Domakihub How to Decorate with Mirrors: Transform Any Room
Smart mirror placement makes spaces feel larger, brighter, and more polished — without a renovation.
Reviewed by Domakihub home & decor pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
Mirrors are one of the most versatile — and underused — tools in home decoration. Whether you are styling a villa in Mykonos, a city apartment in Athens, or a holiday rental in Crete, the right mirror in the right spot can double perceived light, add architectural interest, and make even a compact room feel generously proportioned. The video above showcases 45 creative placement ideas; the steps below distil them into a practical system you can apply room by room.
Why Mirrors Work So Hard in Greek Homes and Rentals
Greece's white-plastered interiors and abundant sunshine create the perfect conditions for mirrors: natural light bounces dramatically off a well-placed mirror, flooding even a north-facing hallway or basement bedroom with warmth. In holiday rental properties especially, the impression of space is a direct driver of guest satisfaction and five-star reviews.
Beyond light, mirrors substitute for art in rooms that need a focal point without the commitment of a painted canvas. A large ornate frame reads as sculpture; a simple frameless panel reads as architecture. Both cost far less than structural changes and can be repositioned the next season.
Choosing the Right Mirror for the Space
Size is the most common mistake: people choose mirrors that are too small. As a rule of thumb, a mirror hung above a console or sideboard should be at least two-thirds the width of the furniture below it. On an empty wall, a full-length or oversized leaning mirror almost always looks more intentional than a small square hung in the centre.
Frame material should complement the room's existing palette. Aged brass and rattan suit Mediterranean aesthetics and are durable in coastal humidity. Frameless mirrors work well in bathrooms and modern minimalist spaces. Avoid cheap plastic frames in rental properties — they photograph poorly and date quickly.
5 Ways to Use Mirrors Effectively
- 1
Place a large mirror opposite a window
This is the single highest-impact move. A mirror hung directly across from a window reflects the outdoor view and effectively creates a second 'window', doubling the natural light in the room. In a rental, position it so the sea view or garden appears in the reflection — guests will love the effect in photos.
- 2
Create a gallery wall with mixed mirror sizes
Group three to five mirrors of different shapes — an arch, a round, and a rectangular — on one wall. Keep a consistent finish (all gold frames, all black, or all raw wood) to hold the composition together. This works especially well in dining rooms and hallways where a single large piece might feel overwhelming.
- 3
Lean a full-length mirror in the bedroom corner
A floor-leaning mirror adds casual elegance and avoids the need for wall fixings — useful in rental properties where drilling is restricted. Angle it slightly forward rather than dead vertical; this flatters the reflection and prevents a sense of the room 'falling away' behind the viewer.
- 4
Use mirrored furniture or panel inserts to add depth
A mirrored bedside table, a cabinet with a mirrored back panel, or even stick-on mirror tiles inside a bookshelf recess all add depth without committing to a large hanging mirror. These work particularly well in small bedrooms and bathrooms where wall space is at a premium.
- 5
Position mirrors to reflect a focal point, not a wall
Before hammering in any nail, hold the mirror in place and look at what it reflects. Aim to reflect a chandelier, a piece of art, a fireplace, or greenery — not a blank wall or a radiator. A mirror that reflects something beautiful multiplies beauty; one that reflects clutter multiplies clutter.
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FAQ
- How high should a mirror be hung on the wall?
- Centre the mirror at approximately eye level for the room's primary use — around 145–155 cm from the floor to the mirror's centre for a standing area like a hallway, slightly lower for a mirror above a sofa or console. When hanging above furniture, leave 15–20 cm of space between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the mirror so they read as a pair rather than as two separate objects stacked awkwardly.
- Can mirrors make a small Greek apartment feel bigger?
- Yes, significantly. The most effective technique is to lean or hang a large mirror (at least 100 cm tall) on the wall farthest from the entry point, which draws the eye and gives the illusion that the room continues beyond. Combining this with light wall colours and minimal clutter can make a 35 m² studio feel closer to 50 m² in perceived scale.
- Are there positions to avoid when placing mirrors?
- Avoid hanging a mirror directly facing the bed in a bedroom — many guests and residents find it unsettling and it can disrupt sleep. Also avoid positioning mirrors so they reflect direct sunlight onto flammable materials; in a south-facing Greek room, this can actually create a concentrated hot spot. Finally, do not place mirrors where they reflect a cluttered storage area, a rubbish bin, or a toilet — the reflection will always catch the eye at the wrong moment.