Mirrors are often the central feature of a room, promoting a sense of space, especially within smaller sized spaces. Choosing the right mirror can be a task, when faced with the many different types out there: frameless mirrors, decorative mirrors, free standing mirrors, antique mirrors. Do you fix it to the wall or on the back of a dresser?

How to choose the perfect mirror

Selecting the right mirror will change the feel of a room, creating a new sense of space and light. However, it’s important to remember that the mirror will reflect the objects that are in front of it so placement is key because the reflected image will become part of the room. 

Mirrors are used for a variety of reasons. For example, a mirror could be strategically placed to reflect a certain view, bringing it into the room permanently. Or, a mirror could be used to highlight a certain piece of furniture or detailing in the space. In general, the addition of a mirror to a room will make it feel more spacious and light, but mirrors are also a good way to define separate zones within a room, and, if a decorative mirror is chosen, to introduce a unique visual feature.

Choosing the right shape for a mirror

The shape is important when it comes to choosing mirrors. The shape of the mirror you choose can be used to accentuate a certain element of the space or to create the illusion of verticality or horizontal forms in a room.

Long, horizontal mirrors will generally make a room feel wider than it is, while vertical mirrors will draw the eye upwards creating the illusion of higher space.

In contrast, circle or oval mirrors introduce a more traditional and sometimes softer element to space.

How to choose the best size for a mirror

Size is another important consideration. A small mirror on a large wall won’t necessarily work well. It’s important to consider proportion and the best size for the intended space - whether it’s a wall, freestanding or full-length mirror. 

The size chosen will also be a reflection of the mirror’s intended purpose. If the mirror is to be a focal point, the general rule of thumb is to choose a larger mirror and define it with a bold frame. In contrast, if a mirror is designed to create the illusion of space, it’s generally best to select a very large mirror that is either frameless or has a plain frame that won’t draw the eye to it in the context of the overall decor. 

Choosing the best frame to define a style

While the size, shape and placement of a mirror are important, so too is the frame. The frame is vital because it will serve either as a unified element of the wider decor or stand out as a feature in the space. Many antique and ornate mirrors suit traditional settings and older style homes, however, they can also work well as a contrast to stark contemporary decor.

The style chosen will depend on the overall design aesthetic, the intended function of the mirror and the size of the room. If a mirror is destined for a bedroom, for example, a free-standing leaning mirror may work well as a feature in a corner of the room. Conversely, a mirror in a lounge room may be chosen to create light and space and a mirror with lights incorporated into it may be the best choice. A mosaic mirror, for example, may create a striking feature in a bathroom while a custom mirror destined as the centrepiece of a room may work best designed to exact size specifications.