Mirrors are one of those home decor items that are both functional and stylish. Sure, you can use them to check your hair or outfit, but the real magic of mirrors goes way beyond that. A well-placed mirror can completely change the feel of a room. It can make a small space look bigger, a dark room feel brighter, and a plain wall look more polished. Think of mirrors as secret weapons in the world of home design.

What makes mirrors so powerful is how they play with light and space. They reflect both natural and artificial light, helping bounce brightness around the room. They also create the illusion of more space, which is great if you live in an apartment, have a small room, or just want a more open, airy feel. Plus, with so many styles and shapes to choose from—round, rectangular, vintage, modern, oversized—you can always find one that fits your personal taste.

In this article, we’ll go over the best types of mirrors to add depth and light to your home. Whether you're decorating a cozy bedroom, a narrow hallway, or a gloomy living room, there's a mirror out there that can help transform your space without breaking the bank.

1. Oversized Floor Mirrors

Let’s start with a bold option—oversized floor mirrors. These are tall, often full-length mirrors that lean against a wall or stand on their own. They're especially great for bedrooms, entryways, or living rooms where you want to make a statement and instantly open up the space.

Why they work:

  • Make any room look taller and more spacious
  • Reflect a large amount of light
  • Create a dramatic focal point

Where to use: Place them opposite a window to reflect natural light or in a corner to bring life to a dull spot.

Popular picks:

  • IKEA HOVET Mirror (sleek and modern)
  • West Elm Metal Frame Oversized Mirror
  • Anthropologie Gleaming Primrose Mirror (vintage charm)

2. Round Mirrors

Round mirrors have become super popular in recent years, and for good reason. Their soft shape adds a nice contrast to the straight lines found in most furniture and walls. Round mirrors are perfect for entryways, above dressers, or even over a bathroom sink.

Why they work:

  • Soften harsh lines and square corners
  • Add visual interest without being too bold
  • Work well in small to medium spaces

Design tip: Choose a round mirror with a thin metal frame for a modern look, or go with a rustic wood frame for a cozy, farmhouse vibe.

Popular picks:

  • Target Threshold Round Mirror
  • Umbra Hub Wall Mirror
  • Pottery Barn Wood Framed Round Mirror

3. Mirror Panels and Wall Tiles

Want to go all-in on reflection and shine? Try mirror panels or mirror wall tiles. These are sections of mirror you can install side by side to cover part of a wall—or even an entire wall. They’re great for dining rooms, hallways, or behind a headboard.

Why they work:

  • Multiply light and space dramatically
  • Add a glamorous, upscale feel
  • Can make a room look double its actual size

Design tip: Stick with clean lines to avoid a funhouse effect. You want elegance, not confusion.

Popular picks:

  • Home Depot’s stick-on mirror tiles
  • Wayfair’s decorative mirrored wall panels
  • IKEA LÖNSÅS mirror tiles (affordable and easy to use)

4. Mirrored Furniture

Another way to add light and reflection without hanging anything is to go for mirrored furniture. Think of a side table, dresser, or even cabinet doors with mirrored surfaces. These pieces reflect light in a subtle way and help make the space feel lighter and more open.

Why they work:

  • Combine function and style
  • Great for small spaces where every inch matters
  • Bounce light around without the need for extra decor

Popular picks:

  • Mirrored nightstands in bedrooms
  • Mirrored consoles in entryways
  • Mirrored coffee tables in living rooms

Just keep in mind: These can smudge easily, so be ready for a little extra cleaning.

5. Windowpane Mirrors

Windowpane mirrors are mirrors that look like old windows with grid-like lines dividing the glass. They bring in a lot of charm and are especially popular in farmhouse, cottagecore, and industrial-style homes.

Why they work:

  • Mimic the look of windows—perfect for dark rooms
  • Add structure and design to plain walls
  • Make a room feel more open and “architectural”

Where to use: Hang one in a hallway or above a console table to give the illusion of a window where there isn’t one.

Popular picks:

  • Kirkland’s Windowpane Mirror
  • Wayfair Arch-Top Window Mirror
  • World Market’s Black Metal Grid Mirror

6. Mirrors with Built-In Lighting

For bathrooms, makeup areas, or any spot where you need both style and function, a mirror with built-in lighting is a game changer. These mirrors often come with LED lights around the edges, which provide great lighting for grooming and also brighten up the room.

Why they work:

  • Double as task lighting and decor
  • Perfect for dark bathrooms or vanities
  • Often come with dimming options

Bonus: Many also include anti-fog features or smart technology.

Popular picks:

  • Home Depot’s LED Lighted Vanity Mirrors
  • Keonjinn Backlit Wall Mirror
  • IKEA STORJORM Mirror with Integrated Lighting

7. Decorative Mirrors

Not every mirror has to be huge or plain. Decorative mirrors come in all sorts of fun shapes, patterns, and frame styles. These are perfect for smaller spots like hallways, above side tables, or as part of a gallery wall.

Why they work:

  • Add texture, sparkle, and personality
  • Reflect light in creative ways
  • Help tie together your room’s color scheme or theme

Design tip: Mix and match decorative mirrors with art pieces for a one-of-a-kind gallery wall.

Popular picks:

  • Boho sunburst mirrors
  • Ornate gold-framed mirrors
  • Art Deco-style geometric mirrors

8. Mirrors for Narrow Spaces

If you have a narrow hallway or a small room, placing a mirror at the end of the space can make it feel longer and more open. A tall, narrow mirror also works wonders in tight spots like between windows or doors.

Why they work:

  • Create the illusion of length or height
  • Brighten areas that get little to no natural light
  • Don’t take up much room themselves

Design tip: Try a skinny vertical mirror with a unique frame for both function and flair.

Popular picks:

  • Narrow full-length mirrors from Amazon or Target
  • Slim arch mirrors for tight entryways
  • Vertical modern mirrors from West Elm