Why Everyone’s Adding Mirrors to Their Kitchens (And You Should Too)
We all have mirrors in the bathroom, the bedroom, and the hall, but mirrors can also be a clever and impactful addition to the kitchen. But how do you use a mirror in a kitchen space?
Adding a mirror to your kitchen can dramatically improve the look and feel of the space, especially if you are working with limited light or square footage.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of using mirrors in the kitchen, how to add them, and why it’s a design choice worth considering.
The Benefits of Adding a Mirror to a Kitchen
A mirror isn’t just functional; in a kitchen, it offers a surprising number of benefits.
More Light
Mirrors reflect both natural and artificial light, instantly brightening up even the darkest corner. This is especially great in a kitchen with low natural light, such as a basement kitchen or one without a window, or in kitchens with dark cabinet colors that cannot be repainted (e.g., if you live in a rental apartment).
Added Space
In small kitchens, mirrors create the illusion of more room by visually expanding the space.
A tiny kitchen in a London apartment features a mirror backsplash, making it feel larger, and it reflects light from the huge sash window.
Design Depth
A mirror can reflect beautiful elements in your kitchen, like tile backsplashes, pendant lights, or open shelves. This adds visual interest and depth to your space.
Sleek and Modern Aesthetics
A mirrored surface can elevate the look of your kitchen, offering a contemporary or elegant vibe depending on your design style.
Whether you have a narrow galley kitchen, a dark rental, or you want to make your space feel more open, mirrors can make a noticeable difference.
How to Add a Mirror to a Kitchen
There are several stylish and functional ways to incorporate a mirror into your kitchen design:
A Mirrored Backsplash
Replacing traditional tile or stone with a mirrored backsplash is a popular and easy method. It has an aesthetic quality, looking sleek and modern, while also making the space feel brighter and more spacious. It is a wonderful focal point behind a stove or a sink.
The backsplash in the kitchen of a small Victorian apartment pairs marble and a mirror.
Mirrored Cabinet Doors
Replacing cabinet doors with mirrored glass panels can help illuminate the room while maintaining storage functionality. I would opt for replacing the upper cabinets with mirror doors instead of the lower cabinets.
Storage, light, space, and a statement piece in one! This kitchen, designed by Bran & Pine, features a floor-to-ceiling cabinet wall using mirror fronts to maximize space, light, and storage in a small kitchen.
Freestanding or Wall Mirrors
The easiest way to add a mirror to a kitchen is by adding a freestanding or a wall mirror. If you have an open wall or perhaps a breakfast nook, hanging a mirror adds elegance and reflects nearby windows or lighting.
The decor in this historic Stockholm apartment perfectly captures its historic vibe. And in the kitchen, they added a small gilded mirror in a niche above the sink. There are also spots above the niche, so when lit, the light will be reflected through the room.
This blue kitchen in a colorful Stockholm apartment features an eye-catching gilded mirror on the wall above the work area.
A mirror can also be a wonderful decorative object as well as being practical. A gilded mirror adds a fantastic antique touch to your kitchen space. Practical and stylish at the same time!
Mirror Panels or Tiles
For a more customized look, consider using mirror tiles or panels in the kitchen to reflect focal points like pendant lights or open shelving.
Designer Pearl Lowe added an Art Deco element to her new deVOL kitchen with mirror backsplash tiles (the Deco Glass Bell Silver Mosaic tiles from Fired Earth).
The mirror behind the shelves highlights the decorative objects placed here. The wall lamps above will make this corner in a colorful London home even brighter.
The owners of this tiny Stockholm apartment have done everything to make it look bigger, including a huge mirror above the kitchen.
The kitchen in a Swedish studio apartment is fitted with mirror panels along one wall, making it feel bigger and brighter.
Why You Should Add a Mirror to a Kitchen
Adding a mirror to your kitchen isn’t just aesthetically pleasing; it is also a practical and strategic design choice. A well-placed mirror improves lighting, enhances the feeling of space, and adds a touch of sophistication.
Adding a mirror is a budget-friendly upgrade to the kitchen space, making it a more pleasant room to stay in and adding a wow factor to the room.
For renters, a mirror is an innovative, low-cost, and stylish addition to a room. Freestanding mirrors or removable mirror tiles/stickers can turn your drab kitchen space into a fab one!
Mirrors are one of the most underrated tools in kitchen design, but I expect that will change in the upcoming years. Whether you’re trying to light a dark corner, make a small room feel bigger, or refresh your style, adding a kitchen mirror can be a smart and stunning solution.
