A Designer At Home

I love a good mirror. With gorgeous shapes and finishes, they do more for me than art does. From adding texture, complimenting a finish, or bringing in an interesting shape, the most stylish mirrors improve the feel and function of the room they’re in. As I love looking at pretty things, I’ve collected 10 of my favorites.

How To Choose Stylish Mirrors

• Shape, Size, and Style are the three key “S’s” to choosing the perfect stylish mirrors.
• Wall mirrors can be a focal point, added décor, to make a room look bigger and brighter. Placement matters when trying to achieve any of these. Try two rectangular mirrors beside one another on a large wall. Create a feature wall with different design mirrors together. Stacked frameless mirrors can visually open up a dark hallway. Increase the visual size of a room with large mirrors on opposite walls. In a room with a lot of angles, soften them with an ornate oval mirror.

Mirror Sizing

The general rule is that a mirror’s size should be two thirds the size of the piece of furniture it is hanging above. A 30 inch vanity should have a 20 inch mirror and a 60 inch dresser should have a 40 inch mirror. There are always exceptions. So if the mirror looks right to you, then go for it. Try taping off the area with painters tape in the dimensions of the mirror you love so you can “see” it before you buy it.

Mirror Shape

Mirrors come in every shape possible. But how do you choose which one? There are some general rules. Horizontal mirrors create an illusion of length and vertical mirrors create an illusion of height. Square and rectangular mirrors compliment a traditional style. Round mirrors add a softness to the décor of a room. Other geometric shapes can have a modern feel. Sunburst mirrors are great for eclectic interiors. My favorite are mirrors with an ogee arch and those bring in and compliment a global style.

Mirror Style

The frame is ultimately what will and won’t make a mirror work in a room. Ornate and eclectic frames work well on their own as showpieces. Frameless mirrors have an elegance to them. Wood mirrors are usually associated with rustic, natural, and farmhouse style. Light colored woods compliment Scandinavian style. Dark, oak mirrors work well in traditional rooms. A gilt finish has a luxurious feel to it. Glass framing is more modern and raw metal is more industrial.

The 10 Most Stylist Mirrors

I think the only bad thing about these mirrors are that there aren’t enough walls for them all. It’s easy to dream of all the different places and rooms they could all go in. I hope that narrowing down my favorites makes dreaming up inspiration easier. I can’t wait to share that project soon.