Kitchens with Mirrors

PSA: This is your “quick-fix” to a small, dark, lifeless kitchen.

Enter mirrors. They really might save even the saddest of kitchens. It’s no news that I’m a huge fan of vintage mirrors in my design work, and one of my favorite ways to use them is in the kitchen. I can’t think of an easier, inexpensive way to elevate an otherwise drab kitchen, than a mirror. A mirror can also be a great alternative to a backsplash in a way that will never feel “low budget”. Folks, using a one-of-a-kind, antique mirror is an easy way to make a room feel magazine-worthy in an instant. As in, you can go out and totally transform the look and feel of your kitchen in an afternoon. 🙌

mirror in kitchen, backsplash with shelf, black cabinets image source

I’ve rounded up some delicious kitchen-mirror imagery for you to feast your eyes on. As you will see, most of these mirrors are quite old. This is an important detail as it adds a worn, storied look that almost makes you wonder if it was always there. And it’s such a welcoming juxtaposition to a modern kitchen.

Mirror, Mirror on the Kitchen Wall

mirror in kitchen, leather cabinet pulls, vintage rug in kitchen image source

Mirror over the kitchen sink

In absence of a window above the sink, a mirror can be a great alternative. Yes, you could place open shelving or art here, but a mirror allows you to still feel like you are a part of the room while you are rinsing dishes.

What’s it like to live with a mirror over the sink? I might even go as far as to say I prefer it over a window. I loved being able to see the dining room (and people) behind me in this kitchen…

Does it get dirty and gross from water splashing? Well, that depends on the sink. If you have a deep sink, it’s really not an issue. I occasionally cleaned the bottom portion (just as I would a tiled backsplash) and it was fine. Really manageable. If you have a shallow sink, I would place the mirror up higher on the wall to prevent a lot of water drops appearing on your glass. To protect the wood frame, I applied a layer of bees wax furniture polish. DONE.

mirror above kitchen sink Hausmatter Interiors

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A mirror with some patina adds instant character to an otherwise new kitchen that may lack original architectural details.

mirror above sink, traditional white kitchen image source

An oversized mirror almost feels like you are peeking through to the next room. Can you imagine how depressing it would be to stare at the wall here instead of this charming kitchen’s reflection?

mirror above kitchen sink, subway tile, cabinets without doors image source

In this kitchen, a mirror creates balance to an asymmetric window wall in the best way possible.

mirror in kithen, fluted apron sink, kitchen wall shelf image source

Okay, technically a laundry room. To achieve this casual, no fuss look, lean a mirror on a shelf rather than hanging it on the wall.

laundry room with checkered floor and mirror image source

I mean…so much personality, right??

vintage mirror over kitchen sink, green square tile backsplash image source

An antiqued mirror with panes creates a “window-like” effect that’s such a nice contrast in this white kitchen.

Seth Meyers kitchen, mirror over kitchen sink, white modern cabinets image source

A mirror Over the Range

Range hoods can be so expected. You know what’s not expected? A mirror. Swoon.

I’ll admit, this is not the best choice for someone who plans to do a lot of deep frying. I can’t think of a better motivation to clean up ones diet?

antique mirror over oven range image source

And you can always opt for a range with a downdraft ventilation, a system that is installed behind the cooktop, eliminating the need for an overhead hood.

mirror over oven range with downdraft ventilation image source

mirror in kitchen, green cabinets, black and white checkered floor image source

This convex mirror is giving this tiny kitchen so much life. I’m not even thinking about how I can’t fully open those cabinet doors if this were my kitchen.

federal convex mirror in small kitchen image source

Even with the range hood, this kitchen shows how a mirror can fit right in to the party.

An aged, frameless antique mirror breaks up the commercial feeling of the stainless steel appliances. It also gives your eye a place to rest in a room with this much open shelving.