Interior Design Guide · 2026 · 7 min read · Elysium Home

Nothing shapes a first impression like the entry, and nothing transforms an entry as quickly as the right mirror. An entryway mirror does three jobs at once: it bounces light into an often dark space, gives you a last look before you leave, and sets the design tone for the whole home. This guide draws on the heritage of Deknudt Mirrors, crafted in Belgium since 1946 and exclusively available in Australia at Elysium Home, Sydney's premier destination for designer mirrors.

Why the Entry Sets the Tone

The entry is the handshake of a home, it is the first space a guest reads and the last one you pass through on the way out. Because it is usually compact and often short on natural light, it benefits more than any other room from a well chosen mirror. A mirror here instantly makes the space feel larger and brighter, and because it is the first designed moment a visitor encounters, it signals the level of care that runs through the rest of the home.

That is why an entryway mirror is worth treating as a statement rather than an afterthought. A beautiful frame in this position does a disproportionate amount of work for how little wall it occupies.

Sizing a Mirror Over a Console

The console and mirror pairing is the foundation of entry styling, and getting the proportions right is what makes it look professional. As a guide, the mirror should span roughly half to two-thirds the width of the console beneath it, wide enough to relate to the furniture, but not so wide it overpowers it. Hang it so the centre sits a little above eye level, leaving a comfortable gap of around 15 to 25 centimetres between the top of the console (or any styling on it) and the base of the mirror.

A piece like the Haussmann mirror or a clean rectangle from our rectangle mirrors collection anchors a console beautifully. For the full method, see our guide to choosing the right size mirror for any room. And because a console pairs so naturally with a mirror, it is the ideal place to complete the look as a single, considered composition.

Shapes for Narrow Halls

Long, narrow hallways call for a different approach. Here, a tall rectangle or an arch draws the eye upward and adds a sense of height, while a round mirror softens a corridor that can otherwise feel like a tunnel. An arched piece such as the Gallery mirror brings architectural elegance to a hall, and a series of smaller mirrors spaced along a wall can lead the eye down a longer passage. If your hall is dim, a round mirror opposite a light source is a reliable way to brighten it, as we cover in our guide to mirror shapes.

Finishes That Brighten a Dark Entry

Finish does real work in an entry. Warm metals such as gold and bronze lift a dark space and add a note of welcome, while a black frame makes a crisper, more modern statement against a pale wall. If the entry has little natural light, lean towards a reflective or warm-metal finish to make the most of what light there is. To match the frame to your door hardware and lighting, see our guide to choosing a mirror finish. Browse options across the full designer mirror collection.

The Practical Layer

For all its design value, an entry mirror also earns its place practically. It is the spot for a final check before you head out the door, and positioned opposite a window it pulls daylight deeper into the home and makes a tight footprint feel generous. The best entry mirrors do both jobs at once, they are beautiful enough to set the tone, useful enough to earn daily use. Every Elysium mirror is delivered insured and fully protected, so your statement piece arrives in perfect condition.

Leaning Floor Mirrors in an Entry

If your entry is wide enough, a large leaning floor mirror is one of the most relaxed and luxurious looks you can create. Propped against the wall rather than hung, an oversized mirror brings a full-length reflection, invaluable by the door and a gallery-like sense of scale that makes even a modest foyer feel grand. The effect works because the height draws the eye up and the generous proportion signals confidence.

The single non-negotiable with a leaning mirror is safety. A large piece must be secured to the wall with an anti-tip fixing so it cannot be pulled or knocked over, this is essential in any home and especially with children or pets. Lean it at a slight angle so it sits stably and reflects the ceiling and light rather than the floor. For statement proportions, look to our XL statement mirrors; for a tailored over-console look instead, our rectangle mirrors are the natural choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big should an entryway mirror be?

Over a console, aim for roughly half to two-thirds the width of the furniture, hung with its centre a little above eye level and a 15–25cm gap above the console top. The mirror should relate to the console without overpowering it.

What shape mirror suits a narrow hallway?

A tall rectangle or an arch adds height and draws the eye along a corridor, while a round mirror softens a tunnel-like hall. In dark halls, place a mirror opposite a light source to brighten the space.

What finish works best in a dark entry?

Warm metals like gold and bronze lift a dim space and add welcome, while black makes a sharp, modern statement against a pale wall. Favour a reflective or warm finish where natural light is limited.

Should I lean or hang an entry mirror?

Hang it over a console for a tailored, space-saving look. A large leaning mirror suits wider entries and adds a relaxed, gallery feel to your space, just secure it safely to the wall to prevent tipping.

Make a first impression that lasts. Discover the Haussmann mirror, explore our rectangle mirrors for consoles, or browse the complete designer mirror collection → Visit our Sydney showroom (open by appointment) to find the perfect entry piece. Get in touch to book a visit →

Interior Design Guide · 2026 · 6 min read · Elysium Home

An outdoor mirror is one of the most underrated moves in garden and courtyard design. Hung on an exterior wall, an outdoor mirror doubles greenery, draws light into shaded corners, and makes a small alfresco space feel like a secret garden beyond. The key is choosing one built to last outside which is exactly where weatherproof construction matters. This guide draws on the heritage of Deknudt Mirrors, crafted in Belgium since 1946 and exclusively available in Australia at Elysium Home, Sydney's premier destination for designer mirrors.

Why an Outdoor Mirror Transforms a Space

Outside, a mirror does the same magic it performs indoors, only the rewards are greater because gardens are about depth, light and greenery. A well placed outdoor mirror reflects your planting back into the space, instantly doubling the sense of foliage. It opens up narrow side returns and courtyards, suggesting a view or passage where there is only a wall. And in a shaded corner, it captures and redistributes whatever daylight is available, lifting an otherwise dim spot.

For small inner city courtyards and balconies, (common across Sydney) an outdoor mirror is one of the few interventions that genuinely makes a compact space feel larger. The trick that works indoors works outdoors too, as we explain in our guide to using mirrors to make a room feel larger.

What Makes a Mirror Weatherproof

Not every mirror can live outside. Standard interior mirrors use a silvered backing that will corrode — the tell-tale black spots creeping in from the edges when exposed to moisture. A genuine outdoor mirror is built differently, it has a sealed, moisture-resistant backing, a frame in a material that tolerates the elements, and edges protected against water ingress. When buying, look for three things: a weatherproof or exterior-rated backing, a corrosion-resistant frame, and proper sealing around the glass.

Quality matters more outdoors than almost anywhere, because the conditions are unforgiving. A cheap mirror left on an exterior wall can deteriorate within a season, whereas a well-made one, properly installed, will hold for years. Browse pieces selected for exterior use in our outdoor mirrors collection.

Placement & Safety

Position is everything outdoors and two considerations are the effect and safety. For effect, hang the mirror to reflect something worth doubling, like a planted bed, a climbing wall, a water feature rather than a blank fence or a direct view back at your seating. Angling a mirror slightly can frame a better reflection and avoid the disconcerting effect of staring straight back at yourself.

On safety, avoid positions in direct, intense sun where a mirror could concentrate light, and keep mirrors clear of paths where birds might mistake the reflection for open sky, breaking up the surface with planting in front helps. Mount securely into a solid wall with exterior-rated fixings, as outdoor walls and weather place more demand on a fixing than an interior plaster wall.

Sizing for Alfresco Walls

Exterior walls are often larger and less cluttered than interior ones, which means you can usually go bigger than you would inside. A generous mirror reads as a "window" or doorway and delivers the most convincing sense of a space beyond. As a rule, let the mirror fill a meaningful portion of the wall or sit in proportion to the furniture or planting around it, our guide to choosing the right size mirror applies outdoors as well. For real impact on a large alfresco wall, consider a statement piece from our XL mirrors collection.

Styling with Planting & Light

The most beautiful outdoor mirrors look as though they have always been there. Surround the frame with climbing plants or position it behind a planted bed so the greenery softens the edges and the reflection blends into the garden. An arched mirror set into foliage convincingly mimics a gateway to another part of the garden — a classic designer trick. Pair the mirror with exterior lighting and, after dark, it will reflect the glow and add depth to the evening scene. Explore the full range in our complete designer mirror collection.

Caring for an Outdoor Mirror

An outdoor mirror lives a harder life than its indoor counterpart, so a little routine care keeps it looking its best for years. Wipe the glass periodically with a soft, lint-free cloth and a gentle glass cleaner, working from the centre outward and drying the edges where moisture likes to gather. Avoid abrasive pads and harsh solvents, which can scratch the surface or attack the sealed backing and frame finish.

Pay particular attention to the frame and the edges, since these are where weather does its work. Check the seals and fixings once or twice a year, especially after a stormy season and clear away any leaves or debris that trap moisture against the back of the mirror. In coastal Sydney locations, salt air is the main adversary, so more frequent gentle cleaning is worthwhile. Choose a genuinely weatherproof piece to begin with and this upkeep stays minimal, a true quality mirror is designed to take the conditions in its stride. Browse pieces built for the outdoors in our outdoor mirrors collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put any mirror outside?

No. Standard interior mirrors have a silvered backing that corrodes in moisture. Choose a mirror with a weatherproof, exterior-rated backing, a corrosion-resistant frame, and sealed edges so it withstands the elements.

Where should I hang an outdoor mirror?

Position it to reflect planting, a feature wall or a water feature rather than a blank fence or your seating. Angle it slightly to frame a better view, keep it out of intense direct sun, and break up the surface with planting so birds don't mistake it for sky.

How big should an outdoor mirror be?

Exterior walls are often large and uncluttered, so you can usually go bigger than indoors. A generous mirror reads convincingly as a window or doorway and creates the strongest sense of a space beyond.

Will an outdoor mirror survive Australian weather?

A genuine weatherproof mirror, securely installed, will last for years. Look for sealed backing and a corrosion-resistant frame, mount it with exterior-rated fixings, and clean it gently to protect the finish.

Bring depth and light to your garden or courtyard with a mirror built to last outside. Browse our outdoor mirrors collection → or explore the complete designer mirror range. Visit our Sydney showroom (open by appointment) for advice on the right piece. Get in touch to book a visit →

Interior Design Guide · 2026 · 7 min read · Elysium Home

Few pieces change a room as effortlessly as round mirrors. Where a rectangle reinforces structure, a circle softens it drawing the eye, bouncing light, and bringing a gentle, human curve to spaces dominated by straight lines. This guide looks at how to style round mirrors through the whole home, drawing on the design heritage of Deknudt Mirrors, crafted in Belgium since 1946 and exclusively available in Australia at Elysium Home, Sydney's premier destination for designer mirrors. (For shape choices specific to one room, see our companion guide to the best mirror shapes for a living room.)

Why a Round Mirror Softens a Space

Most rooms are built from rectangles, walls, windows, doorways, cabinetry, sofas. Introduce a circle and you create a deliberate counterpoint, the curve relieves all that geometry and gives the eye somewhere to rest. That is why designers reach for round mirrors so often in rooms that feel boxy or hard. A single round mirror can make a space feel calmer and more balanced without any other change.

Roundness also reads as generous and welcoming, which is why circular mirrors work so well in the parts of a home where people pause, such as entries, vanities, above a fireplace. The shape has no sharp corners to compete with, so it flatters almost any frame finish and sits comfortably in traditional and contemporary interiors alike.

Entryways & Above the Console

The entry is the natural home of the round mirror. Hung above a console table, a circle balances the horizontal line of the furniture and creates an instant focal point as you walk in. Aim for the centre of the mirror to fall a little above eye level, and let the mirror span roughly half to two-thirds the width of the console beneath it. A warm finish like the Calco White round mirror or a soft timber tone keeps the welcome gentle, while a black frame makes a sharper, more architectural first impression.

Round mirrors are also a clever fix for dark or narrow halls, positioned opposite a light source, they bounce daylight deeper into the home. Our guide on using mirrors to make a room feel larger explores this in more detail.

The Bathroom Vanity

Over a vanity, a round mirror brings softness to a room that is usually all hard edges due to the use of tiles, basins, rectangular cabinetry. A single circle above a basin feels boutique and considered, a pair of matching circles above a double vanity is one of the most enduring looks in bathroom design. Choose a finish that survives humidity and pair it with your tapware for a resolved scheme. Explore options in our bathroom mirrors collection, and see our dedicated bathroom mirror guide for sizing and placement.

Grouping & Clustering Round Mirrors

One round mirror is a focal point, several mirrors become a feature wall. Clustering works best when you vary the diameters but keep the finish consistent, arranging the circles in a loose, organic constellation rather than a rigid grid. This approach suits stairwells, long hallways and large living room walls that would overwhelm a single piece. Keep gaps between mirrors tight and consistent, around 5-10 centimetres so the group reads as one composition.

Sizing a Round Mirror

The half to two-thirds rule that governs all wall mirrors applies to circles too, your mirror should span roughly half to two-thirds the width of the furniture or wall area beneath it. As a circle carries less visual mass than a rectangle of the same width, you can often go slightly larger than you expect without overwhelming the space. For a full breakdown, read our guide to choosing the right size mirror for any room. Browse the range in our round mirrors collection.

Round, Arch or Organic?

If you love the softness of a circle but want a little more presence, two related shapes are worth considering. An arch keeps a curved top while adding height and a touch of architecture, this is ideal for taller walls and entries. An organic or pebble shape, like several pieces in our Calco range, takes the idea further with a gently irregular outline that feels sculptural and contemporary. All three share the same virtue, they relieve the rectangles around them. Choose round for balance, arch for height, organic for a true statement.

Above a Fireplace or Bed

Two of the most rewarding places for a round mirror are above a fireplace and above a bed, both are strong horizontal anchors that benefit from a circular counterpoint. Over a mantel, a round mirror balances the heavy, rectangular mass of the fireplace and reflects the room's light back into the heart of the living space. Centre it on the chimney breast rather than the mantel if the two differ, and allow a little breathing room above the mantelpiece so the mirror sits comfortably rather than perching on the shelf.

Above a bedhead, a round mirror softens the bedroom and adds a sense of calm symmetry, a single large circle centred over the bed, or a pair of smaller circles above bedside tables. Keep the scale generous but not overwhelming, and choose a finish that complements your bedlinen, carpet and timber tones. In both settings the curve does what it always does, it relieves the rectangles around it and makes the room feel more considered. Explore options in our round mirrors collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do round mirrors work best?

Entryways above a console, bathroom vanities and above fireplaces are the classic spots. Round mirrors excel anywhere a room feels boxy or hard because the curve relieves the surrounding straight lines.

How big should a round mirror be?

Aim for roughly half to two-thirds the width of the furniture or wall beneath it. Circles carry less visual weight than rectangles, so you can often size up slightly without crowding the space.

Can I group several round mirrors together?

Yes. Vary the diameters but keep the finish consistent, and arrange them in a loose cluster with tight, even gaps. This works beautifully on stairwells and large feature walls.

What finish suits a round mirror?

Round frames flatter almost any finish. Black emphasises the clean circular line, gold and bronze add warmth, and light timber keeps things soft and natural, always choose to echo the metals already in the room.

Ready to add a little softness to your home? Browse our full range of round mirrors →, discover the Luna Light round mirror, or explore the complete designer mirror collection. Visit our Sydney showroom (open by appointment) to see each piece in person. Get in touch to book a visit →

Interior Design Guide · 2026 · 7 min read · Elysium Home

Choosing a mirror finish — whether a warm bronze mirror, a polished gold, or a matte black frame, is one of the quietest yet most decisive choices in a room. The finish is what ties a mirror to your hardware, your lighting and your palette, turning a reflective surface into a deliberate design statement. This guide draws on the heritage of Deknudt Mirrors, crafted in Belgium since 1946 and exclusively available in Australia at Elysium Home, Sydney's premier destination for designer mirrors.

Why Finish Sets the Mood of a Room

Shape and size determine how a mirror sits in a space; finish determines how it feels. A warm metal softens and flatters, lending a room a sense of age and comfort. A cool, polished tone sharpens and modernises. A matte black frame recedes into the architecture, letting the reflection do the talking. Before you fix on a colour, look at the metals already in the room — tapware, door handles, lighting, table legs, because the most resolved interiors repeat a finish rather than introduce a new one.

At Elysium Home we think of finish as the bridge between a mirror and everything around it. A frame is rarely seen in isolation; it is read alongside the wall colour, the natural light, and the textures nearby. Get that relationship right and even a simple round mirror looks considered and bespoke.

Bronze & Warm Metals

Bronze is the most forgiving and the most quietly luxurious of the metal finishes. It carries warmth without the brightness of gold, which makes it especially flattering in living rooms, bedrooms and hallways where you want softness rather than sparkle. A bronze mirror such as the Brio pairs beautifully with timber, leather, terracotta and earthy paint colours, and it sits comfortably against both warm whites and deep, moody walls.

Because bronze reads as a "lived-in" metal, it suits homes with character — period features, natural materials, layered textiles. If your hardware is aged brass or antique copper, a bronze frame will feel like it has always belonged. Explore the full range in our decorative interior mirrors collection.

Gold: Classic or Contemporary

Gold is the most versatile of the bright finishes, but it speaks in two very different accents depending on the frame. A fine, understated gold edge, as on the Calco Gold Hall Mirror — reads contemporary and restrained, ideal for a modern entry or a minimalist living room. A more ornate or sculptural gold frame leans classic and decorative, at home in a formal dining room or a powder room where a little glamour is welcome.

The trick with gold is tone. A soft, brushed gold flatters warm palettes and natural light; a brighter, mirror-polished gold makes a sharper statement and pairs well with crisp whites and glass. When in doubt, choose the quieter gold, it ages better and fights with fewer things in the room.

Black & Matte: The Architectural Choice

A black or matte frame is the finish for people who want the mirror to feel like part of the architecture rather than an ornament. Black defines a shape with a clean, graphic line, think of the Luna Black round mirror drawing a perfect circle against a pale wall. It suits contemporary interiors, industrial conversions and Scandinavian-leaning rooms, and it provides welcome contrast in a space that is otherwise soft and tonal.

Black also has a practical advantage: it disguises fingerprints and wear better than bright metals, which makes it a sensible choice for high-traffic spots like entries and hallways. Browse our full designer mirror collection to see how the same shape changes character in black versus metal.

Matching Finish to Hardware & Lighting

The most reliable rule is the simplest: echo a finish that already exists in the room. If your tapware and handles are brushed brass, a gold or bronze frame will harmonise; if they are matte black or chrome, a black frame ties the scheme together. You do not need everything to match exactly, a little variation in tone keeps a room from looking like a showroom, but the finishes should clearly belong to the same family.

Lighting matters just as much. Warm metals come alive under warm light and can look flat under cool LEDs, while black frames hold their character in almost any light. Wherever possible, view a finish in the light it will actually live in. At our Sydney showroom (open by appointment) you can see each finish under natural and ambient light before you commit, and every mirror is delivered insured, fully protected against damage in transit.

Mixing Finishes Without Clashing

The fear of "clashing" stops many people from mixing metals, but a little contrast is exactly what keeps a room from looking flat or catalogue-perfect. The professional approach is to choose a dominant finish, the one that appears most often across your hardware, lighting and larger pieces, and then introduce a second as a deliberate accent. A bronze mirror against warm brass tapware reads as one warm family; a black-framed mirror in a room of brass becomes a crisp, intentional punctuation rather than a mistake.

Two principles keep mixed finishes feeling resolved. First, repeat each metal at least twice in a space so it looks chosen rather than accidental, a black mirror echoed by black picture frames or a light fitting, for instance. Second, keep undertones consistent: warm metals (gold, bronze, brass) sit happily together, and cool ones (chrome, nickel, matte black) do the same, but jumping between a very warm gold and a very cool chrome in a small space can jar. When you want to combine warm and cool, let one clearly lead. Browse finishes side by side in our full designer mirror collection to see how each tone behaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a bronze or gold mirror more versatile?

Bronze is the more forgiving everyday choice, it carries warmth without brightness and pairs with timber, earthy tones and most existing metals. Gold makes a bolder statement and is ideal where you want a touch of glamour or a defined focal point.

What finish suits a modern interior?

For contemporary rooms, a matte black frame or a fine, understated gold edge both work well. Black emphasises clean lines and contrast; slim gold adds a quiet, refined accent without tipping into ornate.

Do mirror finishes need to match my tapware exactly?

No — they should belong to the same family rather than match perfectly. Repeating a warm metal (brass with gold or bronze) or a cool one (chrome and matte black) is enough to make a scheme feel intentional.

Will a bright finish fade or tarnish over time?

Quality designer frames, like those by Deknudt, are finished to resist tarnishing and wear. Keep them dry, dust gently, and avoid abrasive cleaners to preserve the finish for years.

Ready to choose a finish that ties your whole room together? Discover the Brio bronze mirror, explore our decorative interior mirrors, or browse the complete designer mirror collection → For more on shape, read our guide to the best mirror shapes for a living room. Visit our Sydney showroom (open by appointment) to see each finish in person. Get in touch to book a visit →

The Calco Gold Hall Mirror anchoring a formal dining space. Crafted in Belgium by Deknudt Mirrors.

Luna Black Round Large Mirror, 200cm. Crafted in Belgium by Deknudt Mirrors.

The Tutti Mirror 190cm, crafted in Belgium. A mirror that doubles as a work of art.

Obu Mirror, 178cm Japanese garden-inspired form, crafted in Belgium.

Lucka Clear Black Mirror, satin aluminium frame, available in two sizes.