How to Use Mirrors to Make Small Master Bedrooms Look Larger

When you have small rooms in your home, they can easily begin to feel cramped and stuffy. Sometimes, we end up avoiding them, because we're not sure how to fix the problem. But if you have a small master bedroom, then that's clearly not an option. So, how can you add the illusion of space to a small master bedroom - without knocking down the walls? Fortunately, the strategic use of mirrors can add space and depth to a small room, transforming it in a space you actually enjoy. Follow these simple tips to turn your small master bedroom into a spacious-looking retreat.

The first step in making a small room look bigger is to determine exactly where your problems lie. Is one area deficient in natural light? Would you like to have more windows than you do? Is your master bedroom too narrow? Assess the current paint job and décor in the room. Is there anything you could possibly use to your advantage when placing mirrors? For some ideas on how painting can add to the illusion of room size, check out this article. Once you've figured out what your specific problems are with the room size, you can determine where to place your mirrors to fix them.

For a master bedroom that's too narrow, try placing mirrors on either side of the narrow space to create the illusion of a wider room.

To make your master bedroom look larger, place decorative mirrors directly across from windows. The mirrors will bounce the light off of them and into the room, brightening the space.

If one of your master bedroom walls is painted darker than the others, place a large mirror on the darker wall to add the illusion of depth.

To create an open look around your bed, try using a large mirror above the head of the bed in place of artwork or a headboard.

For the maximum illusion of space, try using large, unframed mirrors. Place them on the widest wall for narrow rooms, or across from lightly-colored walls or windows.

Try creating a wall arrangement using mirrors of different sizes. Each mirror will reflect light and color, increasing the room's apparent size.

Lighting effects are especially important in a small room. Try purchasing wall lights with mirror backings, either with candles or electric lights. The mirrors will double the amount of light created, bouncing it back into the room.

Mirrors are often recommended by Feng Shui experts as remedies for small spaces. If a small bedroom has an entryway which forces you to turn to the left or right immediately upon entering, place a mirror on the wall facing the door. This decreases the "blocking" effect of the wall and makes you feel less trapped.

According to Feng Shui experts, if a square or rectangular room has a "missing" piece due to an indent caused by design, you can remedy the look by placing a mirror on the indented wall.

If you have a favorite piece of artwork in your master bedroom, try placing an unframed, large mirror opposite to it. This reflects the artwork into the room - you'll be able to see it, even if you're not directly across from the piece.

Hopefully, one or more of these tricks will work to create a larger-looking master bedroom in your home. Mirrors have become a staple for interior decorator's wishing to increase the apparent size of a space, and they can be used just as effectively by everyday decorators, as well.

Using Mirrors To Create The Illusion Of Space In Your Home by Jennifer Ackerman, obtained June 25, 2008

Your House, Through A Mirror, obtained June 25, 2008

How-To: Opening Up A Room With Mirrors, obtained June 25, 2008

How To Use Mirrors As Feng Shui Remedies by Stephanie Roberts, obtained June 25, 2008