Mirror, mirror, one the wall…
How to pick the right mirror for your home?
by Zsófia Frei
Mirrors are so much more than a piece of treated glass that we use to see our reflection. Mirrors are a design staple, a piece of art that make spaces appear larger, create warmth, reflect light, and add interest to every wall. Since mirrors are such an important part of home decor, it can sometimes be overwhelming and a hard task to choose the right one.
But don’t worry, we are here to help you to pick the right style, size, and shape for every room in your home. No matter if you are looking for square or round, wall hanging or freestanding, clear, or distressed glass mirror, we have a solution for you! To make this process easier, follow our steps below to choose the most perfect mirrors for your home.
Credit: GUBI
How to pick the right size?
The first decision that everyone should make when it comes to choosing a mirror is how large it should be. This depends on a couple of factors - how big of an impact you want the mirror to make in the room, the size of the furniture you are putting it above/next to, and the size of the wall that you are planning on placing it on. If you want your mirror to create the illusion of space or to be a bold statement piece in your living room, dining room, or bedroom hang a large or extra-large mirror on a large wall.
On the other hand, if you want your mirror as an accent piece on a smaller wall in your entryway, bedroom, or living room, you should buy a small, decorative mirror that leaves enough space on each side (around 25 cm.) between the mirror frame and the edge of the wall.
When it comes to hanging mirrors above furniture a good rule of thumb is to choose a mirror that is around two-thirds of the size of the furniture it is hanging above.
Lastly, picking the right size for your bathroom mirrors can be tricky, but also it is one of the most used places for it. Typically, we recommend our customers to pick a mirror that at least covers the length of their sink. If you have a bathroom with double sinks you can do either 2 mirrors right next to each other, or if your sinks are too close together, sometimes sticking with one, longer mirror is a safer bet.
Credit: GUBI
Credit: AYTM
Credit: GUBI
How to pick the right shape?
Have you ever walked into a room and noticed a round-shaped mirror and instantly felt more relaxed and balanced? This is a prime example of how a mirror shape can define a space, which is why it is crucial to pick the right one for each room in your home. You are not only picking the shape of a mirror but also creating an ambiance for the room the mirror will be placed in.
So, here is some practical advice; if you want to elevate your room, pick a tall vertical mirror for extra height, as it makes your eyes travel up. On the other hand, if you want your room to feel grandiose, choose a long horizontal mirror to create the illusion of length, as it helps sweep your eyes along a long line.
In regards to the actual shape of a mirror, the two most traditional ones are rectangular and square with distinct angles that fit into every home, as it gives an orderly restrained look. The only thing you have to consider is the rim of the mirror to fit your specific style. Round mirrors add softness to your space, creating a calm and balanced atmosphere. Other shapes, such as collages and different geometric shapes, sunbursts, stars, and diamonds can bring attention to a wall even if the mirror is small and create an inherently modern vibe to your home.
Our last tip to choose the best-shaped mirror for your space is to consider the furnishings. If your furniture has many straight lines and minimal details, we recommend using a mirror with curves that will soften and balance out the hard angles. Try to find a piece that can double as wall art (e.g. shaded/coloured mirror galls with a beautiful rim) and works on its own. While, if your furniture has soft ages with a lot of detail, consider a more minimal rectangular or square mirror to balance out your space.
Credit: GUBI
Credit: AYTM
Credit: AYTM
How to pick the right style?
The style of your mirrors can either match the design you already have in your home, or it can be the complete opposite, by choosing a style that is unexpected. This can create a great impact and act as an accent piece in the room. Even though the size and shape of a mirror are important, a lot of people forget about the fact that a frame can play a quite significant role in determining the style of a mirror.
So here are some of our advice regarding picking the right frame for the style of your space. If your home is more traditional or ethnic culture-inspired, a carved, ornate, or gilt frame is often the best choice. (It can also be used for contrast in a more modern space.) If your space has a more modern or casual interior a simple frame from unusual materials and simple lines are often more suitable. Lastly, if you are going for a country or eclectic look, whimsical frames and distressed looks will work well for your space.
We shouldn’t forget about the fact that an artistic mirror can also add a significant amount of style to a room. For example, whitewashed driftwood, gilded leaves, or wrought-iron branches framed mirror will grab anybody’s attention, who walks into the room.
Or, you can go the other way and pick a completely frameless mirror for a more elegant and seamless look. It is their size and shape that gives them a strong presence in the room. You can also cut them to the exact size that will fit your space the best.
Credit: GUBI
Credit: GUBI
Final advice
We always recommend our customers to take a picture of the place where they would like to hang their mirror. You can use that photo as a reference when shopping for mirrors that can help you visualize the impact of each shape, size, and style that a mirror can make in your space.
Credit: GUBI
If you want to fill your home with some of our beautiful designer mirrors, you can find a selection of mirrors in our Web Store.
