Software
Houzz Logo Print
snovotny

Mirror hang vertically or horizontally

12 years ago
Which way should I hang the mirror?

Comments (50)

  • PRO
    12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Hung vertically will force the eye up. Will visually add height to the walls.
    Horizontal conversely. It also depends if you will add a lamp or two and accessories. The sizes of them and most of all what you prefer. No right or wrong here.
    snovotny thanked LB Interiors
  • 12 years ago
    You have a rather large mirror for the buffet. From pics, you posted, I think I would hang it horizontally.
    snovotny thanked grobby
  • 12 years ago
    Is the mirror too large?
  • 12 years ago
    It would look good hung either way.
    I would hang it horizontally to maximise the reflected view.

    Question: what else are you introducing to the buffet? buffet lamps? flower vase?
    snovotny thanked Chem K
  • 12 years ago
    No clue! I'm open to any and all ideas On what to put on this thing!!!
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Just suggesting to center the buffet and the mirror to the wall it is on.
  • 12 years ago
    Oh totally going to center was just placing to see which way to hang
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Just wondering if the 'buffet' is centered to the wall. In the photo it doesn't seem so but could be the photo.
  • 12 years ago
    It's close in the photo but we will make sure before we hang the mirror...which it sounds like we should hang horizontally?
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I totally agree with LB Interiors comments.
  • 12 years ago
    Thanks, does that mean make sure it's centered and hang horizontally?
  • 12 years ago
    Is say hang it the long way, as it seems to balance out better with the dresser that way in my eye.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Vertical
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    No no horizontal the ceilings are too low
  • 12 years ago
    horizontal - I would put a shaded lamp on the corner side to add light.
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Once the mirror is hung up, a floral arrangement similar to this (but real ones please) would look nice in front of it
    Hydrangea/Delphinium In Glass Flower Arrangement · More Info

    Faux Ranunculus Arrangement in Glass Vase · More Info


    a couple of buffet lamps perhaps?
    Dueville Coffee Bronze Buffet Lamp · More Info

    La Morra Buffet Lamp · More Info
    snovotny thanked Chem K
  • 12 years ago
    Instead of flowers,
    Monogrammed Apothecary Jars · More Info
  • 12 years ago
    Love those jars! How many?
  • 12 years ago
    Vertically, with a pair of lamps.
  • 12 years ago
    The number of jars would depend on how slim they are without cluttering the buffet! Normally 3.
  • 12 years ago
    I prefer vertically, but I think either will work well.
  • 12 years ago
    Your mirror should follow the shape of the space that it fills, and since you have a decorative border that effectively makes the wall behind wider than tall, it will be better balanced if hung horizontally.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Hang horizontal
  • 12 years ago
    Vertical. Go with the pros.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Vertical
  • 12 years ago
    Agree with LB. Whenever I see a mirror hung horizontally I am reminded of a bedroom. Vertically is far more dramatic especially if it reflects something wonderful like a window or a chandelier.
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    definitely vertical much more suited to the space and a lamp to the side , try a pair as suggested but don't end up with it looking a rigid arrangement or like an altar. I personally prefer not too much symmetry with the accessories and a bit of off centre mixes it up and lets the mirror do the talking. A vase of flowers to reflect in the mirror or in the evening perhaps candlelight. Most importantly don't hang the mirror too high near the cornice (do you say trim in the states?) and keep the bottom of the mirror closer to the furniture than the cornice to allow reflections. hang the mirror portrait before you start playing with accessories and get someone to hold it in position before you hang it holding it standing at the side not slap bang in front like many do blocking the view! Landscape hanging would nudge up to the light switch and corner and would diminish the elegance in this instance.
    By the way, the mirror is not too big! Perfect size for space and a smaller one would look mean on the wall.
    snovotny thanked Jo DP
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I much prefer horizontally in this case. It accentuates the lovely sideboard this way as opposed to a tall mirror.
  • 12 years ago
    This is my recommendation based on my having a similar mirror, but in a different room:

    If the mirror is to be used in a bedroom, hang it vertically over a dresser, so you, or others living in the space, can see yourselves better. Almost to full length. For light, place a small table lamp on one side of the dresser.

    Now if the mirror is to be used over a sideboard in a living room, then hang it horizontally, since the majority use for the mirror will be to enhance the living space. Wall sconces or two small lamps on either side would be very appropriate.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Should be hung horizontal as the mirror is too large to be hung vertical in this case, would be too close to the wallpaper border....if your space is formal then go with two buffet table lamps but if you are more transitional in style then go with 3 of something on one side I would go with something weightier than clear class, crystal or pottery would add texture and something on the other (perhaps lamp) that visually carries the same weight as the three items on the other side....have fun design is all about creating a space that reflects who you are.
  • 12 years ago
    Thanks Alterior Motives Design! I don't have fun with design. :) Mostly because I don't know what I'm doing. So you don't think clear glass. You think something like pottery should go on the buffet? Appreciate everyone's help!!!
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Very welcome! I can't tell what colors are in your area rug but I have attached some photos of what I am thinking about for vases in either glass or pottery (always do in 3s and do them three various sizes, shapes and colors for interest, along with a lamp to add visual weight on the opposite side, I will attach photos in next message.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    More photos the two photos on the right of the lamps are both glass which is nice as its colored, so visually they appear heavier than clear glass does, you can certainly mix glass and pottery.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    This should give you a good idea of what I mean using your mirror of course, the 2 smaller vases in this photo in my opinion should be larger, if this is in the entrance way then you could use a tray or something flatter in the middle to hold keys etc...hope this helps. :)
  • 12 years ago
    So helpful! Thank you!!
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    No problem Shannon.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    The experts agree. Doesn't matter which way you hang the mirror as it all depends upon the effect you want to get. Vertical for making the room seem taller. Horizontal to provide a wider field of vision. Vertical you see more of the ceiling. Horizontal more of the room behind you. It's a big mirror for that piece and it seems the frame may clash (style wise) with the more clean lines of the furniture. if you hang the mirror vertically, as opposed to resting it on the buffet, you will change the angle and bring the reflection down towards the floor a bit more. That is would be what I would do in this particular case.
  • 12 years ago
    While it does not make a huge difference, in this case I would suggest vertically and then place some artwork (such as framed pictures or collector plates) on either side of it so that the mirror appears to be one of the group of artworks rather than standing out alone.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    The eye is already drawn upwards due to the wallpaper border, and you want to ground the space, the mirror works well with the buffet and should be hung about 4-6" above the furniture piece (not centered on the wall space between border and furniture). Different textures and styles add interest, remember whenever creating a vignette and a mirror is used make sure what it reflects is visually appealing.
    snovotny thanked Alterior Motives Design
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Hang it horizontally, for sure. and take it to the next step and accessorize the buffet with buffet table lamps and frames.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    horizontal
  • 12 years ago
    Alter ion motives, where should I look for the decorations? Limited budget. Target?
  • 12 years ago
    Do you have a Stein Mart, I was in there the other day and they had really nice decorations.
    snovotny thanked armygirl1987
  • 12 years ago
    Another good place is Kohls if you have one where you're located
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Vertical. Absolutely. 4" above the buffet. The composition of the two looks so much more graceful with the mirror vertical. Keep the accesorization loose, easy and asymmetrical, as illustrated by Alterior Motives. One lamp, tall and narrow, offset with a few decorative elements on the other side. Leave enough negative surface space so the buffet will remain functional, with space for serving. Form FOLLOWS function. Always.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Walmart, Steinmart, Winners, Target, I live in Canada and we have Dollar Dollar and the Dollar Store you can usually find bits and pieces there.....you will be surprised where you can find these items once you start looking. Remember if you find something in the shape you like but its the wrong color just spray it. Check out Pinterest, just type in painting clear glass vases, you can use those ones from the flower shop we all have in a cupboard somewhere.
  • 12 years ago
    Shannon, if you have one in your area, HomeGoods can be great for decor/accessories.
    snovotny thanked chloebud
  • 12 years ago
    Either way, the mirror will not be reflecting anything beautiful or interesting. Mirrors are devices that double something, so they should reflect something worthy of being seen twice. If you want a large item to hang above the buffet and not reflect what is currently being doubled, try a piece of art that is 75% as wide as the buffet and, when hung 5" above the buffet, stays below the door frame's height.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    First you should assess if the dresser is centered. If it is not then it should be. Vertical seems to be the best for this dresser.

    J Design Group, Modern Interior Design Firm in Miami, Florida - Contemporary Miami Interior Designers http://www.JDesignGroup.com
Sponsored
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Average rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars35 Reviews
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations