Everything You've Been Doing Wrong When Hanging Mirrors In Your Home

Mirrors are like art. They can brighten and energize a space, making it feel instantly larger than it is. But if not hung correctly, mirrors can distract from your interior decor instead of enhancing it. From the right height to the best light, we're filling you in on what you're doing wrong when hanging up a mirror. Unless you're a professional interior decorator, it can be a challenge to decide where something will look best, especially when picking the perfect place to put a mirror. There are different types of mirrors, and knowing where to place them is key to realizing their full potential. And of course, you want to put a mirror in a spot where it makes the most sense for the space and will be the most practical, like in entryways and exits to the home. 

Before hammering into your walls, consider a few things. In narrow spaces like hallways and entryways, a horizontal mirror can make the area look wider, while a vertical mirror emphasizes rooms with taller walls. If you want to buy a big mirror for your living room, measure the room first so that the mirror doesn't overwhelm the space. And don't forget to factor in the natural lighting, which can play really well or not so nicely with the position of your mirror. Instead of overthinking it, check out the biggest mistakes and how to avoid them so that you're not accentuating the areas you'd rather keep hidden.

With mirrors, it's all about placement, and a common mistake is hanging them in the wrong spot or at the wrong height. For example, no one wants to watch themselves eat, so when you're hanging a mirror in a dining room, don't hang it low enough for guests to see themselves as they're seated. This is also the case when people are in bed, on the toilet, or in the shower. Think about what a person will most likely be doing when they see their reflection in the mirror.

Another frequent mistake is hanging a mirror directly across from a window, especially if it's facing in the direction of the sun. The last thing you want first thing in the morning is for the rising sun to reflect onto your mirror and hit you in the eyes. Instead, consider hanging the mirror on an adjacent wall to the window and position it so that it reflects things you like in the room, like art or light fixtures, for example.

Sure, leaning mirrors can be hung, but should they? Not necessarily. Mirrors like Sam's Club and Costco floor mirrors have become popular decor in bedrooms and living rooms. They're designed specifically for tilting. If you do decide to hang yours, don't make the mistake of using picture wire to do it — leaning mirrors are way too heavy. Instead, use heavy-duty anchors and screws for each hook that's on the back of your mirror.