Some interior designers may claim that mirrored furniture has fallen out of favour since its popularity in the early 2000s. There are two ways to respond to this. The first is: why does it matter? Interior design is all about personal choice, and if something brings you joy, then there's no reason not to include it in your home. The second response is that when you take a look around, mirrored furniture appears to be as popular as ever. This just goes to show that industry 'experts' don’t always get it right. You are in charge of how your home looks and feels, so embrace what you love.
One challenge when considering mirrored furniture is knowing what works well with it. To help guide you in the right direction and add a touch of drama, glamour, and elegance to your home, here’s a brief guide on how to pair it effectively with other decor.
Contemporary Interiors
If you prefer a more modern aesthetic, opt for sleek, contemporary pieces. Mirrored furniture designs vary widely, so be sure to choose something that complements your current decor. This style of furniture has its origins in the Art Deco era, with a diverse range of styles evolving over the years. Avoid pieces with a 'retro' feel, as they may clash with a clean, contemporary look. Instead, consider items such as a multi-faceted sideboard or a large mirror with geometric patterns—anything asymmetrical will complement a modern space.
A Perfect Pairing
A single piece of mirrored furniture can look stunning on its own, but it can also seem a bit out of place if left isolated. To maximise its impact, think about pairing different items together.
- Place a large mirrored coffee table in front of your sofa. The contrast between the materials and angles will enhance the overall look.
- Add a small mirrored cabinet between two beds or alongside your bed. This works well with any colour scheme, but is particularly striking when paired with neutral tones.
- Use a mirrored side table or coffee table to showcase a beautiful antique lamp or a favourite piece of artwork. The lamp’s light will be reflected, amplifying the effect, while the artwork will be visible from multiple angles.
Just be careful not to overdo it! Too many mirrored surfaces can feel overwhelming. However, pairing a mirrored dining table with a mirrored screen can elevate the elegance of your dining room without going over the top.
On Reflection...
Some people find mirrored surfaces too bright or even a bit clinical. If this sounds like you, consider alternatives such as 'antiqued' or tinted mirrors, which work beautifully in more traditional or shabby chic settings. Mirrored furniture with patterned surfaces can also soften reflections, creating a warmer, more sophisticated atmosphere. These styles work best in rooms with neutral colour palettes, as they may appear out of place in stark black and white interiors.
Conclusion
The key to making mirrored furniture work is to contrast it with different textures and materials. Incorporate wood, leather, or fabric to offset the reflective surfaces. A mirrored coffee table, for example, can serve as a stunning centrepiece in your living room. Arrange complementary furniture and decorative items around it to create a balanced, inviting space. Place a mirrored buffet table next to a favourite rug for double the impact, or use a mirrored screen to divide a room while making it feel larger—the reflections create the illusion of extra space. For sharper angles in your furniture, add organically shaped metallic ornaments to soften the look.
Mirrored furniture, when used thoughtfully, is a timeless element of interior design and will never truly go out of style. Whether it’s the right choice for you, and which pieces to choose, is something for you to reflect on.
