there are plenty of great finds online or in department stores or thrift stores.

10. Obscure a Mirror

There’s a ton of different mirrors on the market with unique and interesting obscurity.

I happen to love the rattan and caning trend that’s happening now. You can cover mirrored cabinet doors with caning to give it a vintage look. It will look like the cabinet doors have clear glass at first glance. Best of all, you’re stuff behind the doors isn’t visible so, if you’re cabinet is stuffed to the gills no worries, it’s all hidden away.

This mirror in the picture above is another great example of obscuring a mirror. The iron work makes a old world statement that can work in a traditional home or an eclectic or industrial space. It has just enough character to be an interesting and artistic piece, but it won’t overpower a small wall. It looks a lot like a window with rattan, caning or iron work to provide a bit of depth behind it. It looks like an interior window or a dramatic pass through to another room.

Stylish funky mirrors like this up a small living room’s cool factor for sure!

11. Flank a Fireplace in a Small Living Room with Large Leaner Mirrors

There’s one word to really describe how this mirror treatment will look and that’s dramatic! I don’t mean that in a negative way at all, quite the contrary. If you’re small living room is small and boxy, this will make the space feel long and spacious.

The mirrors will make it look like the fireplace is the center of the room and that the room continues past it. Yes it’s another tick of the eye but what a trick it is to make the space look like there’s two doorways. Makes a narrow skinny room look wider.

When you’re considering large decorative mirrors for living room, this type of installation will do wonders for the visual appearance of space and depth you need.

12. Use Distressed or Old Mirrors

If vintage charm is on your decorating agenda, then this tip is right on point for you. There’s nothing like a distressed mirrored, shabby chic look to make a vintage statement in a modern farmhouse or classic traditional home.

Try to find mirrors at estate sales or antique shops where the silvering is wearing off. That will give your space a ton of character and authenticity.

It’s a wonderful way to tell a story with your décor. Yes, a well-loved, vintage mirror will still reflect light and add a level of expansiveness but, it really emphasizes the narrative that you want to tell about your living room.

It’s a refection of your taste. Pun intended.

13. Trick the Eye with an Arched Mirror That Looks Like a Doorway

This is a really interesting take on a floor mirror in living room. For sure, it’s a functional mirror but it absolutely delights by tricking you into thinking that it’s a pass through to another room. I love how it’s frameless and that there’s a incorporated shadow that mimics depth.

It’s on the nose but, in the right space it could be spectacular and so much fun!

In a practical application, if you want your single entrance living room to feel more inclusive with the other parts of the house, then this is the option for you. It will definitely make your living room feel like a passage to other rooms and that can do a lot for the continuity of the space.

I will caution you to consider the other doorways in your home. If you have squared off passages then an arched mirror like this could look out of place. Having said that, I’m sure there are options for rectangular mirrors that will achieve the same look.

14. Use Geometric Mirrored Tiles to Create an Art Install

This look can be created with mirrored tile from the hardware store or with small decorative mirrors you can find in craft stores. Start with tight clusters and then gradually add more space in between each tile to create an interesting installation.

It’s a very clever way to arrange mirror wall décor for the living room.

If you’re looking for how to arrange circle mirrors on the wall, this is a great option especially if you have round mirrors of different sizes.

A gradual increase in size will make a plain wall look very interesting and artistic.

15. One Super Large Round Mirror Above a Credenza or Chest

This is a way to play with scale in your small living room. Sometimes one really big piece will add drama, especially if it’s much larger than the piece below it. By placing an oversized round mirror over a smaller table or chest, you create a focal point. There’s no way to ignore it because your brain will automatically notice it and you’ll know there’s something different about it and that’s okay.

Creating a vignette where one thing is much larger than another in direct relationship to it is much more interesting and appealing than say having a tiny mirror over a medium or small table or credenza.

It’s better to fill a space with one large interesting item like a mirror than it is to place a piece that is too small.

Being able to play with scale and balance is a fundamental of interior design and home decorating.

The cliché “go big or go home” has great merit in a mirror treatment like this. Although, it should be “go big in your small home!”

16. Face the Entire Fireplace Wall with Mirror

If you’re going for a modern look that will also expand your space, then this treatment is the thing to try. A fully mirrored fireplace surround will make it look like the fire box is suspended in mid air on the wall.

On a scale of 1 to 10 for mirror wall ideas, this one is a 10 for sure. It will give your small living room a natural focal point and it will create a dramatic and interesting addition. It focuses heavily on the height of the room and can make your ceilings feel taller.

17. Hang a Mirror in Front of a Window

I’ve used this treatment in bathrooms and bedrooms. It works great in spaces like small bedrooms that don’t have space for a makeup vanity or in bathrooms where the windows are on the long wall and you’d like to utilize that expanse for a double vanity but there isn’t enough wall space to hang mirrors.

If you need the space to make a room more functional, I say go for putting mirrors in front of windows. Hell, hang them right on the windows!

I love this large, octagon mirror in a bright yellow on these “traditional” looking windows. It’s playful and interesting and it shows the home owners aren’t afraid to get creative with the space.

Bottom line, it’s your house and you should be comfortable taking risks with the mirror placement in a living room. Be bold with your décor and by all means, play with themes. If you’re “traditional” take a chance on bringing in a piece that reads modern.

If you love it, there’s no decorating mistakes!

18. Mirror Topped Accent Furniture

When it comes to mirrored accent furniture, you don’t have to have furniture that is completely mirror covered.

A touch of reflection on the tops of accent tables or a coffee table will do wonders for a small living room.

The most immediate effect is that larger, bulky pieces will feel lighter and less imposing.

Try incorporating a tinted mirror for a vintage look. I remember lots of accent tables from the 70’s and 80’s that had tinted mirrored glass in a smoky brass finish. That look is coveted these days and a fun vintage find can be just as fresh today.

19. Hinge 3 or More Mirrors Together to Create a Privacy or Decorative Screen

I wrote about using privacy screens a few months ago as an option in a small living room for a small office space. So, using a mirrored screen room divider can accomplish that same thing.

The nice thing about adding mirrored screen dividers is that you get the added benefit of reflection. Just like so many of the other examples, you’ll be able to reflect ad direct light around the room and they’ll help to create depth as well.

I love how the different angles reflected in the picture above show different areas of the room. It almost looks like each panel is a different color and hue. It’s also like adding changeable art to the space. Each panel shows something different and if you change the placement of the screen, the view changes as well.

20. Place a Mirror on the Ceiling

What? ( I can hear you, lol…) Stay with me for a second. You might be thinking, that’s unusual mirrors for a living room… But this treatment works wonders with paneled ceilings or trey ceilings.

It makes the space feel taller but it also makes the space feel like there’s a skylight above as well.

In my book, anything that can help a small living room feel more open is a winner.

Installing mirrored panels in the recesses of ceiling panels will take a blah design to a home run every time.

Take a close look at this picture above. That ceiling is embellished with stock trim and the mirrors are placed inside of the framed trim. That’s an easy upgrade and a weekend diy project for sure. But look what a difference it makes!

There you have it, 20 incredibly clever ways to decorate with mirrors in small living room.

Put a Mirror Behind Furniture in Tight Spaces
Mirror Behind Lamp
Balance Off Center Windows with a Mirror
Put Mirrors On the Back of Shelves or Glass Front Cabinets
Make a Focal Wall with Custom Mirror
Create a Gallery Wall with Different Size and Shape Mirrors
Layer Mirrors of Different Sizes and Shapes on Top of a Cabinet or Credenza
Use Mirrored Furniture
Use Mirrored Accessories
Obscure a Mirror
Flank a Fireplace in a Small Living Room with Large Leaner Mirrors
Use Distressed or Old Mirrors
Trick the Eye with an Arched Mirror That Looks Like a Doorway
Use Geometric Mirrored Tiles to Create an Art Install
One Super Large Round Mirror Above a Credenza or Chest
Face the Entire Fireplace Wall with Mirror
Hang a Mirror in Front of a Window
Mirror Topped Accent Furniture
Hinge 3 or More Mirrors Together to Create a Privacy or Decorative Screen
Place a Mirror on the Ceiling

I’d love to hear how you decorate with mirrors in your small living room. It would be awesome if you took a few moments to tell me all about it in the comments below.

Join the Fun!

If you enjoyed this post and you want to keep seeing my weekly blog, the best way to do that is to subscribe.

You can subscribe by downloading my 11 Secrets Only Designers Know to Make Your Space Rock. If you’re curious about how decorators and designers make a home look magazine ready, you’ll love taking a gander at these 11 secrets. You’ll learn how to style your room from the floor up and it will work for ANY space you have.

I write about small space design and decorating, sustainable furniture options, positive self care and a variety of do-it-yourself home décor.

I’d love to connect with you!

“This man is a plant shaman. He not only designs beautiful rooms, he’s got a green thumb that works like magic! My peace palm never looked better.”

— David K.

“Michael Helped me to get my home office in magazine ready form. Thank you a million times for helping me figure this room out. It’s now my favorite room!”

— Dawn Z.

Michael is Principal designer and blogger at Michael Helwig Interiors in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Since 2011, he’s a space planning expert, offering online interior e-design services for folks living in small homes, or for those with awkward and tricky layouts. He’s a frequent expert contributor to many National media publications and news outlets on topics related to decorating, interior design, diy projects, and more. Michael happily shares his experience to help folks avoid expensive mistakes and decorating disappointments. You can follow him on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook @interiorsmh.