Choosing the right Mirror: The Guide for Every Room

A good mirror does more work than almost anything else on your wall. It bounces light, makes a small room feel bigger and finishes a space that feels a little flat. The catch is getting it right. Too small and it floats. Too high and it reflects the ceiling.

Here is everything you need to pick the right mirror, hang it at the right height and style it like you meant it.

Start with the job you want it to do

Before you look at shape or finish, decide what the mirror is for. It makes the rest of the decision easy.

•         More light: Hang it opposite or beside a window so it reflects daylight back into the room.

•         More space: Go bigger than you think. A large or full-length mirror makes a narrow room or hallway read wider.

•         A focal point: Pick a shape or frame with personality, like an ornate, organic or coloured frame.

•         Getting ready: You need a full-length mirror or one with built-in lighting, hung at a practical height.

 

What size mirror do you need?

The most common mistake is going too small. Use this as your cheat sheet.

Where it's going	Mirror size	How high
Above a buffet or console	Two thirds to three quarters of the furniture width	Bottom edge 15-25cm above the top
Above a sofa	About two thirds of the sofa width, or a pair side by side	Bottom edge 20-30cm above the sofa back
Above a bed	About two thirds of the bed width	20-30cm above the bedhead
Entry or hallway	50-80cm wide for a quick check on the way out	Centre at 145-155cm from the floor
Full-length	150cm minimum, 165-200cm for a head-to-toe view	Lean at a slight angle, or mount 20-30cm off the floor
Bathroom vanity	Slightly narrower than the vanity	Bottom edge 15-25cm above the vanity top

 

Try it with real numbers. Got a 160cm buffet? Two thirds to three quarters of that is roughly 105-120cm, so a wide mirror like the Celeste 110cm Ornate Mirror (110cm wide) sits perfectly. Styling above a 220cm sofa? A pair of Naomi 85cm Large Arch Mirrors side by side fills the space without overwhelming it.

Tip: Cut a sheet of paper or cardboard to your mirror's size and tape it to the wall first. It takes five minutes and saves you a second set of holes.

 

Mirror shapes explained

Shape sets the mood. Here is how each one reads in a room.

•         Arch: The easiest shape to style. It softens straight lines and adds height, which is why it works in almost every room. See the Cindy XL 180cm Arch Mirror.

•         Round: Soft and balanced. Great above a buffet, console or vanity where everything else is square. See the Linda 90cm Round Wall Mirror.

•         Organic and pebble: Freeform shapes that feel relaxed and a bit playful. Perfect for adding personality without adding clutter. See the Kai 90cm Pebble Mirror.

•         Ornate and baroque: Detailed frames that act like wall art. Pair them with simple furniture so they get the attention. See the Florence 100cm Baroque Mirror.

•         Rounded rectangle: Clean and practical with softened corners. Ideal for bathrooms and hallways. See the Gia 100cm Rounded Rectangle Mirror.

•         Illuminated: Built-in front lighting for getting ready. Best in a bedroom, dressing area or bathroom. See the Front Illuminated 90cm LED Arch Mirror.

 

Room by room: where mirrors work best

Living room

Above the sofa, buffet or fireplace are the classic spots. If you have a window, try the wall beside it so the mirror catches the light without reflecting glare straight back. Pair it with a table lamp on the buffet for a layered look that glows at night.

Bedroom

A full-length mirror leaning in a corner is the easiest win in any bedroom. It makes the room feel bigger and doubles as your outfit check. Above a dresser, a round or pebble mirror keeps things soft.

Entry and hallway

Narrow spaces benefit the most from a mirror. Hang one at eye level on the longest wall to open the space up, and add a slim console below for keys and mail.

Dining room

A large mirror above a buffet reflects the table setting and pendant lighting, so the room feels warmer when you're hosting. Go for a statement frame here since it is often the only thing on the wall.

Bathroom

Match the mirror to the vanity width or go slightly narrower. Rounded shapes soften all the hard tiles and edges.

 

Hang it or lean it?

Lean it if you rent, like to move things around or have a full-length mirror 165cm or taller. Leaning feels relaxed and editorial. Use anti-slip pads at the base and a wall anchor at the top, especially with kids or pets in the house.

Hang it above furniture, in high-traffic spaces or anywhere it needs to sit at an exact height. Always use fixings rated for the mirror's weight and find a stud where you can.

Many of our full-length styles, including the Cindy XL and Gigi, can be leaned or wall mounted, so you can change your mind later.

 

Mirror mistakes to avoid

•         Hanging it too high. If the mirror reflects the ceiling, bring it down. It should relate to the furniture below, not float above it.

•         Going too small. A small mirror on a big wall looks like an afterthought. When in doubt, size up.

•         Ignoring the reflection. Check what the mirror will show. You want a window, a pendant light or a styled corner, not the laundry basket.

•         Facing a window directly in full sun. It can create harsh glare. Beside or at an angle to the window usually works better.

•         Mismatched finishes. You don't need everything to match, but repeat your mirror's finish once more in the room, like a lamp base or cabinet handles.

 

New in: mirrors worth a look

Celeste 110cm Ornate Mirror Gold

A soft arch with a scalloped, crown-like top in a gold finish. At 110cm wide and 90cm high, it is made for sitting above a buffet or console. Shop Celeste

Sage 110cm Organic Mirror Gold

A freeform, asymmetrical shape that reads like art. Tall and slim at 110cm high by 60cm wide, it suits entryways, hallways and narrow walls. Shop Sage

Florence 80cm Baroque Round Mirror Gold

The ornate Florence detailing in a round shape. A strong pick for above a vanity or a small console. Shop Florence Round

Gigi 180cm Gloss Arch Mirror

A full-length arch with a high-gloss lacquered frame in Cabernet, Green and Cream. When you need the extra something, colour is it.

 

Our best-selling mirrors

Kai 90cm Pebble Mirror

Our number one. A relaxed pebble shape at 90cm high by 70cm wide in Gold or Black. Works above a buffet, dresser or console.

Cindy XL 180cm Arch Mirror

The full-length arch everyone asks about. 180cm high by 80cm wide with a slim aluminium frame, in Black or Gold. Lean it or hang it. Want more height? The Cindy XXL 200cm goes bigger.

Florence 100cm Baroque Mirror Gold

Ornate detailing in a landscape shape, 100cm wide by 80cm high. Built to sit above a buffet or fireplace. Shop Florence

Naomi 85cm Large Arch Mirror

A wide, low arch that suits a sofa, bed or console. Use one on its own or two side by side. Shop Naomi

Front Illuminated 90cm LED Arch Mirror

Built-in front lighting in an arch shape. Your getting-ready setup, sorted. Shop LED Arch

 

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What size mirror should go above a buffet?

Choose a mirror around two thirds to three quarters the width of your buffet. For a 160cm buffet, that is roughly 105-120cm wide. Hang it with the bottom edge 15-25cm above the buffet top.

How high should you hang a mirror?

On a bare wall, the centre of the mirror should sit at eye level, about 145-155cm from the floor. Above furniture, hang it 15-30cm above the piece so the two look connected.

Should a mirror be wider than the furniture below it?

No. A mirror wider than the furniture underneath looks top heavy. Keep it narrower so the furniture frames it.

Where should you not put a mirror?

Avoid spots where it reflects clutter, a blank ceiling or direct harsh sun. Skip hanging one directly opposite the bed if the reflection bothers you at night.

Do mirrors make a room look bigger?

Yes. Mirrors reflect light and depth, which makes a room feel larger and brighter. The effect is strongest with large or full-length mirrors placed near a window.

What size should a full-length mirror be?

At least 150cm tall, though 165-200cm gives you a full head-to-toe view. Lean it at a slight angle or mount it 20-30cm off the floor.