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corinne_masterson

Entry mirror: “center at eye level”- still too high?

7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago

Ok so a breakdown of the dimensions I’m working with:

My little nook is about 32” wide and 28” deep.

Entry table is 30” wide and 29” tall.

Mirror is 24”x36”.

First of all, I was disappointed to find very few Googleable guidelines about how high to hang an entry mirror. The two sources I did read told me to hang the middle of the mirror at ”eye level”.

Standing in front of the mirror next to a tape measurer revealed to me that I should be shooting for about 61” as a midpoint. “Eye level” is exactly what it sounds like, right? The literal height of your eyes? I’m about 5’6, does 61” sound about right?

Anyway, it took me about 45 minutes to figure out where to place my hook to end up with the exact middle of my mirror hanging at 61 inches but I eventually figured it out and I’m kind of underwhelmed.

Is it me or do I need to move the whole thing down a few inches?


Ignore the hideous doorbell box thing btw. We may be able to get rid of it.



Proof of “eye level”. Shouldnt the mirror be lower even for practical reasons? I can’t really see the bottom of my outfit unless my back is at the wall and even still I can’t see everything together.


Comments (88)

  • 7 years ago

    I think grover also had a good point regarding the landscape vs portrait. Would not have thought of the portrait needing to go on the left. Maybe frame the landscape and try it there on the right with something small on the left as grover suggested. The bottom line is what looks good to you.

    Corinne Masterson thanked chloebud
  • 7 years ago

    I was sort of hoping to not frame this painting only because I’ve already signed my mortgage, my firstborn & several pints of blood over to my local framing shop

  • 7 years ago

    Mirror frame post of mine - I meant that, like Beverly's curvy mirror, which seemed somewhat gold-metal rubbed finished, maybe you could do that on yours.

    Corinne Masterson thanked everdebz
  • 7 years ago

    "...I’ve already signed my mortgage, my firstborn & several pints of blood over to my local framing shop"


    I can relate!

    Corinne Masterson thanked chloebud
  • 7 years ago

    I hate to be a dissenter but I think the painting is too big. But I would ask you to lean the landscape art against the mirror on the right side of the table and put a small vase or something smaller like Chloe suggests on the left and post a picture to give an accurate view of proportion.

    Corinne Masterson thanked Seajay Sparkles
  • 7 years ago



    Corinne Masterson thanked groveraxle
  • 7 years ago

    That’s great Grover. Thanks.

    Corinne Masterson thanked Seajay Sparkles
  • 7 years ago

    I like the mirror lowered too but I don't like any pictures on the table. I would place a fairly large low bowl as a catch all for keys etc and a vase for fresh flowers. I like things to not only look nice but be functional too

    Corinne Masterson thanked Cheryl Smith
  • 7 years ago

    Nicely done from grover, but the framed landscape just looks too big to me.

    Corinne Masterson thanked chloebud
  • 7 years ago

    I could be nuts, but if the success of the space depends so much on size and placement of accessories, something else might be amiss. I'm thinking it's the shape and size of the mirror in relation to the table. They're both nice, just maybe not together.

    Corinne Masterson thanked petula67
  • 7 years ago

    I agree still. Grover’s framing looks great but overall it’s still too big for that spot.

    Corinne Masterson thanked Seajay Sparkles
  • 7 years ago

    Cat I’ve been trying to repress feelings that the mirror is too big for the space. I don’t dislike the items together- I just am concerned that it’s overwhelming.


    Fortunately, I’ve been gifted with a pretty powerful capacity for denial! : D

  • 7 years ago

    This is another option. Same style but an oval shape? I actually really like the frame.


    this one is 24x24 so it’s the same width as the oval



  • 7 years ago

    I love all the ideas but I am prone to just an organic looking- unique bowl to place right under the mirror. Cute and functional.

    Corinne Masterson thanked Apple JT
  • 7 years ago

    how do you feel about circles versus ovals

  • 7 years ago

    Circle or oval mirrors? With that somewhat narrow space, I'd have to go with oval. But I could be wrong...

    Corinne Masterson thanked Apple JT
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Seems there's an uprising, well by a few maybe, that the mirror might be too large. My question - is mirror's height more than table's height? If so, ...? what about that...

    Corinne Masterson thanked everdebz
  • 7 years ago

    I respect denial, and changing the mirror WOULD remove the thrill of victory from succeeding with what you already own. As somebody whose decor is entirely dictated by three pampered cats, I vote for putting one of your scratching posts under the table to add some bottom weight.

    Corinne Masterson thanked petula67
  • 7 years ago

    Just to prove I wasn’t kidding...how’s that for entryway decor?

    Corinne Masterson thanked petula67
  • 7 years ago

    Catliesl. You’re a gal after my own heart.

    Corinne Masterson thanked Seajay Sparkles
  • 7 years ago

    You need an oval or slim rectangular mirror or you will continue to have the issue of marrying the mirror to the table. Personally, I don’t have an issue with the mirror size so your denial issue is safe with me. Concentrate on shopping your house for items to place on the table that are substantial enough, and then when you hit the right combination, you will know.

    Corinne Masterson thanked Seajay Sparkles
  • 7 years ago

    @catliesl That is the best entry way decor I've seen! Do they use it nicely? My cats never touched a scratching post - when I got a stand the more dominant one would jump to the highest point and bat the others in the head with his paw. :)


    I still think an oval mirror or slim rectangular one would work best. I also still like the bowl on top because I don't like a table without anything on it.

    Corinne Masterson thanked Apple JT
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Oh Catliesl! You and me both! Note my scratching post on the left hand side of my photo. I was planning on doing a diy cactus shaped post some time this month lol I’ll let you know how it turns out! Maybe it would make a nice addition to the front entry. It would at the very least give my hosts a heads up “beware if you are wearing black”.

    everdebz gasp yes it is taller than the table! Yikes. I’m not going to be able to un notice this lol I’m glad you brought it up.

    Fortunately I’m still within the return window for this mirror. Maybe I can email the vendor and see if I can try a circle out and then go from there.

    Since im going to have the issue of marrying the table to the mirror anyway, it seems worth a shot.

    Honestly the biggest lesson I’ve learned from putting my house together so far is that it’s always worth it to at least try changing your mind.


    EDIT: Somebody asked for cat photos, right?










  • 7 years ago

    I think the oval shape works nicely in that space.

    Corinne Masterson thanked chloebud
  • 7 years ago

    After you gasp once, pet the cat twice... ;-)

    Do the inlay type parts seem squared/ edged? I wouldn't probably want a circle - the table is the thing you want to appreciate there.

    Corinne Masterson thanked everdebz
  • 7 years ago

    They are actually pretty rounded! Let me find a better picture.



    Lol “inlay” a la chalk paint!




  • 7 years ago

    Closer it better! did you do it? now I get it that it's not the sheen of inlays.... so in person it seems quite a blend... what's mirror frame made of? heavy metal or wood?

    Corinne Masterson thanked everdebz
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    I did- with a stencil lol. The idea was the result of having too much time on my hands & having gotten a little too excited right after taking my medication. I tried to recreate the sheen of inlays with a pearlized paint but my roller mostly picked up the chalky finish from my first coat of white.

    the mirror is a “rubber” finish which sounded bizarre to me at first but grew on me once I saw in person.


    Lol wow I forgot to mention that the table is a fraud! I forget that photos don’t translate as well as an in-person viewing. I should have let everyone believe I was rich!





  • 7 years ago

    I read some of your advice and looked at the pictures and I have to agree, the mirror is too big and heavy looking for your pretty console that you worked hard on. I think I would look for a mirror with no frame or a narrow frame...probably rectangular (vertical hung over your table). and not too high Then put three things on your table....greenery, candles, bowls, boxes, statues, small lamp if a plug in there, etc. I like the looks of a basket under it also.

    Corinne Masterson thanked erinsean
  • 7 years ago

    ^ yeah, it’s definitely too big. Funny I was looking at frameless mirrors for a while before I went with this one!

  • 7 years ago

    I love your happy kitties! :-)

    Corinne Masterson thanked chloebud
  • 7 years ago

    I'm just throwing this out there. How about a slightly smaller, rectangular mirror with a thinner Champagne wood or metal frame? A lighter frame may help mitigate top heaviness, without sacrificing as much mirror area.

    Corinne Masterson thanked highdesertowl
  • 7 years ago

    Love, love your beautiful kitties. Melting! Here are two with thin frames about 21 x36. Maybe you should think about returning your mirror before time runs out. Put blue tape on the wall in different sizes and see what you think. Beautiful job on the table.

    Corinne Masterson thanked Seajay Sparkles
  • 7 years ago

    The mirror is fine. If you choose a round one, you'll have even more trouble connecting it to the table because if you hang it too low, you'll have to be on your knees to use it. I wouldn't even have a problem if the mirror were this big:


    I wouldn't put more than two things on that little table--one tall and skiinny, one flat.

    Corinne Masterson thanked groveraxle
  • 7 years ago

    following

    Corinne Masterson thanked katinparadise
  • 7 years ago

    I also think the oval mirror's fine. I'm with grover...one tall/skinny and one flat item.

    Corinne Masterson thanked chloebud
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    First two pictures are of the circle mirror at the original higher mark on the wall.





    Second two pictures are of the circle mirror at the lower mark on the wall. Same marks I used for the oval mirror.






    Which mirror do you like better? OVAL OR CIRCLE?

  • 7 years ago

    Oval, definitely.

    Corinne Masterson thanked chloebud
  • 7 years ago

    ^ wait really??? I was so convinced the circle was better it isn’t as overwhelming in the space

  • 7 years ago

    What do you see when you look into the round mirror? Your chin? Haha. The oval . . . no contest.

    Corinne Masterson thanked Seajay Sparkles
  • 7 years ago

    Corinne, that space is just better suited for the oval mirror, or something similar in shape to the examples from grover and others here.

    Corinne Masterson thanked chloebud
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    I like the circle, and hey idk why... let's all come over and have a looksie!

    editing to say the smaller circle [by a bit I suppose] looks more dainty, yes dainty.

    Corinne Masterson thanked everdebz
  • 7 years ago

    Having joke-y fun -- that now you can jam items on the table...

    Modern Classic Interiors · More Info


    Corinne Masterson thanked everdebz
  • 7 years ago

    Wow this is one of the few times that I can’t quite see what everybody else sees! Damn I feel like I’m in a catch 22 situation because either way I’ll regret my decision lol.

  • 7 years ago

    I would remove the table and use Grover's mirror or a piece of art a similar size. Nothing else.

    Corinne Masterson thanked Marsha Lorentzen
  • 7 years ago

    Corrine. It’s your house, do what pleases you. We just have opinions.

    Corinne Masterson thanked Seajay Sparkles
  • 7 years ago

    Today a thought - the photo that shows your table a bit from the side shows how little it is and small depth.... kind of long legs too...

  • 7 years ago

    Following

  • 7 years ago

    Corinne, how wide is the table again please? These comments are so messed up lately, it's hard to go back and find anything! How wide and long were the original oval?

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Working with the two items you have, the mirror and table, I think the height is fine. What is making it look awkward is the fact that you have nothing on the table that can fill the gap between the tabletop and mirror.

    Try an orchid in a nice planter or basket, it will help to blend the two together, then add a couple of your favorite small tchotckes (don't over do it though, you could even lay two favorite hardback books with bindings facing out), it will be a beautiful greeting to all who see it!

    You're on the right track!f

    Life is better because of the beauty we find in it!