5 Types of Kitchen Mirrors
Whether you want to encourage the illusion of space or want to add depth and visual interest, here’s why mirrors have become our new favourite kitchen design essential.
By Cat Chan -
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A well-designed kitchen isn’t just the back stage for elaborate meals—it’s a reflection of how you live. Often overlooked in kitchen design, mirrors provide a sophisticated, and yet practical way to enhance the space by amplifying light, creating depth, and adding an unexpected, yet wholly entrancing layer of elegance. Here’s how to get started.
Different types of mirrors can impart a different type of vibe and feel to your space. Before you make a purchase, it’s important to decide what kind of aesthetic you’re going for, making your selection accordingly thereafter. From industrial crispness and contemporary elegance to rustic charm and eclectic vibes, there’s a mirror to suit every aesthetic. Consider these:
Antique Mirrors
Antique mirrors are a vintage-inspired alternative, with subtle distressing that softens harsh reflections while adding character.
Mirror Tiles and Kitchen Backsplash
Mirrored kitchen backsplashes are a dramatic and yet practical option, making a bold statement while enhancing functionality and brightness in the kitchen space.
Glass Mirror
A standard glass mirror is a classic choice, providing crisp reflections and augmenting a clean and modern space.
Framed Mirrors
Framed mirrors introduce depth and texture, while frameless mirrors add a minimalistic and modern touch.
Tinted Mirrors
Tinted or coloured mirrors in smoke, bronze, or blue all imbue a space with elegance without becoming harsh or overwhelming.
Why use mirrors in the kitchen?
Beyond the aesthetic refinement it can provide in elevating a kitchen’s design, a mirror can also provide functional utility. In the case of smaller kitchens, a mirror can be the perfect solution for opening up the space, visually expanding it to make it feel both larger and airier.
A well-placed mirror can also create a warm and inviting atmosphere; notably, mirrors reflect light, particularly during the daytime where they can reduce the need for harsh and artificial task lighting. When placed in strategic locations, such as above the stove or the sink, mirrors help you to keep an eye on things from different angles. Ultimately, this allows you to better see what you’re doing, improving productivity while cutting down on the possibility of injuries or accidents.
Where to place mirrors in the kitchen?
Where you place a mirror is as integral as the decision to include one in your kitchen at all. Different placements can introduce a different vibe and feel to your space; thus, it is imperative to consider your options and needs ahead of the installation. A mirrored backsplash is a creative way to introduce mirrors into your kitchen. Here, the mirrors will reflect light for maximum visibility while also adding a sophisticated edge into your design.
Mirrored cabinet panels create visual depth, helping your kitchen to feel less enclosed while imbuing your design with modern refinement. Extend the mirrored surfaces to the walls to give your kitchen an expansive feeling.
Mirrored shelf accents provide subtle enhancements to the brightness of your space.
Alternatively, adding a mirror to your kitchen island front can infuse a touch of glamour to an otherwise functional section.
Not Too Many Mirrors!
Too much of a good thing can be overwhelming, and that is exactly true in the case of mirrored surfaces. Balance and moderation are key to ensuring your mirrors are able to shine, but not so much they start to create a visual mess. To this end, you’ll want to avoid using too many mirrors, limiting them to carefully-considered placements that augment your kitchen design, rather than overwhelm.
Additionally, you’ll want to place them opposite windows or artificial sources of light to enhance brightness and maximise light exposure. Don’t be afraid to experiment with placement to find what works best for you.
Interior designer Nikki Hunt of Design Intervention believes that soft, indirect lighting is the best partner for mirrors in the kitchen. “Avoid strong spotlights or harsh downlights aimed directly at mirrored surfaces as they create glare,” she shares. “Instead, use warm under cabinet LED strips or pendant lights with diffused shades. Task lighting should be focused and directional, not reflective, while ambient lighting should be warm and evenly spread.”
Consider the materials you’ll be pairing the mirrors with. Notably, mirrors look beautiful alongside natural wood, metallic accents, and textured finishes with which they can harmonise whilst creating an eye-catching visual contrast. Of equal importance is maintenance; mirrors amplify what is already visible, and this also applies to messes within your space. To keep your kitchen design intentional and polished, clean your mirrors frequently.