Styling decorative wall mirrors: Tips to pick the perfect piece

Decorative wall mirrors are great for many reasons—they open up spaces, they reflect light, and we think that they generally make rooms look better. It’s hard to go wrong with a beautiful accent mirror, and by using them cleverly, you can take your look from so-so to professional.

We’ve rounded up our favorite tips for hanging decorative mirrors in your home to help you maximize both style and function. You’ll also find a few of our favorite mirrors to help you find the best eye-catching design for your space. 

Tips for hanging an accent mirror

A well-placed mirror can transform any room by adding dramatic flair and personal style. You can use your accent mirror to cleverly direct light, become your room’s focal point, or give the illusion of space. Here are a few tips to help you get the polished style you’d like in your home. 

Think about the reflection

Always consider what is hanging across from your mirror before you hang it. Whatever is opposite of your accent mirror will take on greater importance in the room, and if that’s an unattractive element, it will have a negative effect. 

Try to place your mirror so that it’s reflecting a window, the fireplace, or another aesthetically pleasing element in the room. A window is best because it will significantly increase how much light is in the room, making it feel brighter. 

Consider placement

Once you’ve picked a visually appealing spot to hang your mirror, you’ll need to choose an appropriate height. Wall art is typically hung at eye level, and this rule often works well for mirrors, too. But higher or lower can work well depending on what the mirror is meant to be reflecting. 

For example, you’ll want to place the mirror at the right height to reflect all or most of a focal point. Half of a fireplace in the mirror’s reflection isn’t as attractive as the whole thing.  

Go big

Don’t be afraid of hanging a big mirror in a small space. Mirrors give a room the illusion of added space and depth, and they help make a small room feel bigger. The larger the mirror, the more significant the impact will be. They also work well to make narrow spots, like hallways, seem wider. 

Purchase the largest mirror you can accommodate in the style you’ve selected. Small wall mirrors don’t reflect much of the room, so they don’t add much space visually. This is especially true if you’re hanging the mirror on a large wall. 

Pick your style

Mirrors can be traditional, transitional, modern, farmhouse, mid-century modern, and pretty much anything in between. It all depends on the frame and shape of your mirror. Consider the look you want to create with this mirror and pick the frame accordingly. A sunburst metal frame mirror, a natural wood frame mirror, and a frameless mirror with a beveled edge will all have dramatically different effects on your room. 

The mirror itself can also influence the style. Antiqued or smoky glass can create a moody atmosphere that gives a room depth and character. 

Make a focal point

Large mirrors make great focal points, which is why you’ll find them hung above entryway console tables, dining room buffets, and living room fireplaces or mantels. Hang candle sconces or vases on either side of a starburst mirror, for example, and you have an excellent focal point for any space. 

If you want to go for an even more eye-catching centerpiece, try making a wall covered entirely in a collage of mirrors to create a terrific conversation starter. Don’t be afraid to make a gallery wall with several accent mirrors. Just as you would with a photo wall, treat the gallery as one when picking the placement. This is best for rooms with minimal clutter, though, as it can make a cluttered space feel too busy. 

Hang your mirrors properly

Follow any instructions that come with your mirror to ensure it is mounted to your wall correctly. A small nail hammered into your wall won’t cut it, even for a modest round or oval mirror in the bathroom. Use two picture hangers, wall hooks, or the included hanging hardware to ensure the mirror hangs flat against the wall. 

A mounted mirror on a single hook may hang against the wall at an angle, creating a distorted reflection. And more importantly, using a single hook creates a risk of the mirror falling off the wall and potentially injuring someone in your home. If the mirror is large, hire professionals to hang it. 

Consider mirrored furniture

Mirrored furniture is great for elongating walls, drawing attention to area rugs, and reflecting light in a space to make it look larger. It works best in uncluttered rooms because the extra reflections will add a lot of visual activity to the space. 

We recommend that you look at our mirrored furniture options to decide if it’s a good match for your home. A new mirrored accent table or coffee table paired with a large oval wall mirror can take your room decor from dull to exciting in moments. 

How to pick the right accent mirror by location

Your mirror’s location will make or break your design, even if you follow all of the tips above. Below, we’ve highlighted room-by-room tips to make finding a perfect mirror easier. 

• Bedroom: You can lean a large floor mirror against the wall in any bedroom to give you a head-to-toe reflection. The full-length mirror will make the space more luxurious, perfect for the master or guest bedroom. Alternately, try placing a square sunburst wall mirror above the bed to add wall decor and an eye-catching focal point above the headboard. 
• Living Room: Placing a large rectangle mirror above a sofa or credenza can give your living room the illusion of space and depth when you’re short on square footage. A frameless mirror or a minimalist metal wall mirror can help your home decor and furniture shine. In contrast, a glam gold mirror set or a sunburst mirror with beveled glass can draw the eye and enliven the room. 
• Entryway: A decorative mirror creates an easy, beautiful accent in almost any entryway. And if you flank it with wall art or wall hangings, you’ll create a lovely atmosphere to welcome your guests into your home. You might try a mirror framed with wood grain or a windowpane wood mirror for rustic charm, or go with a gold finish arch mirror for traditional flair. A round glass mirror by the door also makes a convenient spot to check your reflection on your way out. 
• Bathroom: Bathroom vanity mirrors are essential. Hung above the sink with bathroom lighting on either side, a vanity mirror can complete any master or guest bath, giving it a polished touch. You might also want to pick a bathroom mirror with a magnified reflection to place beside your vanity mirror to make it easier to do your hair or tie your tie. 

3 decorative wall mirrors you’ll love

Wall mirrors are beautiful accent pieces, and there’s something for everyone’s style. Since you don’t want to max out the credit card with not-quite-right purchases, it’s essential to consider your options before you buy. Below, we’ve gathered some of our favorite items and best sellers to help you find the perfect match for your home.

1. Sunburst Wall Mirror

This lovely art deco-inspired Sunburst Wall Mirror can add texture and excitement to any space. With a matte champagne and silver finish, this round mirror offers a stylish yet functional display. Hang this sunburst mirror in any room to instantly brighten your home decor and add a dash of inspiration. 

2. Round Wall Mirror With Textural Frame

Add a hint of boho charm to your space with this Round Wall Mirror with Textural Frame. The wall mirror is adorned with a silver beaded frame, creating exotic character that adds to the functional mirror. This mirror works beautifully in a master suite, entryway, or living room. 

3. Rectangular Geometric Wall Mirror

Give any room a contemporary vibe with this stunning Rectangular Geometric Wall Mirror. With a finely crafted gold geometric frame, this beautiful mirror creates an immaculate display bound to enhance any room. While it can go with almost any style, you might use it to give living areas or entryways a chic appeal. For example, you might hang it on a whitewashed wall with a bright, minimalist color palette. 

Need some time to reflect?

If you haven’t found the right mirror yet, don’t despair. Finding decorative accents that match your style can take time. Check out the full catalog of mirrors from Coaster Furniture to find more inspiration. And if you’d like to pick up your mirror in person, our store locator can help you find a convenient location to shop near you.

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