Floor & Standing Mirrors

When placing a decorative floor mirror, be flexible at first. While you might want to lean a standing mirror against the far wall of your dining room, designers recommend trying it against different walls to see how it reflects available light.

Placing a floor mirror next to a window will bounce more natural light into a room. A large floor mirror in a corner can create a cozy reading or studying nook like you’re curling up on a window seat.

Anchor a large mirror behind a sofa to open up a small room and keep the mirror away from foot traffic.

If you already have another  mirror in a room, such as one above a mantel, try placing a floor mirror off-center on the opposite wall to dial up the brightness. You also could rest it a few feet to the right or left of the wall mirror to double the feeling of spaciousness.

Lastly, a floor mirror in an entryway or at the end of a hallway can help these spaces feel more expansive and add a welcome splash of brightness when you return home.

When choosing a full-length floor mirror, designers say to consider the scale of other items in your room compared to the mirror’s frame. For instance, if you have casual or modern decor, select a floor-standing mirror with a light frame or a sturdy wood frame so that the mirror doesn’t appear fragile. A gold floor mirror with arched corners creates more of a vintage look. A floor mirror acts as a window, increasing brightness and visual interest even if it doesn’t have windowpane styling). Designers suggest adding drama and height to any space with a mirror that’s at least three-quarters the height of your wall. Bear in mind: A mirror with a thin frame or no frame creates more of a “window” effect, blending into the background like outdoor scenery through a window, while an oversized floor mirror with a chunky frame is a showstopper all its own. You don’t need to crowd a large room with a table or other furniture.