Some interior designers suggest that mirrored furniture has fallen out of favour, despite its popularity since the early 2000s. There are two possible responses to this. Firstly, who really cares? Interior design comes down to personal choice, and if something makes you happy, then why not include it in your home? Secondly, despite what experts may say, mirrored furniture remains as popular as ever. Ultimately, you shape the look and feel of your home, so go for it.
One thing you may struggle with when considering mirrored furniture is knowing what complements it. So here’s a brief guide to help you add drama, glamour, and a touch of elegance to your home with SimplyHome.
Contemporary Interiors
If you prefer a more modern style for your home, sleeker furniture pieces will complement mirrored furniture better. The designs vary greatly, so opt for furniture with a modern aesthetic that complements what you already have. While some pieces may have a retro feel, they might clash with your clean lines and contemporary look. Aim for items with a modern appearance, such as multi-faceted sideboards or large mirrors with geometric designs—anything asymmetrical will work well.
A Perfect Match
While a single piece of mirrored furniture can look great on its own, it might also seem out of place or a bit lonely. Consider pairing different items to maximise the effect.
Position a large, mirrored coffee table behind your sofa to create contrast and enhance both elements.
Place a small, mirrored cabinet between two beds or between a bed and the wall on each side. This works well regardless of the colour scheme but is particularly effective with natural and neutral tones.
Display a beautiful antique lamp or prized artwork on a mirrored side or coffee table. The lamp's light will be reflected, showcasing both items, while the artwork will be seen from different angles. Either option maximises the use of the furniture.
Avoid overdoing it! Too many mirrored surfaces can be overwhelming. However, pairing a mirrored dining table with a mirrored screen can add a touch of elegance to your dining room.
Reflective Choices
Some people find the clean, bright mirror surfaces a little too much – sterile, even. If that’s you, then there are other options that may interest you, such as ‘antiqued’ or tinted mirror surfaces. These fit in excellently with homes that have a more classic feel or even with shabby chic. Furniture with patterned mirrors also softens the reflection, which can bring a warmer, more sophisticated feel. For best effect, these should be used in rooms with neutral colour schemes as they may look out of place when set against black and white backgrounds.
In Conclusion
The key to making your mirrored furniture a success is to use contrast in your design. Try to incorporate a range of textures and textiles to offset the reflective surfaces, such as wood, leather, fabric, and so on. A mirrored coffee table can become a centrepiece of your living room, so set some furniture and other treasured items around it that you want to show off. Place a mirrored buffet table beside a favourite rug to get double the effect. Use a mirror screen to split a room without making it feel smaller – the reflection tricks the eye into believing it is actually twice the size. Where you have sharp angles in your new furniture, tie it into the room using reflective, organically-shaped metallic ornaments placed strategically.
Mirrored furniture, when used correctly, is a part of classic interior design and will never be truly unfashionable. As to whether it’s for you, or which furniture to buy, well, that’s something for you to reflect on.