Tips for Choosing and Placing a Bedroom Mirror

Your bedroom mirror does more than give you somewhere to check your appearance before heading out. Its size and location influence how much light reaches different areas of the room and how spacious the bedroom appears.

When you're choosing and placing a bedroom mirror, it's worth thinking about how you'll use it throughout the day. A mirror that looks beautiful on its own won't necessarily look right once you hang it on the wall. Fortunately, a few considerations will help you narrow down your options.

Choose a Mirror That Fits the Room's Size

A mirror that's too large for the room may overwhelm the surrounding furniture. On the other hand, a small mirror hanging alone on a wide wall may look out of proportion.

Start by considering how much wall space you have available. A larger bedroom gives you room for a substantial mirror, while a smaller space may benefit from something more modest.

You should also consider the furniture surrounding the mirror. If your bedroom already has a large bed frame and bulky furniture, another oversized piece may make the space look crowded. A smaller mirror provides some visual balance.

Experiment With Different Mirror Shapes

Rectangular mirrors are popular in bedrooms because their straight edges complement many furniture designs. They also offer a generous reflective surface, making them convenient for everyday use.

However, you don't have to stick with traditional rectangular designs. A round mirror introduces a curved shape that contrasts with the straight lines of a dresser or headboard.

Arched mirrors offer another interesting option. Their rounded tops give them a softer appearance while maintaining the height of a rectangular design.

Consider which shapes already appear throughout your bedroom. Repeating an existing shape creates consistency, while introducing a different one gives the mirror greater visual emphasis.

Place Your Mirror Where It Receives Natural Light

If you use your bedroom mirror while getting ready, natural lighting is something to consider. Daylight allows you to see colors more accurately than certain artificial bulbs, which may alter how your makeup or clothing appears.

A location near a window gives you access to daylight without requiring you to position the mirror directly in front of the glass. However, direct sunlight can create uncomfortable glare. Before choosing a location, observe how the light enters your bedroom at different times. You want enough illumination to see your reflection without having sunlight shining directly into your eyes.

Consider What Appears in the Reflection

Where you place your mirror determines what you'll see reflected throughout the day. Before hanging it, look at what's directly across from your chosen location and decide whether you want that area reflected in the room.

For example, positioning a mirror across from a window allows it to reflect outdoor scenery and bring more daylight into the bedroom. However, placing it opposite an open closet may leave you looking at hanging clothes every time you enter the room.

You should also check the reflection from different areas of your bedroom. A mirror that looks great when you're standing directly in front of it may reflect something entirely different when you're sitting on your bed.

Hang Your Mirror at a Convenient Height

A mirror shouldn't require you to crouch every time you want to check your reflection. Its hanging height should correspond with how you plan to use it.

For a wall mirror, placing the center around eye level is a reasonable guideline. However, the ideal height varies depending on the mirror's dimensions and the people using it.

You'll also need to account for any furniture underneath. A mirror hanging above a tall dresser will naturally sit higher than one mounted on an empty wall.

Before drilling, mark the proposed height with painter's tape and check how it looks from your normal standing position.

Pair Your Mirror With Your Dresser

If you're hanging a mirror above your dresser, you'll want the two pieces to look good together. The mirror's size is a good place to start, since its proportions affect how the arrangement looks.

A mirror that's slightly narrower than the dresser generally looks balanced. Try centering it above the dresser and leaving an equal amount of space on either side.

Next, look at the wood finishes. Choosing a mirror with a similar finish gives the pieces a consistent appearance, though they don't have to match exactly. If you'd prefer a matching set, look for a mirror designed to accompany your dresser.

Give Your Full-Length Mirror Enough Room

A full-length mirror is convenient when you want to see your entire outfit before leaving the bedroom. However, its location determines whether you can actually use the entire reflective surface.

You'll need enough space to stand back and see yourself from head to toe. Placing the mirror in a narrow walkway may leave you struggling to get a complete look.

Consider positioning it near your closet, where you'll already spend time getting dressed. Just check that there's enough room for the closet door to open.

If you're leaning the mirror against a wall, follow the manufacturer's instructions for securing it against tipping.

Match the Mirror Frame to Your Bedroom Furniture

A mirror frame influences how the piece relates to the rest of your bedroom. Wood frames are a popular choice because they complement dressers and other wooden furniture.

If your bedroom features warm wood tones, a frame in a similar color creates a coordinated appearance. However, choosing a darker finish introduces contrast, which may appeal to you if the room already has plenty of matching furniture.

The frame's thickness affects its appearance as well. A wide frame creates a more substantial outline, while a narrow one places greater emphasis on the glass.

Consider the frame alongside your existing furniture rather than evaluating it by itself.

Keep Your Bedroom's Walkways Open

Mirror placement shouldn't interfere with how you move around your bedroom. Even a relatively narrow floor mirror occupies space, and its location may affect access to nearby furniture.

Think about how you move between your bed and the bedroom door. A leaning mirror positioned along that route may create an obstruction, even if it looks attractive against the wall.

Wall-mounted mirrors are an alternative when floor space is limited. Since they don't require additional furniture or floor clearance, you have greater flexibility when selecting a location.

Whatever style you choose, check the surrounding space before deciding on its final position.

Secure Your Mirror With Proper Hardware

Once you've found the right location, you'll need to make sure your mirror is securely mounted. A heavy mirror requires hardware that supports its weight and works with your wall material.

Start by checking the manufacturer's mounting instructions. If you're attaching the mirror to drywall, fastening it into wall studs provides reliable support when the mounting points allow it.

If studs aren't available, you'll need anchors rated for the mirror's weight and compatible with your wall.

Freestanding mirrors need proper support as well. Anti-tip restraints reduce the risk of a mirror falling forward, which is particularly important if children use the bedroom.

Find the Right Mirror for Your Bedroom

With these tips for choosing and placing a bedroom mirror, you can find a design that complements your furniture and suits your daily routine. Taking a little time to evaluate the available space will make the final decision much simpler.

If you're ready to find a mirror for your dresser, browse our collection of solid wood dresser mirrors at Dutch Craft Furniture of Berlin. We offer a variety of designs to complement your bedroom furniture, so you can select a mirror that looks right in your space.