Sometimes choosing the best proportionate mirror for your space can be challenging. There are no wrong sizes when choosing your mirror, but if you need tips and help on where to begin, this article will get you on the right track.
Bathroom Vanity Mirror
The standard bathroom vanity sizes are 24 in., 30 in., 36 in., and 48 in. wide for single sink vanities and 60 in. or 72. in for double sink vanities. Standard bathroom vanity heights are 32 and 36 in. The standard bathroom vanity depth is 21 in.
As a general rule, a vanity mirror should measure several inches less than your vanity sink area. For example, a 30 in. wide vanity should be paired with a 26-28 in. wide mirror. As far as the height, it depends on your ceiling height and your personal eye level. Standard vanity mirrors are usually 28-34 in. high.
Tips
• Hang the mirror 5 in. to 10 in. above the sink.
• Hang the mirror a few inches above the highest part of the faucet.
• Center the mirror in between the vanity lighting and the sink.
Full-Length Dressing Mirror
To show a reflection of your entire body from a distance, a full-length mirror must be at least one-half as long as your height. For example, if you are 64 inches tall, the full-length mirror must be at least 32 inches long, or you will only see part of yourself in the reflection. If you choose to lean a mirror against the wall, standard sizes generally start at 64 in. high.
Standard full-length wall hanging sizes are 36 in., 40 in., and 48 in. H.
Leaning Floor Mirror sizes are 64 in., 70 in., 76 in. and 83 in. H.
Accent, Console, or Couch Mirror
To choose the best width for an accent mirror, estimate between 50- to 75 percent of the width over an accent table, console, or couch. Accent tables are generally between 30 to 36 in. high. Mirrors should be approximately the same height but can be six inches taller or shorter. To estimate the total exact proportionate width of the table calculate width x 0.625 = the perfect width mirror for the table, console, or couch.
Tips
- Rooms with high ceilings look stunning with extra tall mirrors.
- There are no absolutes in design, but a good rule of thumb is to leave at least 1 foot above and below your mirror installation.
- For furniture less than 30 inches high, hang the mirror as close to eye level as possible, which ranges from 57 to 65 inches from the center of the mirror to the floor. Go slightly lower than this when hanging a mirror over a buffet console in a dining room. Because people are mostly sitting in this type of space, the natural eye level is lower.
Mantel Mirror
When choosing the size of the mantel mirror or even works of art, use the natural line of the mantel as a guide. The opening of the mantel and vertical side supports of your mantel are the ranges you want to aim for. The mantel is below 50 in. wide, and its natural lines are 46 in. & 32 in. wide. You generally want to stay around those sizes if you desire a well-proportioned mantel mirror.
Tips
- Arch mirrors with flat bottoms are usually hung flush with the mantel.
- A mantel mirror is usually hung up to 6 in. above the mantel.
