Wall mirrors and decorative mirrors are some of the most useful decorating tools you can own. A well-placed mirror reflects natural light, makes a small room feel bigger, adds a focal point and brings in shine and visual interest. This guide explains how to decorate with mirrors in every room: where to hang them, what size to choose, how high to place them, and creative ideas from gallery walls to floor mirrors.
Why Decorate With Mirrors?
- More light: A mirror reflects light around the room, especially opposite a window.
- More space: Reflections add depth, so small rooms feel bigger.
- A focal point: A statement mirror can anchor a wall like art.
- Function: A last look before you head out the door.
Do Mirrors Make a Room Feel Bigger?
Yes. A large mirror reflects the room and the view beyond it, creating a sense of depth. The effect is strongest when the mirror reflects a window, a light source or an open space rather than a blank wall.
Where Should Mirrors Be Placed?
| Room | Best spots |
|---|---|
| Living room | Above the sofa, mantel or console; opposite a window |
| Entryway | Above a console table or bench |
| Dining room | Above the sideboard; on a wall that reflects the chandelier |
| Bedroom | Above a dresser; a full length mirror on a wall or closet door |
| Hallway | At the end of a long hall, or a series of smaller mirrors |
| Bathroom | Above the vanity, with sconces on either side |
16 Ideas for Decorating With Mirrors
1. Place mirrors opposite windows
To maximize light, hang a mirror opposite or beside a window. It doubles the natural light and reflects the view.
2. Hang a statement mirror above the sofa
A large mirror above the couch is an alternative to art. Choose one about two thirds the width of the sofa. See what to put above a couch.
3. Anchor the mantel
A mirror is a classic mantel focal point. Lean an oversized mirror or hang it centered above the fireplace. See our mantel decor ideas.
4. Style an entryway console
A mirror above an entry table is practical and welcoming. Add a lamp and a bowl for keys. See our entryway table decor ideas.
5. Lean a floor mirror
A tall mirror leaned against the wall feels relaxed and adds height. Secure it to the wall with a strap or anchor so it can't tip.
6. Create a gallery wall of mirrors
Group several smaller mirrors with different frames and organic shapes for an eclectic look. Keep the spacing consistent. See our gallery wall ideas.
7. Mix mirrors into an art gallery wall
One or two round mirrors among framed art break up a grid and reflect light.
8. Use round mirrors to soften
Round mirrors soften a room full of straight lines, especially above square furniture.
9. Go big in a small room
In a small living room, one large mirror usually works better than several small ones. It opens up the wall instead of cluttering it.
10. Reflect a chandelier
In a dining room, a mirror that reflects a chandelier or candlelight adds sparkle at night.
11. Pair a mirror with wall sconces
Sconces on either side of a mirror create a balanced, hotel-like look and add artificial light where you need it.
12. Brighten a dark hallway
A mirror at the end of a long, dark hallway makes it feel shorter and brighter.
13. Choose a unique frame style
The frame sets the style: gold for glam, wood for rustic, black metal for modern, mother-of-pearl or rattan for something special.
14. Hang a mirror above a dresser
In the bedroom, a mirror above the dresser is practical and finishes the wall.
15. Use mirrored furniture
Mirrored side tables, trays or cabinet doors add reflection in a subtler way.
16. Layer a mirror behind decor
Lean a smaller mirror behind candles or vases on a shelf to double their glow.
How to Choose Mirrors for Your Room
| Mirror type | Best for | Look |
|---|---|---|
| Round mirrors | Above consoles, vanities, gallery walls | Soft, modern |
| Rectangular | Above sofas, mantels, dressers | Classic, versatile |
| Arched | Entryways, leaning on floors | Elegant, architectural |
| Full length / floor mirror | Bedrooms, dressing areas, halls | Practical, adds height |
| Sunburst or sculptural | Statement walls | Bold, decorative |
| Organic shapes | Modern and eclectic rooms | Playful, current |
Consider wall space first, then frame style. A mirror should suit the scale of the wall and the furniture near it. Too small and it looks lost; too large and it overwhelms.
Mirrors in the Living Room
In living room decor, mirrors add light and a wow factor. Beyond the obvious places above the sofa and mantel, try a mirror behind a lamp on a side table, a pair of mirrors flanking a window, or a large leaning mirror in an empty corner. Even a mirrored tray on the coffee table can add light. For a cohesive look, repeat the mirror's frame finish in other decorative pieces around the living area.
Mirrors and Lighting
Mirrors add light in two ways: by reflecting natural light during the day and artificial light at night. Place a mirror where it can catch a window, a lamp or candles. In darker rooms, a mirror opposite a light source makes the space feel brighter and can create the illusion of a second window.
Mirrors for a Glamorous Touch
Gilded, mirrored or mother-of-pearl frames give a glamorous touch, especially in bedrooms and dressing areas. See our glam decor ideas for more ways to add shine. A great option for a dressing area is a mirror with built-in lighting above a vanity.
Mirrors in Small Spaces
- Use one large mirror instead of many small ones.
- Hang it on the wall facing the entrance to enhance depth.
- Choose a thin frame so the reflection dominates.
- Combine with light walls for maximum effect.
A well-chosen mirror can transform a room: it's a great idea for rentals too, since a leaning mirror needs no holes.
Get the Mirror's Height Right
- On a bare wall: Hang it so the center sits around eye level, about 57 to 60 inches from the floor.
- Above furniture: Leave about 6 to 10 inches between the furniture and the bottom of the mirror.
- Size: A mirror above furniture usually looks best at about two thirds of the furniture's width.
For detailed measurements, see our guide on how high to hang a mirror.
What Is a Good Size for a Floor Mirror?
A full length mirror should be at least about half your height to show your whole body when you stand back, and many floor mirrors are 60 to 72 inches tall. In a room with tall ceilings, go taller to draw the eye upward.
What Can I Put Around a Mirror to Decorate?
- Wall sconces on each side
- A pair of table lamps on the furniture below
- Plants or a vase of fresh flowers
- Candles and decorative pieces
- Small framed art for a gallery effect
Where Not to Put Mirrors
- Facing clutter: A mirror doubles whatever it reflects.
- Directly opposite the front door: Many people avoid this for feng shui reasons; it can also be startling.
- Too high: Mirrors hung too high reflect only the ceiling.
- Where it reflects a TV glare: Check reflections at different times of day.
Are Mirrors on Walls Outdated?
No. Mirrors remain a staple of home decor. Trends change in frame style: organic shapes, arches, oversized floor mirrors and natural materials are popular now. Choose the right mirror for your room's style and it won't date.
Hang Mirrors Safely
Mirrors are heavy. Use hardware rated for the weight, find wall studs or use proper anchors, and check hanging hardware periodically. The Nacre Wall Mirror, for example, measures 23.6"H × 39.4"W and weighs 25.35 lbs, and its care instructions recommend checking wall hooks and mounting hardware periodically to ensure secure installation.
To pair a mirror with matching storage, the Nacre Mother-of-Pearl Inspired Dresser & Mirror Set combines the mirror with a six-drawer dresser. For a dressing area, the Nacre Makeup Vanity Desk with Mirror includes a mirror with 3-color lighting.
Caring for Mirrors
Clean the glass with a microfiber cloth and glass cleaner sprayed onto the cloth rather than the mirror, so liquid doesn't seep behind the edges. See our guide on how to clean a mirror.
Related: see our guide to decorating a large wall and entryway lighting ideas.
FAQ
What are some creative ways to decorate with mirrors?
Create a gallery wall of mirrors, lean a floor mirror, layer a small mirror behind candles, use mirrored furniture or reflect a chandelier in the dining room.
Where should mirrors be placed in a living room?
Above the sofa, mantel or console, or opposite a window to bounce natural light.
How do you style a mirror in a living room?
Choose a mirror about two thirds the width of the furniture below, hang it 6 to 10 inches above, and frame it with lamps, sconces or plants.
How big should a mirror be over a console table?
About two thirds to three quarters of the console's width.
For more, see our tips to make a room look bigger and living room wall decor ideas.