The entryway is the first impression guests have of the interior of your home, and you don’t want it to feel dark and cramped. the easiest solution? invest in an entryway mirror. Mirrors are among the best tricks in a homeowner’s design kit, as they reflect light and automatically make a space feel more open. Plus, from antique-looking pieces to modern displays, you’re sure to find an entryway mirror to fit your personality and aesthetic.
But sometimes an entryway mirror isn’t the best idea. find out when you should hang one and when not.
Reading: Mirror in entryway feng shui
Why you should have an entryway mirror
there are many good reasons to get a mirror for the entrance that go beyond filling that blank space on the wall. Here are some of our favorite things mirrors can do.
reflect light
Mirrors are a great way to bring light into your home. If your entryway is directly facing a window or other natural light source, a mirror can enhance that light and make your entryway feel more spacious. even without the light source, mirrors create the illusion of space.
however, without light reflecting off the mirror, you may lose some of the effects. if you have pretty lights nearby, this can work in a pinch. consider your light source and think about how it will make your space feel. reflecting an efficient fluorescent light could have the opposite effect of what you intended.
reflect your favorite things
Mirrors will add depth to your entryway, but behold what you’re reflecting back to your guests. If the mirror highlights architectural details that you love, it’s a good design choice. if your mirror reflects a feature you don’t like, you’ll dislike twice as much.
make a statement
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a single large mirror can draw attention and give the illusion of more space. the entryway mirror should be front and center, with some smaller decorations to the side that will take up the area. however, you should make sure your mirror doesn’t hang too high.
Get a mirror that’s big enough to stretch across the wall with the bottom of the frame about 48 inches off the ground. Also, match the width of the mirror to the table you have in your entryway or about three-fourths of the wall space if you don’t have furniture.
If you can’t find a suitable mirror for those dimensions, it’s best to wait or look for an alternative. And if you’re not sure, try having someone hold the mirror in different positions to see how you feel when you walk into the doorway.
create a functional space
a mirror at the entrance gives you one last look before you head out the door. Want to check how your outfit looks or make sure your hair is styled exactly how you’d like it? an entryway mirror is perfect for that.
a mirror can also add some security to your home; after all, there is a reason stores use them for that purpose. While an intruder is unlikely to enter your home, having more reflective surfaces gives you a better view of your entire home.
Things to avoid (potentially)
There are a few reasons why you might want to avoid hanging a mirror in your entryway.
improper feng shui
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Should you hang a mirror in front of the door? If you follow feng shui principles, you may want to reconsider your entryway mirror. hanging a mirror in front of your front door can rob you of money and opportunity, making you work harder for what you have, according to feng shui. however, you should consult a feng shui expert for your particular space and energy needs. If you’re not a fan of feng shui but want to be safe rather than regretful, you can try it for a set period of time to see what the energy feels like.
here are some simple ways to adhere to feng shui principles:
- relocate the mirror to another area of your home.
- move the mirror so it is not in line with the door and reflects the view of the door.
- yes the mirror cannot be lowered, use fabric and other design elements to cover it.
- if the mirror does not work elsewhere in your home, consider donating or selling it.
unwanted reflections
again, if your mirror only reflects design features you don’t like, hanging a mirror won’t help you feel better about the space. wait until you’ve made the changes you want to your home décor, or choose another statement piece to enhance your entryway design.
no wall stability
Mirrors are heavy, and the last thing you need is for your mirror to topple over on your guests at the front door. If your entryway doesn’t have the posts to stabilize a heavy mirror, you may want to reconsider your decorating choice.
One way to stabilize a mirror is to rest the bottom on a table, which helps support most of the weight. invest in plumb lines that span the entire drywall for a better grip, or skip the heavy frame and use hooks on it to hold the mirror up.
A well-placed mirror can double your natural light and help your entryway feel bigger than it actually is. With the right placement and use of reflection, your entryway mirror can help your guests walk into an encouraging space and excite you each time you walk through your door. Play with dimensions and placement until it’s just right.
See also: Top 16 Feng Shui Gifts For Wealth & Prosperity
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