Start With Purpose, Not Appearance
Before browsing shapes and frames, answer one question: what job does this mirror need to do? A hallway mirror that helps you check your coat on the way out has different requirements to a living room piece meant to bounce afternoon light deeper into the space.
Functional mirrors (bathrooms, dressing areas, entryways) should be sized relative to the user. A vanity mirror works best when it is at least as wide as the sink or vanity it sits above. Full-length mirrors need a minimum of 120 cm of uninterrupted height to show a complete reflection from head to toe.
Using Mirrors to Expand Small Rooms
Mirrors do not physically add square footage, but they alter depth perception in a way that makes tight rooms feel more generous. The trick is positioning: hang the mirror on the wall opposite the largest window so it reflects the outdoor view rather than a blank surface.
In narrow hallways, a series of vertically mounted mirrors along one side creates the illusion of width without the cost of structural changes. Keep frames slim or go frameless so the glass does the talking.
Light Direction Matters More Than Size
A large mirror on a wall that never receives direct or reflected sunlight will look dull regardless of its quality. Map the path of natural light through your room during the day. Place the mirror where it can intercept that light and redirect it toward darker corners.
For rooms that rely on artificial lighting, position mirrors near sconces or pendant lights. The reflection effectively doubles your light source without adding another fixture.
Matching Shape to Room Geometry
Round mirrors soften rooms dominated by straight lines and sharp corners. They work well in bathrooms and above console tables. Rectangular and square mirrors reinforce order and suit spaces with strong architectural lines such as wainscoting or grid-pattern tiles.
Arched mirrors bridge the two: structured at the base, organic at the top. They have become a popular choice in bedrooms and dining rooms where formality meets comfort.
Wall Colour and Mirror Tint
Standard silver-backed mirrors carry a slight green tint visible at the edges. On white or very pale walls this is rarely noticeable. Against warm tones like terracotta or deep navy, that green cast can clash. In those settings, opt for low-iron glass which delivers a truer, colour-neutral reflection.
Antiqued or smoked mirrors work best as decorative accents rather than functional pieces. They absorb light instead of reflecting it cleanly, so keep them away from bathrooms or dressing areas where clarity matters.
Installation Height and Angle
The centre of a decorative mirror should sit at average eye level, roughly 150 cm from the floor. For mirrors above furniture, leave a gap of 10 to 15 cm between the top of the piece and the bottom edge of the mirror so neither feels crowded.
Tilting a mirror forward by a few degrees is useful for full-length pieces mounted high on a wall, but avoid it on vertical vanity mirrors where it distorts the reflection at close range.
Ready to Order?
If you know the size and style you need, send us your measurements for a free quote. Not quite sure yet? Visit our product range for inspiration, or drop by our Brooklyn showroom to see samples in person.