Mirror Hanging Rules: Expert Tips for Perfect Placement
Hanging mirrors goes far beyond mounting reflective glass on a wall. When done correctly, mirrors can transform spaces, highlight natural light and create visual effects that improve your space’s overall look and feel.
But, this can only be achieved through the proper placement and location of your mirrors.
Why Hanging a Mirror Correctly is Important
Mirrors can be a powerful design tool, but their impact depends largely on where and how they are placed.
First, mirrors can serve several purposes. They can make rooms feel brighter and more open. They can strategically reflect natural light if placed near windows or light sources. They can also create interesting points of focus in your room. They can be used to balance a room or draw the eye to or away from something.
But if placed poorly, your interior can have awkward reflections, improper lighting and missed opportunities to maximise the space.
General Rules For Mirror Placement
Height Matters
One of the most common rules for hanging anything on your wall is the height. Generally, mirrors should be placed at eye level, around 150 to 155cm (59 to 61 inches) from the floor to the centre of the mirror is accepted.
This standard height makes it easy to view the mirror while maintaining balance in the room.
But, this rule can be adapted to your individual space. If you have high ceilings, for example, you can adjust the height proportionally to maintain balance.
In a dining or sitting room, where guests will be seated more often than not, you can consider lowering the height of the mirror to accommodate the seated position.
When placing mirrors above furniture, it is recommended you leave a gap above the piece so as not to crowd either design element.
In a bathroom, you can adjust the height as necessary to suit the mirror’s purpose.
Proportions and Scale
Choosing the right mirror size is important for balancing your interior design. An item that is too small may look out of place on a large wall, while an oversized piece can overwhelm the space.
A good rule to stick to is to keep the mirror roughly two-thirds to three-quarters the width of the furniture it hangs above. So, for example, make sure your mirror is not wider than the sofa or bookshelf it is hanging above.
This rule will help keep the room well-proportioned and balanced while still maximising the physical benefits of a reflective surface.
Reflective Considerations
Carefully consider what your mirror will reflect. First, you should determine why you’ve chosen a reflective item – to reflect light, make a space look bigger or for practical use. This will help you work out where to place the mirror.
Then, consider what views the mirror will capture from different angles. Ideally, you want it to reflect attractive elements like artwork or architectural features.
Avoid positioning it so that it reflects cluttered areas, bathroom fixtures or other areas that will detract from the feel of the space.
Common Mirror Hanging Mistakes To Avoid
Hanging Too High or Low
This is one of the most common mistakes. A mirror that is too high can disrupt the flow of the room and make it difficult to appreciate. A mirror that is too low may look odd and not reflect the intended view.
Ignoring Reflections
Although reflection is one of the most important reasons one uses mirrors in interior design, people often overlook what the reflective surface will show.
Take the time to view potential reflections from multiple angles and at different times of the day.
Mirrors placed too close to windows, for example, can cause a glare in the room that can be uncomfortable, make the room feel too harsh and unwelcoming or potentially damage surfaces in the space.
It’s important to factor in both the daytime and nighttime reflections, so check your overhead and floor lighting too.
Skimping on Proper Support
The safety of hanging a mirror is most important. Professional picture-hanging services understand the importance of both safety and location.
They will be able to advise you on the correct hardware to hang the mirror, as well as the best location for your needs.
Best Places To Hang Mirrors In Your Home
Living Room
The living room offers several opportunities to strategically use reflective surfaces. Above fireplaces, they can create an interesting focal point while reflecting light and movement throughout the room.
When positioned opposite windows, they maximise natural light and create a more open feel. Above sofas, they can create balance in the room. Dark corners can also benefit from a mirror as it helps brighten the area.
Bedrooms
In a bedroom, a reflective surface can provide both decorative and functional benefits. When using a mirror above your dresser, be sure to hang it at a height that will be comfortable for everyday use. Likewise, a full-length mirror on a closet door or empty wall can be useful but still serve to add a feeling of depth to your room.
Bedroom decor can also suit statement pieces such as ornate frames. Make sure you choose a mirror that complements the room’s theme.
Bathroom and Vanity
Mirrors in the bathroom serve largely as functional pieces, so height and size are key. When hanging above a basin or vanity, the bottom edge of the mirror should be a few inches above the item to create a balanced look.
In shared bathrooms, a wide mirror that can accommodate more than one person at a time can be very helpful. But, keep in mind the width of the space versus the mirror so that the room doesn’t feel disproportionate with a large mirror.
Entryway
Your entryway or hall is an ideal spot for a reflective surface, offering you a practical location for last-minute checks when you leave the house and creating a warm, inviting environment for when guests arrive.
When choosing a location, consider the hallway furniture like a console, hat and coat rack or closet doors as this will affect the practicality of the mirror.
Styling Tips And Tricks For Mirror Placement
Choosing Frames and Shapes
The frame you choose for your reflective item will help define your space’s character and feel. Make sure it fits in with your existing decor and theme.
Modern spaces look good with clean lines and minimal frames, creating a sleek look that doesn’t overwhelm the space.
More traditional designs can use ornate or gilded frames that add richness and a sense of luxury.
For something in between, you can consider incorporating subtle details while maintaining overall clean lines.
The depth of your frame also contributes to the mirror’s impact. Deep frames create shadows and add architectural interest to the wall, while slim profiles offer a more subtle presence.
Think about how the frame’s finish will interact with the other elements in the room like lighting and furniture. Metallic finishes can add glamour and reflect more light, while wooden frames bring warmth and texture.
Grouping and Layering Mirrors
For a unique look, you can include reflective surfaces in a gallery wall arrangement. This can be either as a collection of mirrors only or as one element in a full gallery wall.
Mixing different shapes and sizes can create visual interest, but it’s important you have some sense of cohesion throughout the collection. This can be through similar frames, sizes or shapes.
When working with a collection, keep in mind the layout in reference to the whole wall. This means your spacing must be accurate so that your items are the correct height and distance from floors, ceilings and furniture.
Mirror Hanging Safety and Maintenance
Ensuring Stability
Professional installation technicians prioritise safety when hanging anything. This means choosing the correct wall anchors for your item’s weight, accounting for both the frame and the glass.
A professional will also examine the wall itself to determine its material and the best hanging techniques and tools.
Finally, a professional picture-hanging service will ensure your item is placed at the correct height not only for aesthetics but also for weight distribution and safety.
Maintenance Tips
To keep your reflective items looking their best, clean them regularly with a non-abrasive glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth. Spray the cleaner onto the cloth rather than the item itself as this will help prevent streaks.
Use caution when cleaning ornate frames, especially wooden or metal ones, which may require special cleaning materials to avoid damage.
Hire A Mirror Hanging Professional Today
Hanging a mirror may seem like a simple task, but incorrect installation can lead to damage or injury. If you’re unsure about your DIY abilities or have a particularly large or valuable mirror, consider hiring a professional mirror hanging service.
Professionals have the tools and expertise to install items safely. They can also advise on the best mirror placements to maximise the aesthetic impact in your space.
For a professional mirror hanging service in London, contact Seido Art Services to discuss your mirror hanging needs.