We Hung a Mirror in the Hallway and Our Cramped Entryway Suddenly Felt Twice as Big
A skeptical couple tries a simple mirror trick in their tiny hallway and discovers it transforms the whole feel of their apartment.
Location
Portland, OR, United States
Property Type
Apartment
Room
Entryway
Direction
East
The Problem
Our hallway was a cramped, dark corridor with a low ceiling. It felt like a tunnel, and every time we walked in, we felt instantly boxed in. Guests would hesitate at the door, and we'd apologize for the awkward space.
What They Tried
On a whim, we hung a large mirror on the shorter wall at the end of the hallway, angled to reflect the living room window. It was a cheap IKEA mirror we'd had in storage. We just leaned it against the wall first to test, and the difference was immediate—so we mounted it properly.
What Happened
The hallway now feels airy and open. The mirror pulls in light from the living room, doubling the visual depth. Guests comment on how 'spacious' our entryway is. It's not magic—it's just clever positioning. We've since moved it once to catch the morning sun, and it's even better.
Spatial Orientation
| Bagua Sector | 震 ☳ · Zhen |
|---|---|
| Direction | East |
| Element | wood |
What works best here
Zhen (3) · Wood. East should be the tallest area of the room when possible.
Place: tall plants (especially bamboo or fiddle-leaf fig), wooden furniture, green accents.
Recommended crystal
Green Aventurine or Moss Agate — placed near a window or on a plant shelf in the east
This is the growth sector — plants thrive here and vertical elements feel natural
Source Analysis
1. The Original Principle
Original Text
Los espejos activan, realzan y hacen circular el chi. ... solucionan muchos problemas haciendo que ciertas estancias parezcan más espaciosas, intensificando la iluminación existente, proporcionando protección, reflejando el chi, sacando a relucir paredes «desaparecidas» y duplicando ventanas y vistas. ... Cuando en una estancia hay dos paredes a distinta altura, se puede colocar un espejo en la más baja para elevar el chi y equilibrarla ... si lo que sucede es que en una estancia sobresalen las esquinas o bien bajan hasta ella escaleras carenadas desde un piso superior, los espejos habrá que colocarlos de forma que reflejen todos esos agresores estructurales, haciendo que el chi desande su camino y mantenga su flujo.
English Translation
Mirrors activate, enhance, and circulate chi. They make rooms appear more spacious, intensify lighting, reflect views, and balance uneven walls. A mirror on a lower wall can lift the energy to match a higher one, harmonizing the space.
2. About the Source
Feng shui para Occidente by Terah Kathryn Collins · United States · 1995
Feng Shui for the West is a practical guide that adapts classical Chinese spatial principles for modern Western homes and lifestyles. Written by one of the first American authors to bring Feng Shui to a mainstream English-speaking audience, the book translates ancient Bagua concepts into actionable room-by-room advice using familiar Western design language and contemporary case examples.
3. How This Principle Applies to This Case
The principle behind this case is that mirrors can 'lift' the perceived height of a lower wall, balancing a room's proportions. Modern environmental psychology supports this: mirrors increase perceived depth and light reflection, which can reduce feelings of claustrophobia in tight spaces. By placing the mirror to reflect the window, the hallway gained a virtual second light source, making it feel more inviting and expansive. The effect is purely visual, but our brains interpret it as more space, which naturally shifts our mood and behavior—exactly what the classical texts observed.
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Explore the HIMA ALAÏA collection →Case source
Wind & Water School of Feng Shui
Minnesota Feng Shui pioneer. Founded a professional Feng Shui school and has consulted for major hospitals, banks, and corporate headquarters across the US.