Mirrors in a Small Apartment: 7 Smart Places to Create a Sense of Space
Mirrors in a Small Apartment
Mirrors in a Small Apartment: 7 Smart Places to Create a Sense of Space
Anyone who lives in a small apartment knows the feeling: you’ve carefully decorated the space, but something still feels off. Not enough light, not enough depth, walls that are just a little too close. A mirror won’t completely solve this problem in one go, but when placed in the right spot, it can certainly change how a space feels. It reflects light, draws the eye to the wall, and creates the impression that there’s more space than there actually is. Which spots work best? Below, you’ll find seven specific placements that make a difference, with concrete advice on shape and size for each one.
How a Mirror Works
Why a Mirror Makes a Small Apartment Feel Larger
The principle is simple: a mirror reflects what’s already there. In a small home, that means more light, more depth, and a visual doubling of the space behind it. This works best when the mirror is hung across from a window, but a mirror also has an immediate effect when placed on a dark wall or in a narrow hallway.
At Nordic Style , the mirrors in the collection are designed with that effect in mind. The shapes are understated, the materials are high-quality, and the sizes range from compact to generously large. Whether you’re looking for a small round mirror for the bathroom or a floor-standing mirror for the bedroom, you’ll always find a model in the collection that suits both the space and your taste.
Tip 1
The narrow hallway: make it look bigger
The hallway is where you can make the biggest impact. A narrow, dark hallway immediately feels more inviting as soon as you place a mirror there. It reflects the light from the front door or the living room and makes the hallway appear wider.
Choose a mirror here that’s nearly full height. An arched mirror from the Maj collection, measuring 170×50 cm, fits effortlessly into a narrow hallway and creates an elegant entrance without blocking the passageway. The arched shape adds character without feeling overwhelming. Want an even sleeker look? A frameless version offers the same sense of space with an even more subtle design.
Tip 2
Across from the window in the living room: double the natural light
In a small living room, natural light is precious. By placing a mirror directly across from your window, it reflects the incoming light and spreads it further into the room. This gives the room a more open, airier feel, even on cloudy days.
A round mirror measuring 100 or 120 cm from the Nea collection works well here. The round shape contrasts nicely with the straight lines of the windows and furniture, and the size is large enough to really catch the light without overwhelming the wall. In greige or matte white, it blends effortlessly into a Scandinavian interior.
Tip 3
Above the sideboard or dresser: height and balance
A sideboard or dresser without anything above it looks unfinished. A mirror above such a piece of furniture draws the eye upward and makes the wall appear larger. Plus, you’re adding a functional element that brings balance to the room.
Choose an oval mirror here. The Lara collection offers oval mirrors in several sizes; the 80×50 cm or 125×40 cm options work well above a sideboard. The gentle curves at the top and bottom add just the right touch of sophistication to elevate a simple piece of furniture. A natural oak frame complements a warm, Scandinavian atmosphere.
Tip 4
The bedroom: a full-length mirror that also provides light
In a small bedroom, a full-length mirror is almost indispensable, but it can also take up space if you don't place it strategically. The solution is a slim, tall mirror that you can lean against the wall at an angle or mount on the wall without it taking over the room.
A 170×50 cm arched mirror is ideal for this purpose. It provides a full-length reflection, looks elegant, and, thanks to its slim width, takes up very little visual space. Placed at an angle against the wall, it also reflects additional natural light. Be sure to use an anti-tilt kit to ensure stable and safe use. You can find the available accessories on the accessories page.
Tip 5
The bathroom: a frameless mirror for a spa-like feel
Small bathrooms benefit from a mirror that adds as little visual bulk as possible. A frameless mirror is the best choice for this: no frame to draw attention, just pure mirror glass with a matte-polished edge. This gives the bathroom a calm, almost spa-like feel.
Nordic Style ’s frameless mirrors are moisture-resistant and therefore perfectly suited for the bathroom. A round, frameless Nea mirror with an 80-cm diameter above the sink works great, as does a slim, frameless arched mirror above a double sink. Please note: wooden mirrors are not suitable for damp areas. For the full selection, visit the bathroom mirrors page.
Tip 6
The toilet: a compact design element with a big impact
The bathroom is often underestimated as a space. But precisely because it’s so small, a well-chosen mirror really stands out. A 60-cm round mirror or a hexagonal mirror from the Bernt collection instantly adds character to this small room and creates a sense of more space.
The Bernt is a hexagonal mirror with a graphic silhouette that gives the bathroom a distinctive look without being overly ornate. Available in black, matte white, greige, and soft gold, it can be mounted either horizontally or vertically. For a more understated alternative, a small round mirror in the right color adds character to the same space without feeling overwhelming.
Tip 7
The corner that demands attention: an organic mirror as a focal point
In a small home, there’s often a spot that feels a bit empty visually: a corner wall, a section of wall next to the couch, or a blank wall in the bedroom. An organic mirror works well in such spots. Its flowing, asymmetrical shape draws the eye in a subtle way and brings the wall to life without requiring a large piece of furniture.
The Hanna collection features organic mirrors in aluminum, wood, and frameless designs. The 82×46 cm size is compact enough for a small space yet large enough to make a real impact. The soft contours bring balance to the interior, especially in a home where every detail counts.
Decision Aid
Which layout works best in a small apartment?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are clear patterns. Round mirrors work well in compact spaces because they soften the sharp corners of walls and furniture, making the space feel brighter. Slender, tall mirrors in an arched or oval shape draw the eye upward and create a sense of height. Frameless mirrors are the most unobtrusive choice: they add volume without becoming visually overwhelming themselves.
Another tip for small spaces: choose light frame colors like matte white or greige, or go for a dark color as a deliberate accent against a light wall. The color contrast makes the mirror stand out more, while maintaining the sense of space.
Quality & Materials
Quality You See Every Day
All mirrors from Nordic Style are made of high-quality HD silver mirror glass with a crystal-clear, true-to-life reflection. The glass is coated with explosion-proof safety film, ensuring that it remains intact in the event of damage. Depending on the size, the glass is 4 to 6 mm thick, which prevents distortion even in larger models.
- Aluminum frames: brushed aluminum, lightweight and moisture-resistant
- Wooden frames: FSC-certified oak or pine from responsibly managed forests
- Comes with all necessary mounting hardware, including screws and anchors
Delivery & Service
Free shipping in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and France
Nordic Style We offer free shipping in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and France. The mirrors are delivered by a specialized carrier with experience in transporting mirrors and will arrive carefully packaged. Two days before delivery, you’ll receive a message with the delivery date and time window. Delivery takes place on the ground floor, behind the first door.
Are you unsure about a color or material? With the sample box, you can view color samples of all aluminum frame colors and wood finishes at home, including a piece of mirror glass so you can experience the quality for yourself. Personal advice is also always available by phone or email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mirrors in a Small Apartment
Do you have any questions about choosing or hanging a mirror in a small space? Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions.
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A large, slim mirror placed across from a window has the greatest impact. It reflects natural light and gives the room more visual depth. Consider an arched mirror measuring 170×50 cm or an oval mirror of a similar size.
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Frameless mirrors don't add any visual bulk because there is no frame around the glass. That makes them particularly well-suited for small spaces and bathrooms, where you want as few distractions as possible.
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Yes, the aluminum and frameless mirrors from Nordic Style are moisture-resistant and fully suitable for the bathroom. Wooden mirrors are not recommended for damp areas.
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A tall, slender mirror works best in a narrow hallway. A 170×50 cm arched mirror or an oval mirror of a similar size makes the hallway appear larger without blocking the passageway.
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That depends on the layout, but two or three strategically placed mirrors are more effective than many small mirrors scattered throughout the room. Carefully choose spots where a mirror reflects light or visually extends a wall.
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Light frame colors, such as matte white or greige, blend seamlessly into light-colored walls and let the mirror effect speak for itself. A black frame, on the other hand, works well as a deliberate accent against a light-colored wall. Nordic Style offers frames in black, matte white, greige, and soft gold.
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For frameless mirrors, custom options are available for orders of five or more, subject to a quote from the Dutch manufacturer. Mirrors with wooden frames are only available in standard sizes.
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All mirrors from Nordic Style come with a complete set of mounting hardware, including screws and anchors. A helpful tip: use painter’s tape to align the drill holes precisely before drilling. An anti-tilt kit is available for mirrors that you want to mount at an angle against the wall.
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A round mirror is a perfect circle. An organic mirror has a flowing, asymmetrical shape inspired by natural forms. At Nordic Style , round mirrors are part of the Nea collection, and organic mirrors are part of the Hanna collection.
Our Collection
Find the mirror that fits your space
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