Mirror, mirror, are there any rules?
Hanging the right mirror in the right place can give new life to a space. But because mirrors only reflect what’s in front of them, they need to be positioned with care, as whatever is reflected gets added to the scene.
Used well, a mirror will define or accentuate what is already present. Mirrors can also be used to add light or bring in the outdoors, such as with a soothing view of the garden.
Deciding on the mirror to use comes down to its shape, size and style.
A horizontal, narrower mirror accentuates a room’s length by encouraging the eye to sweep across a long line. This can assist in making the most of walls when furniture occupies the lower portion, while also guiding attention to adjoining spaces.
A tall mirror, on the other hand, draws attention to height.
Angular shapes such as squares or rectangles help achieve an orderly look – provided the space isn’t cluttered.
Rounded or curved frames produce a softer feel.
With the size, it’s about whether you want the reflection to be a focal point, an accent to other features, or as a space-enlarging background. To maximise impact and create a focal point, explore larger options for added drama.
The frame also becomes important when wanting to make a statement.
An extra-large mirror, however, becomes more of a background feature, effectively replacing a chunk of the wall. This does the most to visually expand a space. If this is the goal, the frame should be subtle so not to draw attention away from the scene being reflected.
Smaller mirrors are ideal for accents that ‘‘set off’’ a room, catching light here, reflecting an interesting object there.
They can also be used in groups, but collectively are likely to become a focal point of their own.
The style of the mirror has a lot to do with its frame. An ornate, carved or gilt frame is ideal for a classically themed room or as an element of surprise if you want to try it in a modern setting.
A frame with simple lines is an easy fit in modern homes and
casual settings, while the distressed look tends to work well in a room with a country atmosphere or eclectic feel.
With placement, consider what will be reflected. A mirror hung opposite an important architectural element, painting or piece of furniture will give that item even more prominence. The
same applies if it faces something unattractive.
Gardens provide a pleasing view. Hanging a mirror opposite a window also greatly boosts natural light in a room.
The height you hang the mirror will also depend largely on what you want reflected. Eye-level works well in many cases, as with
art, but there are no hard and fast rules.
Traditional placements for a mirror include above a mantelpiece to reflect activity in the room and avoid the risk of heat damaging an artwork; near an entrance, which is great for a final check of yourself before heading out; in a dining room, especially if captures the spread on the table; and in a narrow hallway, to add light and make it appear more spacious.