Find mirrors that create space sense

With rising real estate prices, many families just can't afford to live in homes with lots of leg-room any more, but the good news is that there are ways to increase the sense of space in even small living areas by using the right mirrors.

"There are two ways to make a room seem more spacious," says Gayle Atherton of Feng Shui Dragon Enterprises. "You can always change your colour scheme, and you can also add mirrors."

Home mirrors that create a sense of space

If the main purpose for using mirrors in your home is to create a greater sense of size, then your mirror has to be big. "Floor-to-ceiling mirrors will definitely make a room seem bigger," Gayle says.

Balancing the harmony of mirrors with Feng Shui

Feng shui is the art of placing objects in a room to improve the energy flow, and mirrors are seen to dramatically enhance energy - both positive and negative. "There is no doubt that when you put a mirror in the right place, you can really add great energy," says Gayle.

Large mirrors around the home

A large mirror will always increase the sense of space, but where you put it will determine whether you create a room that people want to live in or shun. "My best advice is: if you put a mirror up in a room and it doesn't feel good, then try taking it down and see if the room improves.

"I once had a client in New York who was an interior decorator, and she didn't know why her living room had an icy feeling. I told her it was the mirror, which she thought was ridiculous. I put it in the corner of the room instead, where it could pull energy in and absorb it, and instantly the room felt better. For the next three days she kept on putting it back - and the energy would turn like ice - and then returning it to the corner, where it felt much better. In the end she had to agree that the corner was the best place for it."

Mirror angles

The angle of your mirror can also make a difference. Gayle says that mirrors that are propped on the ground, tilting outwards, create a disorientating feeling for passers by. A mirror that sits flat onto the wall bounces energy back out, which can be great if there is a good feeling in that area. A mirror that tilts downwards is an excellent way to focus energy.

"Unfortunately feng shui has no set formulae, so while these are some guidelines, every house has different needs," Gayle warns. "You need to be intuitive to pick up on what your home needs, especially when it comes to putting up mirrors."

Talk with a mirror consultant in your area to find out which designs would best suit your home: