There’s a significant amount to consider when selecting a mirror: its shape, dimensions, and the material it’s crafted from. However, the effort is well worth it – mirrors not only bounce light around to brighten your living space, but they also ingeniously create the illusion of expanded room. So, let’s explore how to find the perfect mirror for your home.
Mirror Varieties
Wall mirrors are specifically designed for hanging and come in a vast array of shapes and sizes, making them suitable for every room and purpose.
Full-length mirrors or dressing mirrors are characteristically long and narrow, providing a head-to-toe reflection. These can either be mounted on a wall or stand freely.
Tabletop mirrors do not require wall installation and are an ideal complement to a dressing table or vanity.
Should You Opt for a Wall or Floor Mirror?
The primary factor to weigh when deciding between a wall-mounted or freestanding mirror is space – how much do you have available, and how are you currently utilising it? Freestanding mirrors typically occupy more floor area, making them a better fit for larger rooms. Wall mirrors are versatile for rooms of all shapes and sizes, but because they are affixed to the wall and don’t take up any floor space, they are particularly advantageous if you’re working with limited square footage.
What Size Mirror Should You Choose?
A helpful guideline is to select a mirror that’s approximately two-thirds the width of the furniture it will hang above. If you’re unsure about the ideal size for your space, using a paper template can assist you in mapping out its position. Your room’s colour scheme and existing natural light levels will also influence your choice. While most mirrors are available in various dimensions, the most common sizes, categorised by type, are listed below:
- Round wall mirror (small): 500mm diameter
- Round wall mirror (medium): 800mm diameter
- Wall mirror (small): 500 x 800mm
- Wall mirror (medium): 600 x 800mm
- Wall mirror (large): 700 x 1000mm
- Dressing mirror: 300 x 1200mm
- Full length dressing mirror: 400 x 1400mm
- Leaner mirror (large): 800 x 1800mm
Mirror Types for Every Room
Hallway
Beyond making a small or narrow hallway appear more expansive, a mirror positioned near your front door offers a convenient spot for those final appearance checks before you leave. A rectangular mirror is excellent for providing a more complete reflection while also enhancing your room’s best proportions.
Living Room
Mirrors in the living room are largely decorative, designed to add visual impact. Wall mirrors are a great choice as they free up floor space for other functional furnishings. Opt for a shape that complements the lines of the furniture beneath it. For example, large, rectangular mirrors placed above fireplaces can make a bold statement, while smaller mirrors can be incorporated into a gallery wall arrangement.
Bedroom
Much of our time spent awake in the bedroom involves getting dressed or undressed. Therefore, obvious choices include a dressing mirror, a full-length mirror, or a leaner mirror. As these types also make rooms appear larger and brighter, your selection can both enhance your room’s aesthetic and your own reflection.
Bathroom
In the bathroom, functionality often takes precedence over pure aesthetics. A mirror with integrated storage is a fantastic way to keep cosmetics out of sight and maintain a tidy space, while a mirror with built-in lights will make getting ready effortless – particularly beneficial in bathrooms with limited natural light.
Mirror Frame Materials and Styles
Most mirrors feature a frame – this crucial finishing touch defines the decorative style they align with. The choice of frame style and material will also influence factors like cost and weight. The most commonly used frame materials are wood, glass, and metal, each available in various colours and finishes, such as glossy or matte.
- Wood-framed mirrors blend well with a diverse range of design styles. For a Scandinavian aesthetic, opt for lighter woods in both colour and density. Solid oak, especially with a dark stain, is best suited for more traditional interiors.
- Glass-framed mirrors lean towards a more contemporary feel, particularly when crafted from tinted glass in shades like smoke or chocolate.
- Metal-framed mirrors will introduce an industrial design appeal and are an excellent choice as a decorative statement piece, thanks to their eye-catching finishes. Available options include brass, copper, and black.
Mirror Placement and Hanging Advice
If you’re selecting a mirror to fill a specific void, you’ll likely already have a clear idea of its placement. Hanging your mirror above furniture, as part of a gallery wall, or centrally on empty walls will ensure it makes a striking impression. However, for maximum impact, use it to enhance natural light. Arrange mirrors directly opposite each other, or strategically near a window, to amplify this effect.
How to Install a Wall Mirror
Mounting mirrors requires some foresight and patience, but it’s undoubtedly worthwhile – skipping a step could lead to an unfortunate incident with your beautiful new mirror. Before you begin, confirm you have the correct screws and wall fixings appropriate for your mirror’s weight and the type of wall you’re working with:
- Double picture hook: Maximum load = 5kg, suitable for wood and plasterboard.
- Plasterboard fastening: Maximum load = 15kg, specifically for plasterboard.
- Screw and rawl plug: Maximum load = 20kg, for brick walls.
- Hanging hook: Maximum load = 40kg, for brick and wood.
It’s important to remember that plaster or drywall alone isn’t robust enough to support a heavy wall mirror. Therefore, ensure any screws or hooks are securely positioned over wooden support beams (studs) behind the plasterboard.
If you have a freestanding mirror that doesn’t need hanging, simply ensure both the wall it leans against and the floor it rests on are completely flat for stability.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hanging Your Mirror
Mirrors generally look best when their centre is at eye level, which is typically around 150cm from the floor. Alternatively, if you’re placing your mirror above furniture, allow a minimum of 15-20cm between the bottom edge of the mirror and the top surface of your furniture piece.
- Use a pipe and live wire detector to confirm there are no hidden wires, pipes, or studs at your chosen spot on the wall.
- If your mirror comes with a hanging wire, mark the wall at the point where you’ll suspend it. If it doesn’t, use a mirror bracket – attach it to the mirror first, then mark the wall where each drill hole should be.
- If using a drill, bore a hole into the wall, insert your rawl plug, then screw in your screw almost all the way. Repeat this process for all necessary holes.
- If using a hammer, gently hammer each nail into the wall, ensuring the end remains exposed for hanging.
- Carefully hang your mirror, then check with a spirit level to ensure it’s straight (and give it a quick clean!).
How to Clean Your Mirror
A smudged mirror can detract from your room’s aesthetic – not to mention your photos! Follow these simple steps to keep it looking pristine:
- Grab a damp cloth. If your mirror has a glass frame, a glass cleaner is also a good idea, but avoid it for other mirror frame types.
- Fold the cloth into quarters and consistently use one side. Move the damp section in zigzag motions, working from top to bottom, until you’ve covered the entire surface.
- Stand back, at a 45-degree angle to the mirror, to inspect for any stubborn streaks or spots – gently go over them with a dry section of your cloth.
- Important Note: Water can cause damage to the silvering on the back of mirrors. Ensure mirrors are kept free of moisture, especially along the edges. If mirrors are to be used in a damp or moist environment (like a bathroom), consider purchasing sealants from hardware stores to help prevent moisture damage to the backing.