How Do Mirrors Create the Illusion of Depth?

Mirrors can make it look like there's more space behind them. Imagine you're standing in front of a mirror, and you see another version of yourself, but instead of just seeing one person, it feels like there’s room to step back further. That’s the mirror depth illusion! Mirrors reflect light from your body, and our brains get tricked into thinking that space is real. When the mirror reflects another mirror, the illusion gets even bigger because each reflection makes it look deeper!

Take the quiz →

Examples

When you stand between two mirrors, it looks like there's a whole hallway of you! Each reflection makes it feel deeper.
A single mirror can trick your brain into thinking there's more room behind it. Like when you look in the bathroom mirror and think you could step back further.
When you put two mirrors at an angle, it looks like you're standing inside a tunnel! Every reflection adds to the illusion.

Ask a question

Discussion

Recent activity

Categories: Physics · optics,light reflection,mirror illusions