Best Places To Hang Mirrors In Your House
If you are looking for an effective way to lighten up a space and make bare walls appear fuller, consider hanging a mirror. When deciding where to hang a mirror in your living room, dining room, entrance hall, bedroom or even a study, you will be adding to the aesthetics and functionality of the wall. Deciding where to hang a mirror, and how to put mirrors on a wall, is as important as choosing the mirror itself.
Can you hang a mirror anywhere?
You can put a mirror in any room, but the trick is knowing where in that room to hang it. In short, there are a few rules for hanging mirrors that you should follow to maximise the benefits of having one in your space.
Taking into account light, height and shape will be most important when you look at where to hang mirrors.
Best Mirror Placement By Room
While the function of your mirror will vary from room to room, each room can benefit from a mirror. This is as long as you stick to certain rules for mirror placement based on the room type.
Bathroom
A bathroom is likely the first room you consider when you think of hanging a mirror. In this space, your mirror will be a practical tool as well as aesthetic. For this reason, you must pay careful attention to where your mirror should be placed.
A small to medium vanity mirror over the sink is the most popular and obvious. This will be useful for shaving, putting on makeup and doing hair.
Your vanity mirror should be eye-level. If heights in your household vary greatly, consider a longer mirror to account for this.
Another option for a vanity mirror is to install a mirror with a retractable arm. This means you will be able to bring the mirror nearer to you for close-up work, and look at the back of your head without too much struggle.
Bedroom
A mirror in your bedroom can serve multiple purposes. A full body length mirror will be practical when getting dressed. For this purpose, it is common to hang a mirror in a cupboard or near your dressing room area. In bedrooms with limited space, you can hang a mirror behind a door.
You also have the option to use a mirror for decorative purposes. Hanging a mirror above your bed helps make your bedroom feel larger and more airy. It can also help lighten your room by reflecting your overhead or bedside lights in the evenings. In this case, using a professional picture hanging service will give you the best results as they will be able to guide you on the location of this mirror in relation to your bed, ceiling and adjoining walls. Plus, for safety reasons, using the appropriate tools will ensure you, or your guests, are safe while lying under the mirror.
Living Room
Mirror placement in a living room is more likely decorative than functional, but a statement mirror will definitely add to your space. Figuring out where to put a mirror in a living room will depend on the size of the room, the orientation of your layout and the lighting in the space.
If your living room has a fireplace, you can opt to hang your mirror above the mantel to extend the lines of the fireplace. Alternatively, you could consider hanging your statement mirror on the wall opposite your fireplace. This will help reflect and amplify the warmth of the fire.
If you have created a gallery wall in your living room, why not include a statement mirror in amongst your artwork and pictures? A well-framed mirror in a gallery wall adds depth to the space.
Hallway
In a hallway, the best placement for a mirror is at the end of the hallway, opposite the main entrance. This will create the illusion of a longer, deeper space and also serve a practical purpose allowing you to see yourself before you leave the hallway and enter the rest of the house, or leave the house altogether.
Dining Room
A mirror in your dining room can help create the feeling of a larger room without creating a cluttered feel. Hanging a mirror opposite a window or a natural light source could work in this space to reflect the light. Avoid putting your mirror directly opposite your table as this will create distraction when eating. Above a sideboard or buffet is ideal.
Entryway
Similar to a hallway, a mirror in your entry will serve as both functional as well as decorative. A full-length mirror opposite the main entrance is ideal but if your entryway is small, a mirror at eye-level above a sideboard or small table will suffice. Hanging a small mirror next to your coat rack is also a good option, so that you and your guests can check their appearance before they leave the house or enter the main areas.
Where not to hang mirrors in your house?
Although mirrors can be used to decorate almost any space, there are a few locations we do not recommend hanging a mirror:
In the bedroom, avoid hanging a mirror directly opposite your bed. This can be distracting and disrupt sleep.
If possible, avoid hanging a mirror above a bathtub or right next to a shower as it will steam up and become difficult to use.
If you practise yoga or meditation, avoid hanging a mirror opposite your relaxation space as this can distract during your practice.
For safety reasons, do not hang a mirror above your kettle, stove or oven. The heat may cause the glass to break.
Is it OK to hang a mirror opposite a window?
Hanging a mirror directly opposite a window can reflect the sunlight and cause a glare. So, if you choose to hang your mirror opposite a window there are a few steps you can take to avoid glare.
Try angling your mirror slightly away from the window. This will help reflect the light into the room, making the space feel larger and preventing glare.
Using blinds or net curtains can help prevent harsh light reflecting in your mirror. A UV protection film on your windows will also work to block the bright light.
Tips for hanging mirrors in your house
Consider the function of the room: A mirror can be practical to help you look at yourself, to reflect light or simply as a decorative item.
Measure your space: Whether you are hanging a mirror for functionality or aesthetics, you must make sure to measure the space where you plan to hang the mirror and then choose the right size mirror accordingly.
Be aware of style: Pay attention to the style of frame in relation to the rest of the room.
Hang at the right height: Make sure your mirror is at an appropriate height, typically an average eye-level.
Create a gallery wall: Consider hanging a group of smaller mirrors together to create a gallery wall effect.
Keep your mirror clean: Clean it thoroughly before hanging, and ensure it is kept clean on the wall. This will help maximise the benefits of the mirror. To this end, the height and location of your mirror is crucial – a mirror that is too high will be difficult to clean.
Experiment with lighting: Your mirror can be used to great effect when reflecting light, both natural and not.
For the best results when hanging mirrors in your house, Seido Art Services operating in London and surrounding areas will use their expertise and skill to ensure your space looks tasteful, your mirrors remain functional when needed and that your mirrors are safely and securely placed.