Home decor guide
How to Choose the Right Mirror for Any Room
A mirror is one of the hardest-working pieces of decor: it bounces light, makes a room feel bigger, and doubles as art. Here's how to choose and place one for the biggest effect.
Size it to the furniture below
Over a console, sofa or mantel, aim for a mirror that's roughly two-thirds to three-quarters the width of the piece below it. Too small looks lost; matching the width feels balanced.
Let the shape set the mood
Round and arched mirrors soften a room and read modern and calm; rectangular mirrors feel classic and can make walls look taller when hung vertically. Ornate frames add character; frameless feels clean and contemporary.
Place it to reflect something good
Hang a mirror opposite or beside a window to bounce daylight and views around the room. Avoid reflecting clutter — a mirror amplifies whatever it faces, for better or worse.
Get the height right
Center a mirror at eye level (about 57–60 inches to the middle), and over furniture leave roughly 6–8 inches between the top of the piece and the bottom of the frame.
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FAQ
What size mirror should go over a console table?
About two-thirds to three-quarters the width of the console. That proportion looks balanced — a mirror the same width or slightly narrower than the table works well.
Where should I hang a mirror to make a room brighter?
Opposite or adjacent to a window, so it reflects daylight and views back into the room. Just make sure it's reflecting something pleasant, not clutter.