How To Choose A Wall Mirror

How big you go depends on what you want your mirror to do. If the mirror is the main feature, it should be big. In fact, if you have a large wall, make sure you choose a mirror that's big enough to be the showpiece and draw attention.

For instance, if you're hanging the mirror on a large, empty wall in your living room, dining room, or bedroom, make sure it measures between 25 and 31 inches on each side or in diameter for a bold statement.

Mirrors can make small rooms look larger. The reflection and illumination they provide means you don't have to have a large mirror to make a space look larger than it is. Make sure your mirror fits the space and doesn't overpower it.

If you want your mirror to be an accent piece rather than a showpiece, make sure it complements and accentuates your other decor without being overpowering. Simple mirrors without frames are subtle accents that blend well with your other wall art and draw just enough attention to expand the space and make it feel more dynamic. A mirror that is 10 inches or less on each side or in diameter will be ideal.

Your mirror plays a huge role in the ambiance of the room.

• If you have short ceilings, you may want to elongate your room and create some extra height with a vertical mirror.

• Square mirrors have sharp corners that are more characteristic of traditional styles.

• Round mirrors create a softness that is great in bedrooms.

• You may go for nontraditional geometric shapes if you need something more modern or industrial.

The frame is more indicative of the style of your mirror than the mirror itself.

• Frameless mirrors have simplistic elegance. They are more versatile because their primary job is to reflect what's in the rest of the room. Without a frame detracting from the mirror itself, you can put a frameless mirror anywhere.

• Frames make your mirror heavier, so consider what you want to struggle to hang before you decide. Frames can also take up a lot of space, so if you want your mirror to be mostly mirror, choose frameless.

However, if you want to adhere to a specific style, choose a mirror with a frame. Ornate designs can highlight mirrors as showpieces. Carved wood and curled brass draw attention to a focal piece. Simple frames offer more understated elegance but can still fit in with any decor, so you can use them as accent pieces on collage walls or among your other favorite pieces.

Your frame's material is what defines its style. Wall mirrors with wood frames are rustic and elegant. If they're distressed, they make perfect antique farmhouse pieces. Here are some of the most popular frame materials.

Wood

Wood frames are rustic and traditional. They look great in farmhouse kitchens, bathrooms, and any other classic decor space. Wood is a sturdy, durable material, so wood-framed mirrors can be heavy, but it's also a great way to protect the glass and ensure it lasts a long time.

Painted wood frames can also add a pop of color. Choose your favorite to offer an accent piece in one of your favorite shades. Or choose a neutral color for some soft elegance. Pastels look great among shabby chic decor.

Metal

Metal offers a lot of versatile style. Brass is vintage and looks fantastic in any rustic or Boho chic space. Brass is a vintage style that's coming back, and it's surprisingly affordable. It comes in a variety of shades from dark red or orange to gold.

Aged silver can be rustic or modern. It's simple and understated, so it's the perfect material for an accent piece. However, if you want it to be over the top, choose a silver frame that is more ornate.

Plastic

Plastic is affordable and can come in a variety of color options. It does not offer as good support for your mirror as wood and metal, but it suffices for small, lightweight mirrors. One Scandi-inspired style that is particularly pleasing is a round mirror in a deep, white plastic frame, hanging on a leather strap.

Putting a small or medium sized round mirror in your dining room can help enhance the formality of the room. It reflects your chandelier, illuminates the space, and gives it a more romantic feel.

In your living room, place the mirror opposite the windows to expand the space, make it brighter, and reflect the plush materials you already have. This makes the space feel much cozier. Your living room likely has the biggest walls in your house, so this is the perfect place to hang a large statement mirror.

Bathrooms thrive on wall mirrors because everyone needs a mirror to get ready in the morning. Whether it's shaving or putting on makeup, a mirror is critical. Bathrooms typically have large walls above the sink, so it's the perfect opportunity to choose another statement piece to be the focal point of the room - perfect for sleek, monochrome bathrooms.

However, if your bathroom is far from well-organized and minimalistic, go for a frameless mirror in order not to add to the visual clutter.

The height of your bathroom wall mirror will depend on the height of your sink and faucet and how tall the users are. Mirrors above vanities are generally centered and hung at eye level for most users. Generally, it's 5-10 inches above the sink, unless it interferes with the faucet. If the faucet is tall, hang the mirror 2-3 inches above the tallest part of the faucet. It should be roughly centered in between the lighting and the sink.

Once again, place your wall mirrors opposite windows to make your master bedroom feel much more epic. Mirrors look great above the headboard or above a dresser, so you can catch a glimpse as you dress yourself every morning.

Make sure that when you choose wall mirrors for your bedroom, they offer a muted, relaxing feel that helps you sleep at night rather than stimulating your senses. Wood offers a natural look and a cozy feel suitable for bedrooms, and so does the softness of round mirrors. They can either be frameless or framed in a delicate, light wood or gold-brushed metal frame.

The perfect mirror for you won't be the perfect mirror for anyone else. It's a very personal choice that involves your own preferences and the decor and layout of your home. Shopping for wall mirrors is fun and can enhance any decor in any room.