Choosing the Right Mirror for Your Space: Size, Shape and Finish Explained
- 15 hours ago
- 4 min read
Having spent nearly 30 years working with interior designers and private clients, we've answered many questions about choosing the right mirror.
From finding the right size and shape to selecting finishes and considering bespoke options, the same questions come up time and again.
Here are some of the things to consider when choosing a mirror for your home or project.
How Do I Choose the Right Mirror for My Space?
A mirror should work with the room around it. The shape, size and finish all play a part in how it feels within the space.
A mirror above a fireplace will have different requirements to one placed above a console table or sideboard. The furniture beneath it, the proportions of the wall and the overall style of the room will all help determine what works best.
Sometimes the mirror is the finishing touch that brings everything together; other times it becomes a focal point in its own right.
Should I Choose a Round or Rectangular Mirror?
Both shapes have their place, and the choice often comes down to the room and the look you want to create.
Round mirrors bring a softer feel and work particularly well above sideboards, consoles and in hallways. They can help balance rooms with strong architectural lines or furniture with more angular shapes.
Rectangular mirrors offer a more structured look and are often chosen above fireplaces, dressing tables and larger pieces of furniture. They can also help emphasise height within a room.
There is no right or wrong answer. More often than not, it's simply a case of choosing the shape that feels right for the room and the furniture around it.
What Size Mirror Should I Choose?
Getting the proportions right is one of the most important things to consider. A mirror should feel connected to the furniture around it, whether that is a sideboard, console table or fireplace. Too small and it can feel lost, too large and it can overwhelm the space.
The right size will depend on the room, the wall it is going on and what sits beneath it. In larger rooms, a more generous mirror can work beautifully and create a stronger focal point.
If you love a particular design but need a different size, many of our mirrors can be made to order.
How High Should a Mirror Be Hung?
Placement is just as important as the mirror itself. Above a console or sideboard, we generally suggest leaving around 15–20cm between the furniture and the mirror, although every space is different.
Above a fireplace, it is more about proportion and making sure the mirror feels balanced with the mantel and the room around it.
If the mirror will be used every day, such as in a bedroom or dressing area, practical considerations should also be taken into account.
What Type of Mirror Frame Will Suit My Interior?
Choosing the details is often the enjoyable part. A mirror frame can introduce another material into a room, whether that's timber, polished metal or leather detailing. It's also an opportunity to pick up on finishes used elsewhere.
Timber finishes can add warmth, metal detailing can create contrast, and materials such as leather or carbon fibre can bring a more contemporary feel.
We love combining a variety of textures and finishes across both our standard and bespoke collections, including:
Eucalyptus veneer
Wood stains ranging from wenge and grey ash to blonde
Pressed and stamped veneers
Stamped leather details
Polished brass and brushed stainless steel
Bronze finishes
Grey and black carbon fibre
Many of our customers choose a mirror to complement an existing piece of furniture or to echo finishes already used within a room, helping to create a sense of continuity throughout the space.
Can I Order a Bespoke Mirror in a Different Size or Finish?
Yes. As with our furniture collection, all of our mirrors can be adapted to suit individual requirements.
Because our mirrors are made in England, we're able to offer bespoke sizes, finishes and inlays as well as entirely bespoke designs.
This can be particularly useful when working with specific wall dimensions, architectural details or when coordinating with existing furniture.
What Makes a British-Made Mirror Different?
Every Rebecca Scott mirror is made to order in England, allowing careful attention to detail throughout the process.
From the selection of materials to the finishing touches, each piece is created with longevity in mind. We believe well-made furniture and accessories should be enjoyed for many years, rather than replaced as trends change.
The Finishing Touch
Whether you are furnishing a home, sourcing for a client or working on a hospitality project, taking time to consider the shape, size and finish will help ensure the piece feels right for the space.
Explore our collection of British-made Mirrors online, or get in touch to discuss sizes, finishes and bespoke options.
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