If you’re on the hunt for the perfect mirror for your home, there’s more to consider than you’d initially think. 

You’ll need to weigh up shapes, shapes, sizes and finishes, from a huge variety of different options and designs that are available.

The right mirror can bring a lot to a room. It can help make the space feel a lot more spacious, while also bringing extra natural light and brightness.

So, by carefully considering the shape, size and placement of a potential mirror, you can ensure it artfully complements the room and your furniture, and that it is additive to the design and atmosphere of the space (beyond simply showing you your reflection!). 

In this article, our expert glaziers have shared their top tips for helping you work out exactly what mirror achieves the perfect match for your space. 

Which mirror shape is right for your room?

First, you’ll need to decide on the shape. 

A mirror’s shape can significantly impact the feel that it creates for the space.

Rectangular mirrors tend to add structure and formality, so they’re a great choice for rooms with clean lines. Plus, as they’re a classic shape, they work well with rooms with traditional furniture. 

Round and oval mirrors bring softness to a room. So, if your room has a lot of straight edges or minimalist furniture, this can be a great way to make it feel a bit more homely or personal.

Arched mirrors are super effective at adding height and drama. They can bring a striking, architectural feel to a room, making them great statement feature pieces (especially if your room has a high ceiling).

Choosing mirrors room-by-room

Different rooms stand to benefit from different mirror styles and placements.

Typically: 

• Hallways – As they can be narrow and poorly lit, hallways usually suit tall or long mirrors. These are great at countering narrow, dark spaces, and creating the impression of more light and space. 
• Living rooms – Most commonly use large mirrors, to achieve a focal point or feature piece. These are usually most effectively positioned above a fireplace or sofa. 
• Bathrooms – Bathroom mirrors will need to be moisture-resistant, in order to ensure they’re durable enough to withstand the humidity. For the best effect, we’d recommend positioning the mirror in a spot where it can best catch natural light, in order to brighten the room. 

What size should your mirror be?

When choosing a mirror size, proportion is a key point to consider.

A mirror shouldn’t overwhelm the furniture beneath it. Generally, we’d recommend that the mirror isn’t wider than the furniture beneath it, otherwise the ratios can feel off. 

Then, hanging height is important, as it determines how well the mirror actually reflects both light (back into the room) and people. 

If the mirror is positioned too high, people may not be able to see into it. Equally, if it’s at the wrong height in relation to the room’s light source (either from the window or the main light), then you won’t be able to use the mirror to its fullest advantage. 

The benefits of choosing a bespoke mirror

While there are plenty of great off-the-shelf mirrors out there, the options available this way may not suit your specific room or design requirements.

By opting for bespoke, cut-to-size glass mirrors, you can enjoy complete flexibility. 

These custom options are perfect for rooms with irregular walls, for creating an oversized, fun or dramatic statement piece, or for achieving a mirror with a specific thickness or edge-finish (bevelled or polished). All of these options are far easier to achieve with a made-to-measure approach.

At Abbey Glass, we are one of the UK’s leading glaziers, with decades of experience in the industry. 

We have an expansive range of services, including specialist mirror cutting and custom mirror supply services. By working with our team, you can design a stunning bespoke mirror that fulfills all your requirements, and creates an exceptional feature piece for your home. 

If you’d like to find out more, our team is on hand to help. Or, you can visit our showroom to see our products and finish options in person!