We’re back with another update on John’s sister’s nursery makeover, just as promised. After sharing the step-by-step account of our playful wall striping project and showing the small collection of fabrics we chose, we moved on to the most challenging part of the space: it has zero windows. That’s right — not a single one. Emily’s modern new construction placed this interior room without exterior glazing, because it connects to her older son’s room with a sliding barn door and is also reachable from the hallway by a traditional hinged door. While that layout met safety and design goals, it created a real decorating dilemma: how to introduce light and make the room feel bright and spacious despite having no direct natural light.
The solution turned out to be simple and cost-effective: large, strategically placed mirrors. Mirrors reflect light, create the illusion of depth, and can visually double the amount of perceived space. We hunted for oversized mirrors and ultimately scored two identical bronze-framed mirrors at TJ Maxx for just $19 each — a far better deal than any of the thrift-store or Craigslist finds we had been considering. We knew they would look even better painted white to match the nursery’s fresh palette, and at that price it was an easy choice.
Preparing and refinishing the mirrors was straightforward. We laid out a plastic drop cloth in the yard, carefully taped off the mirror surfaces, and applied three thin, even coats of glossy white spray paint. Using thin coats prevents drips and gives a smoother, more professional finish. If any paint accidentally makes it onto the glass, wait for it to dry and then use a straight razor blade held at a shallow angle to gently scrape the paint away for a clean edge. This trick delivers a crisp, finished look without risking damage to the mirror itself.
One practical tip: avoid spray painting indoors. Spray mist can settle on every surface within a large radius and is difficult to remove from furniture, floors, and textiles. Painting outside provides better ventilation, prevents airborne paint particles from fouling the house, and keeps you from feeling lightheaded while you work.
Once the mirrors were dry and hung, the transformation was immediate. Positioned opposite the large window in the adjoining bedroom and aligned to reflect the outdoors when the barn door is open, the two mirrors function like faux windows. They pick up and amplify the view of sky and trees from the next room, effectively bringing the outside in. Even when the sliding door is closed and the mirrors no longer reflect the backyard, they continue to bounce light around the space, making the nursery feel larger, airier, and more welcoming.
This inexpensive fix — two mirrors at about $19 each plus a few dollars of spray paint — delivered a major visual upgrade in just a few hours from shopping to hanging. It’s a great example of how small updates can have an outsized impact on a room’s mood and perceived size. We’re not finished with that wall, though: we plan to add a couple of functional and decorative elements beneath each mirror to introduce storage and more visual interest while keeping the overall look clean and cohesive. Those finishing touches will add both style and utility without overpowering the light, calm atmosphere.
Have you used mirrors to brighten or enlarge a room in your own home? We’d love to hear your tricks and tried-and-true ideas for making spaces feel more open and luminous. Mirrors can be incredibly effective, but they work best when thoughtfully placed — in the right spot a mirror can amplify light and view, and in the wrong spot it can create awkward reflections. Share your experiences and tips for mirror placement, finishes, or creative mirror arrangements that have made a difference in your decorating projects.