The ultimate guide to choosing the perfect mirror for your decor

Let's start with the basics

Mirrors are available in large quantities on the market, so before you make your final choice on a particular mirror, there are a few aspects to consider:

1. Room size

When placing a mirror in a room, it's important to consider the desired effect. If, for example, you have a small, narrow bathroom and you want it to appear larger, simply add a large mirror above the vanity, which will give the room a sense of depth. On the other hand, a mirror placed at the end of a corridor will give

the impression that the corridor is shallower and less narrow.

Also, a mirror that's too small in a large room will look out of proportion. It will stand out and not fit in with the rest of the decor. Make sure the mirror you choose respects the proportions of the space in which it will be placed.

Beware of what the mirror may reflect: a mirror reflecting a clutter of objects will make the room feel more cluttered rather than giving an impression of spaciousness.

2. Brightness in the room:

Mirrors are ideal for rooms lacking in natural light. Because they reflect light, when installed in a darker area with limited light, such as a corridor, they increase the light source.

Similarly, in a room with lots of natural light, a mirror is sure to increase the level of brightness (perfect for natural plant lovers).

In the case of a decorative mirror, assess the amount of light already present in the room and analyze your needs in terms of brightness. This will enable you to choose an ideal size and location.

3. Decorative or functional mirror:

You need to determine the purpose of your mirror. It can be simply decorative, meaning that it's not primarily used to look at your reflection, but to enhance the decor of a room. In this case, you may prefer mirrors with more stylish shapes and colors.

You may also need a mirror for its practical functions, such as above a bathroom vanity or in the hallway for a last look before going out.

4. Installation methods:

It's important to think about how your mirror will be installed in the room. Will it be a wall-mounted mirror? Or will it be placed directly on the floor? Regardless of how it will be placed, you'll need to validate whether you have everything you need to make a proper installation. A heavy wall-mounted mirror will require wall reinforcement or will have to be fixed directly to the wall studs. A large mirror placed directly on the floor will need to have a fastener behind it to ensure that it doesn't fall out the front if someone trips over it.

In all cases, always check the mirror installation guides to ensure safe installation.

Pro tip: The recommended height for installing a mirror over a bathroom vanity is 40 to 42” from the floor to the center of the mirror. Take your measurement from the floor and place the center of your mirror there. Always make sure there's enough space between the vanity and the mirror for a designer look.

On to shopping:

Once you've analyzed the aspects mentioned above, it's time to start shopping for your mirror of choice. At this stage, you'll have to choose from a host of different features, such as:

Size:

As mentioned above, the size of the mirror has a major influence on the effect it will have in the room. As a general rule, experts recommend choosing a mirror that is two-thirds the size of the piece of furniture above it, for the best possible look.

Shape:

Another important aspect is the shape of your mirror. Again, there are a multitude of different shapes and styles available.

Rectangular mirrors are the most classic. This is the shape most often chosen for interior design.

Round mirrors bring softness to an interior.

Oval mirrors are a perfect match between the purity of straight lines and the softness of curves. They're a welcome addition to stylish interiors.

Square mirrors are modern, with clean, straight lines.

You could also choose a mirror with an unusual shape, such as diamonds, or with organic curves to add a little originality and personality to your decor.

Features:

Mirror with integrated lighting: One of the golden rules of interior design is to vary the light sources in a room. A great way to add light to your bathroom is with a mirror with integrated LEDs.
Pharmacy mirror: Commonly used in small bathrooms to maximize available space. Mirrors with built-in medicine cabinets are a great solution for those who lack storage space.
Magnifying mirror: This is the optimal model for anyone looking for a functional, practical mirror for everyday use. It's perfect for applying make-up or shaving up close. And with built-in lighting, you'll never miss a thing!
Mirror with integrated shelf: Are you short of space for your toothbrush, or would you like to add a design element to your decor? Mirrors with shelves are an excellent option.

You now have all the information you need to make an informed choice. To make your in-store shopping easier, make sure you have the maximum dimensions of the mirror you'll need. It's also a good idea to have photos of the space where the mirror will be installed, so that the experts present can guide you with the general ambiance of the room in mind. And last but not least, always go for what you like best, so you'll never regret your choice.

Happy shopping!