Mirror is a widely used design element in beautifying living and commercial spaces. Most interior designers use mirrors to visually expand a room or an area, especially in compact spaces like condo units. This month, we talk to interior designer Pamela Tan of Home Cartel to see how adding mirrors can create the illusion of an extra space!
IDr. Pamela Tan is a graduate of Philippine School of Interior Design (PSID) and member of Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID). She has created several residential projects in the metro and has been featured in a couple of design magazines. In 2017, she opened her own store called Home Cartel that carries modern lighting fixtures and other home improvement products.
Read More: Lighting 101: Types of Lighting Fixtures and Where Best to Use Them
How do you maximize small condo spaces?
“Maximize spaces efficiently by using both horizontal and vertical space of a room with the right home furnishings. Light colors suit well when designing a small space, it will look more airier and spacious,” shares interior designer Pamela Tan.
How can adding mirrors help maximize space?
“A well-placed mirror can help give the appearance of more space. It reflects the room, making you think that a room is larger than it actually is. Adding a mirror in the right place creates an illusion of extra space. Works like magic.”
What design tricks can condo dwellers do with mirrors?
“Mirrors placed near any lighting fixture will help maximize the light. A more efficient way to use mirrors is placing them opposite of a window, you can increase both space and brightness at the same time. This trick brings in more natural light too.”
Moreover, the designer adds that a small or narrow room can benefit from a mirror to make it look more spacious. For instance, placing a mirror in the hallway or a bathroom can make the space seem more expansive.
3 Smart Ways To Maximize Spaces With Mirrors
1 | Wall Mirror
“Turning long mirrors on its side and placing them in a wall will make the wall look longer,” explains interior designer Pamela Tan. Installing wall mirrors inside compact spaces can make the them look less cramped. Moreover, wall mirrors can also lower your energy bills as they amplify light inside a space too!
2 | Floor Mirror
“Using a floor length mirror can make any small space feel taller. Perfect for a space with low ceilings,” she shares. Floor-length mirrors can also be used to cover unsightly marks on your walls! But ensure to place mirror inside your units smartly, as mirrors can double the clutter in your home as well.
3 | Mirror Collage
“Grouping mirrors together in one wall can increase the feel of depth inside that room,” explains interior designer Pamela Tan. Not only do mirrors reflect light and add texture in a space, they make spaces look more stylish too.
What’s special about Home Cartel’s mirror collection?
“The introduction of mirrors to our product line complements our existing lighting products by helping you maximize both space and light in your dwelling. We have selected these mirrors based on its aesthetics and function. Light yet sturdy, stylish and affordable.”
In what styles or designs are your mirrors available?
“Home Cartel’s mirrors come in a variety of sizes and designs. Our designs are both modern and timeless with a minimalist feel, something that you can use for life.”
Check out Home Cartel’s latest products at homecartel.net or follow them on Instagram @homecartel