Mirror, Mirror, For My Wall

A well-selected and placed mirror can transform the look and feel of your space. Don’t worry we know you aren’t just buying one so you can look at yourself all day long, or maybe so and that is okay too. All kidding aside the reflective properties of a mirror bring light to a room and can make it feel larger.

Before you run out and grab the first mirror you see we encourage you to put some thought into your selection. Here are some tips to help you decide on the perfect mirror for your wall.

Where should I put my mirror?
Since mirrors will only reflect what’s in front of them, choosing which wall to hang the mirror is an important step in the process. The reflection will affect the experience of being in your room and how everything flows together.

What size should my mirror be?

When it comes to mirrors, size matters. Is the goal of the mirror to be the focal point in your room or would you prefer it to just be an accent? That question usually will come down to the other art and accessories in the room. Your bathroom mirror is more than likely the signature focal point of your bathroom. You have faucets, towel holders, small art, and other bathroom accessories in there to support the grand mirror that dominates the attention in your bathroom. Is that your goal for your living room mirror?

If it is and there won’t be much competing art in the room, then you’re probably going to want to get a big mirror that will add to the space of the room and make it more comfortable and spacious.

If you’re hoping for the mirror to serve as an accent to a highly decorated and artistic room, you’ll want to go with a smaller mirror or even a grouping of smaller mirrors that can be used as accents, catching light sources and reflecting light towards darker portions of a room. Smaller mirrors can also be used to reflect other decorative items such as art, tables, cabinets, or your favourite pieces of furniture.

How should I choose the shape and style of my mirror?

A mirror’s shape and style dictate mood, tone, and accentuate the other items in a room. A long horizontal mirror will emphasis the width of a room and a tall vertical-shaped mirror will call attention to the height of a room, as its shape commands the eye to travel up towards the ceiling. If you’re going for a less commanding look and instead are aiming for something more restrained, an angular shape such as a square or rectangle will do the trick. Going for something more whimsical and fun? Finding a rounded mirror or a curved frame for a softer look will be your go to. You can even create your own shape by grouping several mirrors together, similar to grouping framed photographs.

Have some fun selecting the style of the mirror and frame that reflects the style you already have in your room. A quiet and quaint room might call for a subtle and traditional mirror whereas an elegant room filled with golds, yellows, and whites calls for a large and authoritative mirror. Or, unleash your inner Avant-Garde and go with constrasting styles like pairing a rustic mirror with a sofa with modern lines.

The same goes for selecting the mirror’s frame. If you have been shopping lately for a mirror you will realize that there are infinite options when it comes to choosing mirror frames. Does something industrial, metallic, organic or ornate work in your space? Sometimes the frame is actually reflective too and part of the mirror’s appeal. You will quickly see that mirrors become a reflection of your design style and not just your own face. Pick the right one and you will see a work of art staring back at you.