Independent homes

Entry Mirror and Lighting for Independent homes

Make the entrance easy to use when arriving after dark and provide a practical last-look mirror.

Explore the ideas
Living room seating group with a clear approach from the front of the room
Arrival inspiration: keep the first route into the room open.

Walkthrough checklist

  1. Place the mirror where it does not reflect a bright source into the entry sightline.
  2. Provide a clear lighting control at the point of arrival.
  3. Keep the mirror and fitting clear of door movement and carried items.
Worked example

Residents use the entry mirror before leaving, but the ceiling fixture casts a shadow across the face.

Add soft vertical light beside the mirror and keep the ceiling source for general illumination. Test from the actual standing position with the door open and closed.

How to test it

Approach from the entry in low light and test the mirror before leaving.

Apply it to this space
Layout
Set a landing and storage wall beside the door; screen direct views into bedrooms.
Detail
Use a hard-wearing floor at the threshold and a bench with enclosed shoe storage.
Trade-off
A deeper foyer improves organization but uses area that could serve another room.
  • Check sightline from open front door
  • Test delivery and shoe storage capacity
Entry corridor leading toward a dining area beside a glass-front cabinet
Entry inspiration: a clear approach and shallow landing storage.

The Elixir portfolio

Details worth a closer look

Photographs for design inspiration
Wood display partition between an entry-side passage and living room
Entry inspiration: a permeable divider that softens direct sightlines.
Living area with a glass partition beside a television wall
Entry inspiration: glazed separation that preserves borrowed light.

Related design guides

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