There’s no denying the power that interior decor holds within the four walls of a home. A few simple changes can transform an ordinary bathroom into something extraordinary – and that power becomes especially evident when it comes to small spaces that could so easily end up feeling cramped and claustrophobic.

Even though this psychological chokehold has undoubtedly been experienced by many, it doesn’t have to be an unavoidable fate. With the smart use of specific items, you can quickly transform your bathroom from ordinary to extraordinary in just a few steps. One of the most effective and arguably beautiful ways to do this is by incorporating a large arch mirror into your existing decor.

How Do Arch Mirrors Make Your Bathroom Look Bigger and Brighter?

For centuries, we’ve all added mirrors to our bathrooms for the sake of convenience and functionality. But, due to the curved shape of an arch mirror, they also have some powerful design benefits that can make your bathroom look larger and brighter, more so than any other style out there.

Add Height Vertically and Draw Your Eyes Upwards

When there’s a smaller amount of wall space in a bathroom, it can make the room feel flat and claustrophobic. Oftentimes, horizontal shapes and objects can make the room feel even more confined due to their low profile. And many of us are guilty of not effectively using the space above our natural eye line.

With that said, adding a large arch mirror can draw the eyes upwards, creating a heightened sense of verticality that helps to create an illusion of height and space. When we’re looking up, we’re able to take in more of the room and can start to appreciate its size a bit more. The elongated shape naturally complements an otherwise square environment, which imminently brings balance and harmony to your bathroom.

Soften Harsh Lines and Angles

There’s no escaping the square-shaped geometric form of a typical bathroom. While this is perfectly fine and standard practice across the glove, the presence of too many harsh lines and angles can be quite monotonous and uninspiring. Unless you’re one of the few lucky ones that have a freakishly large bathroom, you know that each and every corner counts.

By adding a large arch mirror to your bathroom walls, you can soften the hardness of its edges and put a soothing spin on its square shape. As a result, it’ll make your bathroom look less boxy and more inviting – with the added bonus of feeling larger too. The contrast between the subtle curves of an arch and the angular edges of a bathroom is something that will no doubt please many design-savvy eyes.

Maximise Natural Light Reflection

We all know the importance of letting in some natural light when it comes to interior design, especially in smaller spaces. Unfortunately, that can be easier said than done – either because there’s not enough light to begin with, or because there’s no suitable surface to reflect it.

Luckily, mirrors can harness the power of natural light to make any room appear brighter and bigger. Their reflective properties break up the shadows created by any dim areas, resulting in a greater feeling of brightness and airiness. And, due to the larger surface area of an arch mirror, it’s much more effective at doing this than your average-sized option.

Improve Artificial Lighting

If you don’t exactly have the luxury of an abundance of natural light, don’t worry. You can still take advantage of the power that these decorative items have to offer by improving your artificial lighting in the same way.

The curves of an arch mirror can create a strong focal point around any light fixture, which in turn will help to illuminate the entire room. That means you can make the most of whatever light source you already have in place, without needing to purchase any additional equipment. Simply put, they can help to draw attention away from any dark corners and towards the light.

Tips for Effectively Adding Arch Mirrors to Your Bathroom

Now that you’ve seen the potential of these items it’s time to take a look at how to effectively use them in your own space. While they’ll inevitably bring more life and light to your bathroom, it’s best to take the time to consider a few things before diving in head first.

Selecting the Right Size and Style

Even if they all have the same curved shape, they differ in size and the frame they have surrounding them. Naturally, larger models are more effective when it comes to making a space look bigger and brighter. However, they also require more wall space – which may not be feasible for everyone.

As for the edge frame, you could go with discreet options that blend into the wall to add a more sophisticated touch. Their seamless appearance helps to create a much larger area of reflection due to the absence of any visible obstacles. Or, you could choose a more rustic option with wooden frames for an earthier, homely vibe.

Strategically Positioning the Mirror

Once you decide on the exact type, you need to think about the best place to put it. Make sure to avoid corners or areas that are hidden behind the bathroom door, as these aren’t the most practical spots. You should also steer clear of any areas that are too low, as this won’t maximise the potential of its reflective properties.

A great place to start is at the centre of your wall, either opposite the window or directly opposite the entrance. As this area is usually what people see when they first enter, it’ll be the one making the biggest impact. When the arch is positioned correctly, it can open up any space and give off the impression that there’s more than meets the eye.

Using Mirrors in Pairs

If one isn’t enough and you have the wall space to do so, why not try out two mirrors side by side? This creates a grandiose effect that radiates luxury and opulence, as it’s a classic interior design move. We’re no strangers to double-sink vanities, so why not double mirrors too?

They don’t even have to be on the same wall either. If you have a wider bathroom, try having one on each side of the room instead. This will effectively lighten the atmosphere and make your space look and feel bigger.