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The Best Mirrors for Every Room
Round, rectangular, sunburst or ornate — find the decorative style that fits your needs
Mirrors are a decorator’s magic weapon: They can make a room feel bigger, brighter and more stylish, not to mention help you get ready in the morning. Whether you’re on the hunt for a mirror to hang in the dining room, entry, bedroom, bath or over the mantel, this guide will help you navigate the (seemingly endless) possibilities and zero in on one or two smart options for each room.
In this space by The Refined Group, a windowpane mirror positioned opposite the dining table subtly obscures the reflection. Windowpane mirrors trick the eye into seeing a window rather than a mirror; your space feels bigger — and your dinner guests can relax.
How to Hang a Heavy Mirror
How to Hang a Heavy Mirror
Entry: Big Round Mirror
It’s common for entryways to be a bit dark. A big mirror will amplify what light you do have and can make a narrow space feel roomier. Why round? While other shapes can certainly work in the entry, a round mirror is a sure bet. Its curves are a welcome counterpoint to the straight lines and sharp angles of the doorway, and it works equally well above a console table or on its own.
Photo Flip: 105 Ways With a Mirror at the Entry
Bedroom: Leaning Floor Mirror
In the bedroom, a full-length mirror is helpful for getting ready, and positioned to the side of the bed, it’s there when you want it but isn’t staring you in the face while you’re trying to relax. Opting for a leaning rather than flush-mounted mirror looks more modern; you can still secure the top of the mirror with a wall anchor to prevent tipping.
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In the bedroom, a full-length mirror is helpful for getting ready, and positioned to the side of the bed, it’s there when you want it but isn’t staring you in the face while you’re trying to relax. Opting for a leaning rather than flush-mounted mirror looks more modern; you can still secure the top of the mirror with a wall anchor to prevent tipping.
Find floor mirrors in the Houzz Shop
Bathroom: Large Mirror, Simple Frame
In the bathroom, a big mirror and good lighting are key. Aim for a mirror close to the width of your vanity. And while frameless mirrors are a popular choice in the bathroom — both for better visibility and ease of cleaning — there’s no reason you can’t have a mirror with a frame if you want one. The mirror shown here has a simple, narrow frame, but the vibrant green adds a playful touch.
How to Choose a Bathroom Mirror
In the bathroom, a big mirror and good lighting are key. Aim for a mirror close to the width of your vanity. And while frameless mirrors are a popular choice in the bathroom — both for better visibility and ease of cleaning — there’s no reason you can’t have a mirror with a frame if you want one. The mirror shown here has a simple, narrow frame, but the vibrant green adds a playful touch.
How to Choose a Bathroom Mirror
Powder Room: Ornate Mirror
Unlike the bathroom vanity, which you probably use as a getting-ready station in the morning, the powder room is designed for quick stops and guests. With that in mind, this is a great place to splash out on a fun, statement-making mirror. Still aim for a size that matches (or nearly matches) the width of the vanity, to create a full look.
Shop for bathroom mirrors on Houzz
Unlike the bathroom vanity, which you probably use as a getting-ready station in the morning, the powder room is designed for quick stops and guests. With that in mind, this is a great place to splash out on a fun, statement-making mirror. Still aim for a size that matches (or nearly matches) the width of the vanity, to create a full look.
Shop for bathroom mirrors on Houzz
Home Office: Sunburst Mirror
In the home office, a mirror isn’t so much a need as a nice extra: The right one adds a bit of sparkle, extra light and enhances the overall style of the room. Any fun, statement-making shape will work, but if you’re not sure what to choose, go with a sunburst mirror. These decorator favorites have a long, rich history, and they look just as stylish today.
A Short History of the Sunburst Mirror
In the home office, a mirror isn’t so much a need as a nice extra: The right one adds a bit of sparkle, extra light and enhances the overall style of the room. Any fun, statement-making shape will work, but if you’re not sure what to choose, go with a sunburst mirror. These decorator favorites have a long, rich history, and they look just as stylish today.
A Short History of the Sunburst Mirror
Living Room: Round or Arched Mirror
While a rectangular mirror above the mantel can work, a mirror with a bit of a curve to it will nicely offset the angles of the fireplace. Look for a mirror with a rounded or arched top or a round mirror that fills up at least three-quarters of the mantel width, like the one in this space by Nest Design.
If your living room doesn’t have a fireplace or if you’d rather hang art above the mantel, try hanging a round or arched mirror above a credenza instead.
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While a rectangular mirror above the mantel can work, a mirror with a bit of a curve to it will nicely offset the angles of the fireplace. Look for a mirror with a rounded or arched top or a round mirror that fills up at least three-quarters of the mantel width, like the one in this space by Nest Design.
If your living room doesn’t have a fireplace or if you’d rather hang art above the mantel, try hanging a round or arched mirror above a credenza instead.
More on Houzz
Find an interior designer near you
Browse mirrors in the Houzz Shop
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Dining Room: Antiqued or Windowpane Mirror
Adding a mirror to the dining room can help the space appear bigger and reflect light — but it can also be awkward to sit at dinner facing a big, clear mirror. Instead, opt for one with a smoky antiqued finish or a windowpane mirror.
In this Greenwich, Connecticut, home, interior designer Lee Ann Thornton used antiqued mirror panels over the fireplace to reflect the light from the candelabra chandelier.
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