Mirrors are not only functional; they can be a stunning focal point in a room, make homes feel larger and reflect light to create a soft ambience in any space. Amart has high-quality mirrors to decorate your house and enhance your interior design.
We’ve put together the ultimate mirror buyer’s guide to help you choose the perfect mirror for your needs. Let’s dive right in!
What area is the mirror for?
Mirrors transform rooms by combining form with function. With so many different types of mirrors available, it will help your selection by first considering where the mirror will be placed:
- Living room - Mirrors in the living room are a fantastic way to make the space seem bigger and lighter with loads of depth. Choose smaller wall mirrors to place around the room or position a mirror on or above your buffets and side tables with a stylish vignette. Large mirrors on walls look striking hung over mantelpieces as a statement piece.
- Dining room - Use a wall mirror in the dining room to add a luxe look to the space and enhance the dining experience. Dine in style with a mirror that accentuates the chandelier, candles and crockery. It should be high enough so that guests can’t see themselves eating.
- Bathroom - Bathroom vanity mirrors make bathrooms look beautiful while providing you with a place to do your hair, apply makeup, brush your teeth and more. Wall mirrors are the most common type in a bathroom, from frameless circles to wide rectangular mirrors with a frame.
- Bedroom - Dressing mirrors are full-length mirrors that let you see your entire reflection from head to toe. They’re perfect for trying on outfits and can be free-standing or wall-mounted. You can also place smaller mirrors on bedside tables and dressers.
- Entryway - A hallway mirror makes a great first impression on anyone who enters your home. They bounce light off the walls and instantly make your home seem larger, brighter and more stylish. They also give you a spot to check your appearance on your way out the front door!
Deciding on the size
The biggest tip when deciding on a size is to choose a mirror that is proportionate to the wall you are placing it on or against. Large mirrors look beautiful on large walls but can overwhelm a smaller wall. Small wall-mounted mirrors will get lost on a large wall but look great in small spaces and can help to make them look bigger. Here are some other tips:
- If you want your mirror to be a focal point, choose a mirror with a frame that will help it to stand out
- If you want your mirror to blend into its surroundings, go frameless and extra large so that it becomes one with the environment.
- If you don’t have space for a large mirror, try using a bunch of small mirrors scattered around the room to catch the light. You can also group small mirrors together to form one large mirror and create a unique focal point.
What style suits your interior best
Mirrors come in all different shapes, colours, sizes and designs for fitting into any style of interior. To find the right mirror for you, consider your existing room and the furniture inside of it. Do you have a Hamptons style or is your room more minimalist with clean lines and lots of space? Your mirror can be simple and discreet or bold and unusual like a piece of art. Check out some of the most popular types of mirrors and mirror shapes you’ll come across:
- Full-length mirrors - These mirrors look fabulous in bedrooms as they let you see your entire reflection and help you to dress for success every day!
- Oval mirrors - An oval mirror is elegant and is a great choice when you have limited wall space, such as in a narrow hallway.
- Frameless mirrors - Frameless mirrors look sleek and modern. They’re great for when you want the mirror to blend in with its surroundings.
- Framed mirrors - A framed mirror will stand out on the wall and can double as wall art.
- Magnifying mirror - These mirrors magnify the little things so you can get a better look at them. They are handy for applying makeup in the bathroom or in the bedroom.
- Round mirrors - Round mirrors are gorgeous in any space and add instant dimension to the room. Small or large, their curved lines also add softness to a room.
- Rectangular mirrors - A rectangular mirror is traditional and provides maximum reflection for making rooms seem bigger. They can use vertical space or horizontal space and be framed or frameless.
- Floor mirrors - A floor mirror is free-standing and will sit on the floor of a room. They look trendy and are typically high enough to see your entire reflection.
- Square mirrors - Square mirrors look modern and sophisticated. They work very well in contemporary bathrooms and effectively create the illusion of space.
Choosing a frame material
Framed mirrors can have thick or thin frames, depending on how much you want your mirror to stand out. You have lots of choices when it comes to materials. A wood frame lends rustic charm to your wall and looks beautiful in Scandinavian and country-style homes. A metal frame is bold and eye-catching for modern interiors while a rattan mirror frame suits coastal and boho-themed rooms perfectly.
Decorate with multiple wall mirrors
A mirror is one of the most versatile decor items you can add to your home. Decorative mirrors make stunning statement pieces and can double as striking wall art. If you want your mirror to stand out, choose one with an unusual shape, a bold frame, a highly ornate design or a vibrant colour.
By placing multiple mirrors around a room, you are able to change the atmosphere by reflecting natural light in the mirror glass to create a wonderfully soft ambience that’s warm and inviting. If you have a view, see it from different angles with multiple mirrors. Create a cohesive look by choosing mirrors that suit your interior style or make a greater impact by choosing different shaped and sized mirrors for a contrasting, eclectic look.
The most important things to consider when buying bathroom mirrors
Whether you’re designing a new bathroom or making home improvements to an existing one, the bathroom mirror is an essential feature that will take pride in place. The most important things to consider with a bathroom mirror are:
- Size: Bathroom mirrors can take up an entire wall, be built into the bathroom cabinet for storage or hang in the centre of the wall. The size of your bathroom will determine the size of the mirror that is right for you.
- Style: Will a modern frameless mirror suit your bathroom or will a rattan-style mirror with an ornate design be better? Consider the style of the rest of your bathroom.
- Shape: Round, oval, rectangular, square, abstract...you have plenty of choices. If your bathroom has plenty of curves and wavy lines, go for a round or oval mirror. If it has clean, straight lines, consider a square or rectangular mirror.
- Colour: The colour of your mirror will depend on the colour theme of your bathroom. Choose a colour that matches a unified look or make a statement with a contrasting colour for something different.
The best mirror for outdoors
Outdoor mirrors are a unique way to lift up your garden spaces and spruce up your alfresco dining spaces. A mirror placed in a small garden will bounce light into shady corners and open up the entire area for the perfect spot to entertain friends and family.
When selecting an outdoor mirror, you’ll need to choose materials that are weather-resistant and won’t rust, grow mildew or deteriorate in the rain or sun. Rattan and iron mirrors tick all the boxes and look beautiful hanging on a wall or leaning up against it.
Complete the space by adding an outdoor lounge with vibrant cushions, an outdoor rug, ottomans, a fire pit and some fairy lights for the cosiest outdoor experience.