I’m always on the look out for clever space-saving solutions – not only do I live in a fairly compact home myself, I’m often asked by interior-design clients to help them make the most of small rooms. One tried-and-tested trick is to choose furniture and other items that incorporate hidden storage, and full-length mirrors with integrated rails, hooks and shelves can prove particularly useful. They’re ideal in cramped hallways where there isn’t enough space for separate coat and shoe racks, and in guest bedrooms, where you might want to provide some hanging space without adding a full wardrobe. They can even come in handy in main bedrooms, bathrooms and dressing rooms, giving a bit of extra storage and perhaps somewhere to set out an outfit ready for the following day.
If you think a storage mirror could help you keep the clutter at bay in your home, I’ve picked out 12 of the best designs below. Some are freestanding, others wall-mounted, but all combine a beautiful pared-back aesthetic with practical features. I’ve also incorporated options for a range of different budgets, so you’ll find everything from a £50 IKEA bargain to a £990 investment piece that you’ll want to keep for decades to come…
- ‘Soft Edge’ oak freestanding mirror with hanging rail, hook and shelf, £350, John Lewis
- Menu ‘Kaschkasch’ white powder-coated steel wall-leaning mirror with hanging rails (also available in black), £269.95, Made in Design [AD – affiliate link]
- Umbra ‘Vala’ black powder-coated steel freestanding mirror with fold-out hanging space, £200, Utility Design
- ‘Reflection’ beige powder-coated steel wall-mounted mirror with hanging rail (also available in white and black), 6,600 SEK, Design Of
- ‘Huldra’ black metal wall-mounted mirror with hanging rail, £150, MADE [AD – affiliate link]
- ‘Norman’ freestanding wooden mirror with hanging rail and shelves, £324, Maisons du Monde
- ‘Seta’ black metal freestanding mirror with hanging rail, hooks and storage shelves, £200, MADE [AD – affiliate link]
- ‘Unity’ oak wall-leaning mirror with storage compartment and hook, £729, Heal’s
- ‘KNAPPER’ white metal freestanding mirror with hanging rail, £50, IKEA
- ‘Rattan’ oak freestanding mirror with hanging rail and shelf (also available in black), £350, John Lewis
- Kristina Dam Studio ‘Rotating’ beige powder-coated steel wall-mounted mirror with hook (also available in black), £990, Nest.co.uk
- ‘Hugin’ black metal freestanding mirror and clothes rail, £175, MADE [AD – affiliate link]
If space is particularly tight, it’s worth taking a look at wall-mounted models such as Design Of’s ‘Reflection’ (shown below), as they’re generally fairly compact and have a much smaller footprint. You’ll need to hang them carefully using the right fittings for your wall type, although some have legs for extra stability. Freestanding mirrors tend to be bulkier, but they offer slightly more storage in return and are the best option if you’re looking for shelves as well as hanging space.
If you want a mirror that can slot into a corner, then Menu’s ‘Kaschkach’ and Umbra’s ‘Vala’ designs are ideal. The latter also has fold-out sides, so you can position it however works best for you.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning Kristina Dam Studio’s ‘Rotating’ mirror which, in addition to featuring a discreet hook at the rear, can be swivelled as needed. There’s no denying it’s pricey, but if budget allows then it’s the kind of versatile, long-lasting piece that can move with you from home to home.
If you want more ideas for dealing with small spaces, you’ll find my top tops here. I’ve also put together a round-up of the best coffee and side tables with integrated storage.
Please note this post contains affiliate links (all clearly marked), which means I will receive a small commission on any resulting sales. You won’t pay any more by clicking on these links than you would by visiting the websites directly, and it helps to support the free content I create here.
All photography via the brands above
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