Buying or choosing a mirror sounds straightforward until you're faced with hundreds of options. The right size, shape and placement can completely change how a room feels, while the wrong choice can end up looking awkward or too small.
This guide covers everything that matters - getting the size right, choosing a shape and style to suit your room, where to place a mirror in each part of the home, and how to hang or lean it safely. These are the same questions we answer every week in our Highett showroom, so we've pulled the advice together into one practical guide.
If you would rather see mirrors in person, you are welcome to visit us at 5 Wannan Street, Highett VIC 3190.
What size mirror do I need?
Sizing is the single most important decision, and the most common mistake is buying too small. Instead of thinking about the size of the whole room, look at the furniture the mirror will sit above. That's what determines whether it looks balanced. Customers often bring photos of their room into the showroom - we're always happy to help work out the right size.
The two-thirds rule
When hanging a mirror above furniture such as a console, sideboard, vanity or mantel, aim for a mirror roughly two-thirds the width of the piece below it. On an open wall, a mirror can comfortably fill two-thirds to three-quarters of the available space to feel intentional rather than lost.
How high to hang a mirror
Centre the mirror at eye level - about 145–155 cm from the floor to the middle of the glass. When hanging above furniture, leave roughly 15–20 cm between the top of the piece and the bottom of the mirror so the two feel connected.
Sizing a full-length mirror
A full-length mirror should show a clear head-to-toe reflection, so look for one 150–180 cm tall. Browse Full Length Mirrors, oversized Large Mirrors, or compact Small Mirrors for tighter spaces.
Choosing a mirror shape
The shape of a mirror has a bigger impact than many people expect. It can make a room feel softer, taller or more structured before you even notice the frame.
- Arched mirrors add height and a soft, architectural feel — ideal for entryways and feature walls.
- Round & oval mirrors soften hard lines and sit nicely above consoles and basins.
- Rectangle mirrors are the versatile all-rounder, working in almost any room.
- Unique-shaped and wavy mirrors make a sculptural statement on their own.
Choosing a style
Once you've chosen the shape, the frame is what helps the mirror fit naturally with the rest of the room. For a deeper look, read Choosing a Mirror For Your Interior and our Styling Tips for Mirrors.
- Contemporary — clean, frameless or thin-framed designs for modern homes.
- Ornate and decorative — carved, classic frames with character.
- Art Deco — bold geometry and glamour, a Bargain For You specialty.
- LED mirrors — built-in lighting for bathrooms and vanities; see our guide to LED bathroom mirrors.
- Beaded, Venetian and Hampton — distinctive looks for a feature piece.
Where to put a mirror, room by room
Entryway & hallway
A mirror by the door adds light and a last-look check on the way out, and makes a narrow hall feel wider. Shop Entryway Mirrors or read Hallway & Entryway Mirror Ideas.
Living room
Placing a mirror opposite a window is one of the easiest ways to make a room feel brighter. It reflects natural light and can make smaller living rooms feel much more open. See Living Room Mirrors and living room mirror ideas.
Bedroom
Most bedrooms benefit from having both a full-length mirror for getting ready and a smaller mirror above the dresser if you have one. Explore Bedroom Mirrors, plus bedroom mirror ideas and tips for styling a mirror above a dresser.
Bathroom
Bathrooms need mirrors that can handle humidity, so it's worth choosing a frame that's designed for damp environments or opting for an LED mirror. Browse Bathroom & Vanity Mirrors or read bathroom mirror ideas.
Above a fireplace
Hanging a mirror above the fireplace has been a favourite design choice for years because it naturally becomes the focal point of the room. See Over Mantel & Fireplace Mirrors and the rules for a mirror above a fireplace.
Hanging vs leaning, plus weight & safety
Many of our mirrors have fixed D-rings on the back and can be hung horizontally or vertically. Mirrors can be surprisingly heavy. Many weigh more than 10 kg, while oversized mirrors can easily exceed 40 kg, so it's important to use the right fixings for your wall. For a step-by-step walkthrough, read How To Hang A Heavy Mirror.
Prefer not to drill? Floor and leaner mirrors are designed to rest against the wall - just secure tall pieces with a strap or bracket so they cannot tip.
Caring for your mirror
A few simple cleaning habits will keep your mirror looking crystal clear without leaving streaks. See our article How to Clean a Mirror.
Buying mirrors in Australia
If you'd like to see the mirrors in person, you're welcome to visit our Highett showroom, 5 Wannan Street, Highett VIC 3190 open Thursday and Friday 2–6 pm, Saturday 11 am–3 pm and Sunday 10:30 am–12:30 pm (other times by appointment).
If you're elsewhere in Australia, we can also ship interstate, or you can browse the full mirror collection online.
Delivery is free across Melbourne Metro, and we ship interstate to Sydney, Adelaide, Queensland and beyond at a $169 flat rate, with free showroom pickup usually ready within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
What size mirror should I buy?
Match the mirror to the wall and furniture, not the whole room. Above a console, vanity or mantel, choose a mirror about two-thirds the width of the furniture below it. On a blank wall, a mirror can fill up to two-thirds to three-quarters of the space. For a full-length mirror, look for 150–180 cm tall so it shows a head-to-toe reflection.
How high should I hang a mirror?
Centre the mirror at eye level, roughly 145–155 cm from the floor to the middle of the glass. When hanging above furniture, leave about 15–20 cm between the top of the piece and the bottom of the mirror.
Which mirror shape suits a small room?
Round, oval and arched mirrors soften a compact space, while a full-length leaner draws the eye upward and makes a room feel taller and brighter. Placing a mirror opposite a window also bounces natural light around the room.
Arched, round or full-length which should I choose?
Arched mirrors suit entryways and feature walls; round and oval mirrors work above consoles and in bathrooms; full-length mirrors are best for bedrooms, dressing areas and anywhere you need a head-to-toe view.
Can large mirrors be leaned instead of hung?
Yes. Floor and leaner mirrors are designed to rest against the wall. It's the best solution for heavy pieces or rentals where you would rather not drill. Always secure a tall leaning mirror to the wall with a strap or bracket so it cannot tip.
Do you deliver mirrors across Australia?
Yes. Delivery is free across Melbourne Metro, and we ship interstate to Sydney, Adelaide, Queensland and beyond at a $169 flat rate. You can also collect free of charge from our Highett showroom, usually ready within 24 hours.
Ready to start? Browse all mirrors or visit our Highett showroom to see them in person.