Hallway mirror ideas – 22 ways to add light and interest to your home's entrance

There's no denying the importance of making an impression in our hallway, and one of the easiest ways to do this is by adding a mirror. It sounds simple, and it is, but the best hallway mirror ideas can have a transformative affect on our hall, making them appear light, airy, and stylish all at once.  

Using a mirror to bounce light around smaller, darker spaces is one of the oldest tricks in the book, which is what makes mirrors the perfect addition to hallway ideas. The entryways to our home can typically be darker than the rest of the house, so if you haven't yet added a mirror to your hall, now is the time to join the trend and maximise the potential offered by this savvy design hack. 

There are so many ways you can bring a mirror into the hall too. Aside from a huge variety of frames and designs to choose from, there are heaps of ways you can style hallway mirror ideas too. Our guide has plenty of inspiration for you to browse through so that you can bring a mirror into your hall that complements your space perfectly.

Hallway mirror ideas

'A hallway mirror is great for reflecting light around the space and creating a welcoming entranceway,' says Mara Rypacek Miller, Managing Director, Industville. 'As well as providing a practical solution for checking your reflection before leaving the house, the right mirror can also make a stylish statement.'

Now that we've established why you should be adding a mirror to your hall, here are all the ways to do it right.

1. Add interest with an arched mirror

Arched mirrors have seen a huge surge in popularity recently, and where better to incorporate this trend than the entrance to your home. The curved silhouette is an easy way to add interest to your hall, and is an easy way to incorporate a mirror into small hallway ideas without taking up much space.

Prop on a console table for a casual look, or hang an arched mirror on the wall to create an easy focal point. Slim black frames work best for modern hallway aesthetics, but there really is no rules here; shop around and find an arched mirror that appeals to your taste. 

2. Complement mirror ideas with plants

House plant ideas are the perfect accessory to hallway mirror ideas. The natural light in the hallway will be enhanced by the mirror, and the plants will complement this light and airy feel. They'll also benefit from the light reflected by the mirror, so it's a win win. 

This mirror has a shelving space along the bottom edge, perfect for placing an array of small plants of different shapes and sizes. Complemented with a larger freestanding plant on the floor and a couple of medium-sized pots on the console table, a soothing atmosphere is created to greet you as soon as you enter your home. You can add as many or as little plants as you like alongside your mirror.

3. Add a full length mirror in narrow hallways

If your home has a narrow hallway but it's blessed with high ceilings, take advantage by propping a full length mirror on the floor. If you can have one that hangs from floor to ceiling, even better. The best full length mirrors will open up the hall space while bringing an elegant feel. 

'Full length mirrors look great in a hallway with high ceilings –  in addition to creating an illusion of space, they also add a sense of grandeur,' says Etsy Trend Expert, Dayna Isom Johnson. 

4. Combine two in one with a mirrored radiator

Mirrored radiators are becoming increasingly popular, as people look to transform practical elements of the home into stylish interior features. Smaller hallways would benefit from a mirrored radiator, as they save on space and help to reflect light around the home's entrance. 

'It’s the practicality of mirrored radiators that makes them so popular; they are a stylish space-saving option that allows you to heat a room whilst adding a design feature at the same time,' says Nick Duggan, Director, The Radiator Centre. 'We have seen our stunning mirror radiators installed in almost every room in the house, but they work especially well in areas where there is slightly less natural light, such as in a dark hallway or entrance hall.'

5. Make a stylish first impression

'The hallway gives visitors a first impression of your home, so it’s important to create a comfortable and inviting space. The simple addition of a mirror can have a big impact on how the room feels,' says Sabrina Miller, Head Buyer, Heal's.

'Typically one of the narrowest areas within the home, the hallway often has a minimal footprint, which can immediately be opened up by a well-placed mirror.' Especially a stylish frameless design, like this Heal's design above, that looks like a photo frame.

6. Set a mirror above a console table

For a classic approach to dressing your hallway decor choose to hang a traditional mirror above a slim console table. This set up provides a timeless option for enhancing the interior of this small space. It makes it feel better dressed and more of its own entity, rather than merely an area you pass through without thinking about the decor.

In this neutral hallway colour scheme a contrasting French-style ornate mirror grabs attention. Choosing a striking or contrasting colour for a mirror will help to draw focus, to ensure it stands out.

A petite console underneath provides drawers for storage to keep items hidden away. The top offers a surface on which to dress with fresh flowers and family photos to make a welcoming first impression.

7. Keep decor simple in a small hallway

When space is at a premium, look to keep the decor as pared back as possible with a simple mirror design and a soft colour scheme. In this bright white hallway all that is added is an on-trend circular mirror with a streamlined floating shelf underneath.

The smart frameless design of the mirror ensures it doesn't project too much from the wall, so it doesn't encroach on the limited space. The black mirror is coordinated by a slimline shelf/ledge that provides just enough space to store a few knick knacks. But it can't be overwhelmed with stuff – it's essential not to over clutter a small space.

8. Create intrigue with a window pane mirror

Window panes are a popular choice for small spaces. They create a trick of the eye, giving the impression of a window to add architectural detail. Of course we know there's no window there but it's enough to add depth and cause intrigue. This makes the hall a more purposeful space.

In this stylish grey hallway idea an incredibly slim console table provides a platform to place a copper lamp, which delights on so many levels. Firstly the metallic finish reflects lights. Secondly, being in front of the mirror creates a greater reflection which enhances the altered perspective of the layout.

9. Add warm accents to a colourful hallway

In a hallway that celebrates colour, look to add a mirror that can welcome a hint of warmth to the hallway colour scheme without clashing. A warming brass or gold framed mirror is not only very on-trend, it's perfectly paired with almost any colour scheme.

To amplify the effect of a mirror in a hall Sabrina Miller advises, 'Add sculptural LEDs, such as Wave or Ribbon, as the reflection will add a sense of drama. And look for metallic finishes to further brighten your scheme.'

10. Brighten a small space with multiple mirrors

Use more than one mirror to make a statement in a small hallway. 'Don’t be restricted to just one!' says Andrew Tanner. 'Incorporating multiple designs balances a space, significantly brightening dark schemes and making intimate rooms appear larger.'

If you're wondering how to make a narrow hallway look wider, install multiple mirrors on one wall as shown above. In this narrow hallway space the homeowners have been creative by using traditional wall hooks to suspend a row of well-placed mirrors, reflecting light and creating the illusion of a wider space.

11. Create balance for walls

Dividing the walls with colour in a narrow hallway is a clever decorating trick to make the space feel more generous. In this grey hallway the lower half of the wall is filled with character thanks to the on-trend wall panelling idea. It's painted in a dove grey which is echoed by the smart radiator cover.

The decorative detail at the level below waist height is enough to set the tone of the room. But if you want to avoid hallway decorating mistakes, don't go for bare walls as they can feel lacking in any living space.

That's where a mirror can be ideal. The upper half of the walls are painted white to create a striking colour contrast. A painted white mirror design is just the thing to balance the colour scheme. And the decorative element on the empty walls, too.

Unlike a piece of artwork that could distract from the detail of the wood clad walls, a mirror adds a decorative element without causing any distraction.

12. Give a furnished element to a corner

Make more of your hallway decor by selecting an over mantel-style mirror to give a sense of purpose to a hallway bench. This space also makes the most of every inch with this clever hallway shoe storage idea.

'With minimal room for larger furnishings, such as armchairs or sofas, or without wanting the scheme to feel cramped with accessories, mirrors now come in a range of finishes, shapes and sizes. So, you can still add an element of interest and personality to the hallway, whilst enjoying the space-enhancing benefits,' says Sabrina.

13. Extend the space with smart positioning

In a small, cramped hall you might want to place the mirror on the wall which will reflect the most interesting perspective.

For instance a mirror placed at the bottom of the stairs will reflect back the view up the stairs, making the space feel more generous in size. While also on a practical note allowing vision of who's coming down the stairs, to avoid overcrowding the space.

14. Add extra reflection with metallic frames

Narrow hallways will always benefit hugely from hanging mirrors to reflect light into the space to make it feel brighter and more forgiving. Choosing a decorative metallic finish for that frame will add to the light reflecting qualities which make mirrors so valuable in small or dark spaces.

In this bright white hallway, space is limited but the style credentials are not! Guests are immediately met with a large silver gilded wall mirror that beautifully bounces light back into the narrow stairwell beyond.

15. Make a mirror multipurpose

A mirror with concealed compartments in the back offers a smart hallway storage idea when you want to keep the space clutter free. 'Multifunctional storage is a clever way to store items without sacrificing the decor of the room,' says Simon Glanville, managing director of A Place for Everything.

A wall-mounted storage cabinet with a mirror front provides all the winning qualities of a hall mirror. The added bonus is that it can double up as a concealed shelf for keys and bits and bobs.

A concealed mirror unit like this Hallway Storage Mirror, £85 from A Place For Everything is a great idea in a small hallway where having fewer items on show will help to keep the space feeling less cluttered.

16. Style a decorative hallway

Add a stylish on-trend mirror to a hallway to set the tone for your well-dressed home. In this characterful hallway a black-edged round mirror is hung over a matching slim framed black and glass console table. 

The slimline table is purely there to enhance the decor, to display fresh flowers and candles which creates an attractive, welcoming space. 'Mirrors placed above a hallway cabinet or table also allow homeowners and guests alike to check their appearance on entry and exit of the property,' adds Lee Trethewey, Home Furnishings Expert, Sustainable Furniture.

17. Coordinate colour throughout the hall

This colourful hallway takes matching decor to stylish new heights. From wall colours to accessories and even the mirror all match in tonal shades of blue to create a cohesive colour scheme.

Matching the mirror frame to the wall colour helps to make it seamlessly blend into the wall, meaning it doesn't attract too much attention. Plus this smart mirror design features a slim ledge for handy storage.

18. Get creative with a feature wall of mirrors

Why hang one mirror when you can choose to make a feature wall of mirrors? 'Layering multiple irregular shaped mirrors, or even using smaller coloured glass mirrors, is a great way to add some personality without forgetting functionality’, says Dayna, Etsy Trend Expert. 

In a hallway or landing space this is a great way to add character to the bare walls and open up the space by bouncing light around. This idea is particularly effective with white walls, because white paint helps to reflect light rather than suck it up.

19. Create a continuous flow within the layout

Create a cohesive decorating scheme which flows from one room into another by choosing matching materials. This white hallway space seamlessly draws you into the room beyond thanks to the consistent use of natural wood materials, from the mirror to the floorboards. The key for this idea is to keep the scheme simple, so no one design element overwhelms the other.

20. Seek simplicity

To make a style statement in a contemporary hallway space, choose the largest mirror your budget will allow. Make it the complete focus of your hall decorating scheme by choosing a soft neutral colour scheme that won't overwhelm the pared-back ethos of the decor.

If you want to add a finishing touch with furniture, seek a slimline console table that sits underneath the oversized mirror to offer a surface for displaying single stem flower arrangements.

21. Guide the eye up the stairs with mirrors

Guide the eye up the staircase by hanging a series of mirrors next to each other on the wall. This hallway wallpaper idea might be a little overpowering for most tastes, but the design principal can work for all wallpaper and paint colour choices. Using mirrors in staircase ideas is an easy way to elevate your home's entryway and make it feel larger, as the eye will naturally be drawn upwards towards the top of the stairs.

22. Incorporate a mirror into shelving

Add layers to the look by hanging a characterful mirror that incorporates a storage/display element. It may be that the piece you choose is upcycled from an old kitchen dresser. An interesting accessory is a great way to make the decor feel unique and intriguing for your home.

Do mirrors look good in hallways?

Incorporating any hallway mirror ideas is a fail-safe interior choice. The main reason mirrors look good in hallways is that they bounce light around the room and help to open up the space, which is preferable to a hallway that feels dim and enclosed.

'Adding a mirror to your hallway is a great way to reflect the natural light in the area and make it appear more spacious,' says Ian Mccormack, Glass Specialist, Carlen Glass.

'Mirrors have long been used to make rooms feel bigger and brighter by reflecting light and creating an illusion of additional space, which is particularly important for hallways that are, more often than not, narrow spaces with limited light,' says Dayna, Etsy Trend Expert. 'Embodying both form and function, a well-placed mirror is the perfect to add visual interest by also serving a practical purpose.'

How big should a mirror be in a hallway?

'The size of the mirror will depend on the size of your hallway. Fixed mirrors on a long wall or from floor to ceiling will double the illusion and feeling of space and so are ideal for smaller, darker entryways,' says Juliette Thomas, Founder, Juliettes Interiors. 'If you can, bigger is always better as a small mirror can look odd and upset the balance of the whole room.'

If you're looking to make your hallway mirror ideas a focal point, bigger is better. A statement will catch the eye and reflect more light, helping the hall to feel open and airy. If you are getting a big mirror, you can keep the rest of your hallway decor simple and streamlined. 

'The shape and size of the mirror very much depends on the space available,' Dayna expands. 'For those with less space, opt for an irregular or asymmetric mirror as an alternative, as they pull in reflections from all over the room to create a unique and spacious effect.' 

How do I choose a hallway mirror?

To choose a hallway mirror that's right for your home firstly think about how you use the space. This will determine which style you need – do you want purely decorative or do you need a storage element too?

Consider also where you will place the mirror, as this will help you decide which type of mirror looks best. If it's going on a blank wall and there's no nearby furniture, a full-length mirror would work best. 

'If you're planning to put your mirror at the end of the hallway on a blank wall, full-size mirrors typically work best,' says Lee from Sustainable Furniture. 'Not only will they make any hallway space look longer, but they're ideal for those wanting to check on their full body appearance before heading out somewhere.'

You may prefer to include a round mirror to complement other design elements. 'A round mirror creates a soft, welcoming feel and works particularly well when hung over a console table,' suggests Mara, Industville.

Which hallway mirror ideas will you be adding to your home?