21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

How to use mirrors to widen your entryway

Mirrors can be a great way to make your entryway pop. You can use them to enlarge the space if you have a narrow entryway or use them to bounce light off the area if there is a lot of natural light available. Strategically placed mirrors in the entryway are the easiest and cheapest way to enlarge a small space visually. Plus, there are so many options of accent mirrors for an entryway, you’ll have plenty to choose from depending on your budget and aesthetic.

Mirrors bring in light and can be used on their own above a cabinet or small table, or you can place a large wall mirror or leaning mirror if space allows. Not only can mirrors breathe new life into a closed-off room, but you can also check yourself out before you leave the house. Here are a few ways to use them.

Recommended Videos

Create a mirror wall

The entryway is a perfect space to create a wall of art using mirrors of different sizes, shapes, and colors. Not only is it visually appealing, but it also helps transform a space that is often cramped and small. You can find a lot of options on websites like Wayfair, Ballard Design, and AllModern. You can also find old mirrors at estate sales and antique shops and repaint them to give them new life. Don’t be shy about using every part of the wall to hang mirrors—there are no rules here. It will draw the eye up and down, giving the appearance of a larger room.

Put a mirror near the window

If you have any natural light coming into your entryway, hang a mirror near it to bounce that light across your space. This will brighten the area and offer a warm, inviting way to greet your guests when they arrive. If you have a small entryway without windows, find a mirror that’s cut and framed to look like a window. This will open up the space and give the room the feeling of being much larger and brighter than it actually is. Again, if you can find one that large (even floor-to-ceiling), it will enlarge the space even further.

Create multiple dimensions

If you have a larger entryway, you can use various parts to draw the eye in many directions. Use a small entryway mirror and hang it over a desk or writing area. Find another, larger mirror and put it on the wall opposite with a narrow table filled with picture frames or candles. Flank either side of your door with tall, narrow mirrors to offer balance and design. The mirrors will play off each other, bouncing light and creating dimension. You don’t just have to use mirrors on one wall; feel free to use them liberally throughout.

Use mirrors in furniture

If your entryway doesn’t have much useable wall space, consider buying furniture that has mirrored doors or tops to offer the same benefits as a wall mirror. There are many cabinets with mirrored drawers and doors that will bounce light off the floor or windows. Often, these units come with mirrors that are antiqued or beveled, giving them even more character. Plus, they’re the perfect place to hide any items lying around the house.

As the saying goes, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression, and nowhere is that more evident than when someone walks into your home for the first time. Having a small entryway isn’t a bad thing, and it gives you the chance to highlight it playfully using mirrors. It can provide first-time guests a window into your personality and a glimpse of what’s to come in the rest of your home.

In addition to mirrors, you can also use paint, tile, and decor to spruce up your entryway and make a statement, so it’s not just a room you pass through quickly to get inside. The only rule here is that there aren’t any! The entryway should be an extension of your home. Be playful, get creative, and look for inspiration before landing on a design.

Editors' Recommendations

Former Digital Trends Contributor
I am a freelance writer based in Minneapolis, MN. My passions include my dogs, talking about my dogs, and taking pictures of…
12 fantastic walk-in closet ideas for the bedroom of your dreams
Transform your bedroom into a luxurious and organized retreat

Walk-in closets are the epitome of luxury and organization in any bedroom. They provide ample space to store your clothing, shoes, and accessories while offering a stylish sanctuary to start and end your day. If you've got one of these lovely large bedroom storage spaces, you may be wondering how to spice it up. Whether you're designing a new closet or looking to revamp your existing one, here are 12 fantastic walk-in closet ideas to elevate your space to the next level.

1. Add a luxurious vanity
Introduce a touch of glamour by incorporating a luxurious vanity into your walk-in closet. A beautifully crafted vanity not only adds functionality for grooming and makeup application but also serves as an elegant focal point. Choose a vanity with ornate details and a coordinating mirror to enhance the overall aesthetic of your space.

Read more
What colors go with purple? 9 captivating shades for your home
Here's how to decorate with purple and find colors that complement it

Purple represents royalty, mystery, peace, and much more, depending on who you ask. So, why can’t you decorate with purple? There are many ways to work it in if purple is your thing, from purple color combinations to purple accents.

Research shows that people who decorate with purple are most likely to say their home makes them happy, and Pantone's color of the year in 2022 certainly celebrated the shade. If you already love purple, this is definitely the read for you, but if you need some convincing, this just may be the thing that convinces you that purple is the right choice for remodeling your space.

Read more
What is a Tudor-style home? Your guide to this classic look
Steeply pitched roofs, half-timbering, and brick exteriors: Here's what you should know about Tudor houses

A Tudor house is a classic style many homeowners have fallen in love with. Whether you know what a Tudor-style home is or not, you’ve likely seen these storybook abodes at least once or twice. Tudor-style houses provide an air of whimsy and often feel reminiscent of French and English countryside aesthetics.

If you’re curious about what a Tudor-style home entails, we have a go-to guide covering everything you need to know about this elegant and classic house.

Read more