Magic mirror on the wall… how can I make my kitchen look and feel bigger?
Mirrored splashbacks help bounce the light around the room and create the illusion of a brighter and more open space. From updating your breakfast bar to swapping your old tiles for this reflective solution, a mirrored splashback could be the perfect solution for your kitchen.
While a mirrored splashback adds a bit of intrigue into your space, it also has a lot of practical benefits. The flat surface is far easier to clean than tiles, for example. And, if you opt for an aged finish or a coloured effect, any splashes or fingerprints won’t be as noticeable.
Mirrored splashback finishes
While plain mirrored surfaces remain a fixture, there is an increasing trend for different finishes. The most popular finishes are antique or coloured mirrored splashbacks as Jen Nash, Magnet’s head of design, explains: “Depending on your taste, there are a number of different ways you can add a mirrored splashback to your kitchen. If a modern kitchen is what you’re trying to achieve, then I recommend opting for bronzed and textured glass.”
“Antique silver looks great in both modern and classic kitchens. You don’t need to have a country kitchen for this either – Shaker kitchens are popping up in all kinds of properties and offer a sophisticated look that a mirror is bound to enhance. Additionally, if you are a fan of statement kitchen colour schemes but you’re worried about overwhelming a small room, then a mirror could be what you’re missing. It means you can go dark in your cabinetry,” explains Jen.
Benefits of having a mirrored splashback
One of the main benefits of mirrors is that you can have a seamless run of the same splashback. But for those who don’t want to commit to the full effect, square mirrored splashbacks behind the hob work perfectly in smaller spaces.
“A mirror behind the hob as a splashback creates space, openness and depth or keep this area open wall rather than narrow the area with a bold splashback,” recommends Robert Entwistle, design director at Thomas & Thomas.
Lights and mirrors
Use light cleverly to help make the most of your mirrored splashback. “Install lighting fixtures strategically to brighten up the space and create the illusion of more room. And use mirrors or reflective surfaces to visually expand the space and bounce light around. Installing them together can create a light-filled space,” suggests Chris Meeson from Meeson Kitchens.