Mirrors

The most reliable rule: above a piece of furniture, a mirror should cover two thirds to three quarters of its width. Narrower, it looks lost; as wide or wider, it overwhelms the furniture. On a bare wall, work from eye level: the center of the glass sits 59 to 63 in (150 to 160 cm) from the floor.

Above furniture, leave 6 to 10 in (15 to 25 cm) between the top and the bottom of the frame: enough room for a lamp, close enough that both read as one composition.

Each shape corrects something. A round mirror softens a room full of right angles (furniture lines, frames, tile). An arch stretches the wall toward the ceiling and suits rooms with low ceilings. A vertical rectangle adds height, a horizontal one adds width. Wavy and asymmetrical shapes do something else: they act as a graphic piece on a calm wall. For a Scandinavian or Japandi look, choose light wood, rattan or a very thin frame. In a period home with moldings, a gilded overmantel mirror or a beveled Venetian mirror remains the most fitting. A black window-pane frame suits a loft or an open kitchen. Browse round mirrors, arched mirrors or rattan sunburst mirrors depending on the effect you want.

Entryway: one last look before you leave. Choose a large mirror whose top reaches 71 to 75 in (180 to 190 cm) from the floor so you see your face and upper body. Living room: hung on a wall perpendicular to a window, a mirror sends light deep into the room without glare. Facing the window, it reflects the view, as long as the view is worth it. Bedroom: a floor mirror near natural light, lit from the front rather than from behind. Bathroom: glass that handles humidity, ideally lighted. Vanity: a magnifying or LED model, see our makeup mirrors. Remember one thing: a mirror doubles whatever it reflects, clutter included. Always check what it will face before you drill.

A 4 mm glass weighs about 2 lb per square foot (10 kg per square meter) before the frame. A 71 × 24 in (180 × 60 cm) mirror is therefore already around 22 lb (10 kg). A beveled edge, cut at an angle over half an inch or so, catches the light and looks more refined, even without a frame. A thin metal frame disappears and leaves the reflection center stage; wood and rattan add warmth and show more. On a big mirror, a rigid frame also limits distortion of the reflection.

Choose the fixing for your wall. On solid masonry (concrete, brick), a nylon anchor rated for the weight is enough. On drywall, use metal expansion anchors or screw into a stud. Beyond about 33 lb (15 kg), use two fixing points or a French cleat. Always check the load rating on the anchor packaging. A large mirror leaning on the floor must be secured at the top with a wall strap, especially with children or pets at home.

Spray the cleaner on a microfiber cloth, never directly on the glass: liquid that runs into the edges eventually attacks the silver backing and leaves black spots. Warm water with a splash of white vinegar is enough in most cases. Dust rattan with a dry brush and wipe gold frames with a dry cloth.