What can you hang on a wall like artwork, brightens a room like a lamp, and lets you see how fabulous you look before you dash out the door? Wall mirrors can do it all, in virtually any space! It’s no riddle that wall mirrors are always a popular design choice, no matter what style your home conveys. How do you know which decorative wall mirror is best for you? You may need to do a little soul-searching and a lot of browsing to narrow down the possibilities.
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Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall
It’s difficult to imagine a home without at least one mirror, especially in a bathroom or bedroom to check your appearance after you dress. When you look beyond pure function, however, you start to see how mirrors can elevate your home décor. Oversized wall mirrors can make a room appear larger, making them perfect for small spaces. A mirror in a hallway, dining room or family room can also reflect natural and artificial light to brighten dark corners and chase away a gloomy atmosphere.
Who’s the Fairest of Them All?
When you set aside function, you can focus more on form, and mirrors come in a wealth of them. Choosing mirrors can come down to the size, shape, type, style, finish and even location of where you plan to hang them. Let’s dive deeper into the many options:
Size
Mirrors vary in size from full-length models to hang or lean against a wall, mid-sized mirrors over a bathroom sink, oversized wall mirrors for hallways or foyers or small accent mirrors to include in a gallery wall arrangement. Full-wall mirrors are less common than they used to be, giving way to framed mirrors for a little more pizzazz. Before you select a decorative wall mirror by size, know the measurements of the space you want to hang it. Then, let those dimensions be your guide.
Shape
Rectangular mirrors, with or without frames, tend to be the default mirror shape. The latest design styles, however, allow for a bit more variety. Round wall mirrors, especially in bathrooms, are having their day. If you feel they are overdone, go with something different, like a sunburst for a mid-century look, an antique three-paneled model for over your fireplace, or even an oval wall mirror above a console table.
Type
You already know mirrors have a place in your bathroom or over a bedroom dresser. You may also have a full-length or oversized leaning mirror where you dress to see how you look from head to toe. Don’t limit yourself to just the essentials. Explore the different types of mirrors to see what you may have overlooked.
If you want to see how mirrors can bring out your home décor, you may want to explore other options. Step back in time with vintage mirrors like trumeau mirrors (meant to adorn the space between two windows), arched mirrors over a mantel or entryway, cheval mirrors for more style than the average floor-length version, or ornate baroque or rococo mirrors for over-the-top luxury.
Style
Oh, the possibilities! Mirror styles to coordinate with your interior design theme are yet another avenue to explore when making your selection. Consider your home’s design to help you decide; for example, a rustic or cottage-core mirror may look awkward in a Scandi-inspired room, which would do better with a minimal or wood-framed mirror. If you have a state-of-the-art modern home, look for frameless mirrors. Shopping by design style is easier than you think; using filters online can eliminate the kinds you know you don’t want.
Finish
Mirror frames are yet another element that can make or break your décor. Metal finishes, like gold, brass, chrome, or bronze, can match your bathroom fixtures for a cohesive style. Wood-framed mirrors above a fireplace, sofa or console table can be plain or ornate, depending on your taste. Painted finishes add another layer of color and texture to enhance the rest of the room. Shop online at your favorite home décor sites, turn to design blogs or peruse magazines to get a sense of what appeals to you and would look quite handsome in your home.
Location
Bathrooms, bedrooms and entryways are all places where you would expect to find a mirror in a home. Go for the unexpected by using mirrors in a less conventional way. For example, instead of hanging an oversized wall mirror over a buffet in your dining room, opt for a cluster of smaller mirrors arranged artfully in the same space. Or, layer leaning mirrors against a bedroom wall rather than using a single wall-mounted full-length to create a focal point.
Quiet Reflection
Here are some clever tricks interior designers use to determine mirror placement for successful accents:
- Place a mirror opposite a window to reflect more light throughout your space. Likewise, avoid hanging a mirror facing a less attractive element in your room that you would rather not accentuate.
- Give some thought to the finish of the mirror. Do you want pristine, shiny finishes, or would an antique patina with silvering or pitting create more texture?
- Opt for mirrored furniture for an opulent, sophisticated style. Choose wisely to avoid crossing the line from glamorous into tacky.
- Choose accents to place near your mirror. Want to reflect more light? Aim your mirror to face a light fixture or window. Like a lush look? Arrange potted plants in front of a leaning or shelf mirror to make them appear fuller.
Ultimately, you get to decide what style of wall mirror works best for you. Chairish has an unbelievable collection of wall mirrors to use in any room. Look through our new and vintage mirrors to find your favorites and elevate your home’s décor with one-of-a-kind treasures you can’t find just anywhere.
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Lead photo design by interior Design + Styling: Hannah Crowell / Photo by Seamus Payne