How Big Should A Mirror Be?
16th Nov 2023Posted by Laura Rich on 16th Nov 2023
Mirrors are a staple in home decor, but choosing the right size can be tricky. Should you go for a large statement mirror or something smaller? How do you know what size will suit the wall and room you're decorating? We'll guide you through the mirror-size decision-making process!
What's Your Mirror's Purpose and Function?
First of all, it's a good idea to a) know which room the mirror is going in and b) what you want your mirror to do.
Bedrooms or dressing rooms, for instance, can benefit from full-length mirrors that can help you check your outfit. In living rooms, there's often a lot of other competing furniture and focal points at ground level so something of a medium size that can be wall-mounted may suit better. Small mirrors are great for vanity and dressing tables, or for adding interest around office desk spaces.
@ourforeverbungalow_ uses a statement large wall mirror here to add space and light to their dining area, featuring our black velvet Calla dining chairs.
What do you want your mirror to do? Do you want it to be a central focal point for your room? Do you want it to be a nice complimentary addition to other wall art? Or perhaps you are looking to add light to a shady corner (in which case, what size space are you working with?). All of these things can help you narrow down the size that will work best for you.
How Big Should A Mirror Be?
As a general rule, a statement mirror should be at least half the size of the wall it will be mounted on or leaned against. For example, if you have a wall that's 8 feet wide, a mirror that's at least 4 feet wide would be a good choice. However, if you want to create a truly dramatic effect, you can go even larger.
Full-Length Large Statement Mirrors Sizing
Oversized mirrors, including full-length and statement mirrors that can be wall-mounted or propped against a wall, are an increasingly popular interior trend. These super-sized mirrors add drama to any room and create a focal point. They will make your space look larger, often creating the illusion of another room beyond - window and arch mirrors are great for this. These big mirrors work best on empty walls - even in smaller rooms. Avoid too much other floor-level clutter around a big statement mirror; let it do its job of being the main event in the room. These styles of large full-length statement mirrors are great for bedrooms and dressing rooms, as you can really get a sense of your full outfit.
Here @home88_ uses a large full-length arch window mirror to great effect alongside our Leonardo glass dining table with 4 Nora velvet dining chairs.
How Big Should Large To Medium Wall-Mounted Mirrors Be?
Large and medium-sized mirrors that aren't quite the full-length sizes we discussed above will still add a sense of drama to your room. When they are wall-mounted, they still create a focal point which means they can double up as wall art. Wall-mounted mirrors are more suitable for busier rooms - spaces with more through-traffic or more lower-lever furniture.
When hanging a wall-mounted mirror, it's a good idea to try and leave at least 50cm of free space around the mirror frame to avoid it seeming too big for its intended wall space. Of course, you can go bigger or smaller, but this is a useful rule of thumb for gauging what size to go with.
In living rooms, a wall-mounted mirror can look fab above fireplaces or on wide empty walls above the sofa. As always, the larger the mirror, the more light it will bounce around and the more it can create the illusion of a window into another room.
Wall-mounted mirrors are also great for hallways and dining areas, by adding light to shady spots or by bringing the outside in if they can reflect green garden spaces.
@keepingupwith104 uses our Emma round black framed mirror (80cm) in their hallway.
If you want a large wall-mounted mirror to still make an impact and stand out without overwhelming your space, make it larger than other wall-mounted features. Remember, vertical mirrors add height and horizontal mirrors add depth to a room, so go for a mirror size that compliments the available wall space and the look you want to achieve.
Smaller Decorative Mirror Sizing
If you're working with a smaller space, with less open wall space, consider smaller more decorative wall mirrors. These can act as accents and accessories to bounce natural light and add some interest to a wall but are less likely to be good for outfit checks. Smaller decorative mirrors work well as part of a larger gallery wall - go for the same size or smaller than other wall art for a cohesive look. Alternatively, combine several smaller wall mirrors for an eclectic and bright look.
Our Favourite Furniturebox Mirrors
The Hima Gold Metal Moroccan Arch Wall or Floor Mirror (coming soon!)
The Vita Irregular Pebble Wall Mirror with Black Frame (coming soon!)
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