The Do’s and Don’ts of Decorating with Mirrors

Hey Gnomies,

A few weeks ago I posted a bathroom mirror makeover with the add a frame system from Frame My Mirror. You can check out the before and after photos here.

I absolutely love the way that project turned out and my friends at Frame My Mirror offered to send me another mirror. This time it was a framed, ready to hang mirror. I selected the Huntingdon syle mirror from their website.

This mirror is gorgeous and available in custom sizes. I chose a 30 x 40 inch size mirror.

I like decorating with mirrors because they can open up a space and help make your room look larger. This is so important for small houses like mine which can use all the help they can get to look bigger.

Do- Go big

Don’t be afraid to hang a large mirror. Bigger is better when it comes to size. A common mistake is to hang mirrors or art that are too small. A larger mirror will create more of an optical illusion, making the space look bigger.

Do- Use wall anchors

When you are hanging your mirror make sure you use a stud finder and drill into a wall stud. If there are no studs, use an anchor like the pop-toggle ones I used below. This will make sure the mirror is secure and you don’t rip out the drywall and smash your mirror because the wall isn’t strong enough to support it.

Don’t- Hang too low

Another mistake people make when hanging art or mirrors is hanging them too low on the wall. The general rule is: the center of your picture should hang 60-62″ from the floor when it’s the only item on that vertical wall space or when it’s above an item that is shorter than 30″ tall.

There is an invisible sight line that all humans revert to when they are looking at a wall. The sight line is 8 feet. When you hang the center of your mirror 60-62″ from the floor it is the most pleasing to the eye

Do- Accessorize

When hanging a mirror above an entryway or console table make sure you show off your personal style by adding some accessories. Dress up your cabinet with something tall like a lamp or flower arrangement, a stack of books and a few personal knick-knacks or candles.

Don’t- Forget about fingerprints!

Keep your mirror looking fresh and clean with regular dusting and cleaning. Spray with a solution of 1 cup water 1 cup rubbing alcohol and 1 teaspoon of vinegar. Wipe it down with old newspaper sheets to prevent streaks.

What do you think of the new mirror in my dining room? Let me know in the comments!