In a narrow entryway, the best location for a mirror is often a clear side wall, where you can look at yourself without blocking the passage. But before choosing a wall, look above all at what the mirror will reflect: a bright opening, closed storage or an accumulation of coats will not produce the same impression.
The mirror can give a feeling of depth and reflect the available light, as IKEA points out in its advice on mirrors. It does not create any additional surface area or light on its own. Its interest therefore depends as much on its location as on what surrounds it.
Start by observing the reflection
Place yourself in the place where you usually enter, then in the place where you put on your shoes. Imagine the mirror on each of the available walls. What element would appear in his reflection? A light wall, a door open to the living room or a simple composition are ideas to try. Conversely, the reflection of a loaded coat rack can visually accentuate the clutter.
Do not necessarily try to hide all traces of life. The goal is to choose a pleasant angle on a daily basis. Shifting the mirror by a few tens of centimeters can be enough to make a shoe basket or a very active passage area stand out from the reflection.
On a side wall: the first location to test
In a long entrance, a mirror on the side allows you to look at yourself by turning slightly. This is often practical near where you put your keys, as long as you can stop there without disturbing others.
A vertical format is suitable if you want to check your outfit. For a final look at the face, a more compact surface may be sufficient. Before fixing anything, test the field of vision at the distance actually available: in a narrow entrance, you cannot always move back as much as you would like.
Avoid placing a deep piece of furniture under the mirror just to complete the decoration. If a console already exists, keep its top lightly loaded and check that the objects placed in front do not obscure the useful part of the reflection.
Facing an opening: check the light
When a window or bright room overlooks the entrance, try a location that captures the reflection. The ideal position depends on the layout of the premises: being exactly facing the window is not an absolute rule.
Observe the result in the morning and at the end of the day. A direct sun glare can become uncomfortable at times. In the evening, turn on the usual lights: a bulb visible in the mirror can dazzle, while diffuse lighting nearby will often be more pleasant for looking at yourself.
In an entryway without windows, start by checking the existing lighting. The mirror can modify the perception, but it will not replace an insufficient light source.
At the end of the corridor or opposite the door?
A mirror at the back of an entrance can attract the eye and give the impression of extension. However, this choice is worth a try: it can also emphasize the length of the corridor, when you are mainly looking for a less stretched atmosphere.
Facing the front door, ask yourself a simple question: do you like to see each other as soon as you arrive? Also check what becomes visible from the threshold when the door is open. A side wall will sometimes be more discreet. There is no universal decorative prohibition: choose the location that suits your use and your comfort.
Validate the location before fixing
- Materialize the outline with paper to judge the proportions.
- Test the height with the people who will use the mirror.
- Completely open the doors and neighboring storage spaces.
- Check the passage with a bag or coat on your arm.
- Comply with the mirror instructions and choose fixings adapted to the support and at its expense.
The good location is one which combines three qualities: a pleasant reflection, easy use and free circulation. Take the time to test these three points before breaking through: they count for more than a theoretically perfect position.
Mood illustration generated, without representation of a specific product from the Oléa catalog.
