Choosing the right mirror size can feel a bit tricky. A mirror that’s too small can feel lost. One that’s too big might overwhelm the room. The right size mirror creates balance, reflects light, and makes the room feel bigger and brighter.

Whether you’re updating an old mirror or starting fresh, it helps to know what to look for. Should your mirror match the width of your bathroom vanity or furniture? How tall should it be? And then there’s the question of whichframe style to choose.

One thing is certain: A great mirror can tie the whole room together. Ahead, we’ll share tips on how to choose a mirror size for your space, whether you’re decorating a bathroom, bedroom, entryway, or main living area.

Consider the wall size.

Start by looking at the size of the wall where you plan to hang the mirror. If the mirror will sit above a piece of furniture, like a console table, a good rule of thumb is to choose a mirror that’s about two-thirds to three-quarters the width of that piece of furniture.

This way the mirror feels balanced rather than overpowering the space or, conversely, looking like an afterthought. If you’re working with a huge empty wall, don’t be afraid to go big or even lean a tall mirror against the wall for a more dramatic effect.

Rather than scouring department stores or antique malls to find a mirror that matches your decor, consider designing your own. You can either use the glass from an existing mirror or purchase custom size mirror glass. Then frame it using a DIY mirror kit. Don’t forget to shopnew styles to find something special!

Think about functionality.

Consider the main purpose of the mirror. If it’s functional—like in a bathroom or dressing area—you’ll want a size that lets you see yourself clearly.

If the mirror is mostly decorative or you’re using it to create a lighter, brighter space, you have a little more freedom to play around with different shapes, frames, or even a grouping of smaller mirrors that work together as a visual piece.

Mind the ceiling.

Ceiling height plays a bigger role than most people realize when picking a mirror. If your ceilings are tall, you can opt for a tall rectangular mirror that draws the eye up and creates a feeling of spaciousness.

Lower ceilings, on the other hand, tend to feel more balanced with a wide, horizontal mirror that stretches the room visually and keeps everything feeling grounded. Keep ceiling height in mind as you decide on the shape and proportions of the mirror. 

Leave breathing room.

When hanging a mirror, aim to leave about four to six inches of space between the bottom of the mirror and whatever it’s hanging above, like a console table or dresser. This creates a clean visual break and keeps the area from looking cramped or cluttered. Plus, it gives the mirror space to shine as its own design element.

An exception is bathroom mirror size. Vanity mirrors often sit right above the backsplash, and that’s ok. If you have a boring plate-glass mirror in the bath that needs some love, add a custom frame that matches your existing decor.

DIY mirror frames adhere directly to the surface of the mirror, which means you don’t even need to remove the mirror from the wall or have additional space around the mirror. This option is also great for covering up desilvering—those ugly black spots around the edges of a mirror—a common problem in humid areas like bathrooms.

Use proportion for impact.

One of the most common mistakes people make is choosing a mirror that’s too small for the wall it’s on. It’s generally better to go bigger, especially if you want to brighten up the space.

A large mirror with ashimmering metallic frame, for example, can serve as an anchor in the room. Both the frame and the mirror glass reflect light, making the room feel open and spacious. When in doubt, think about impact—mirrors aren’t meant to disappear into the background.

Find Your Perfect Vanity Mirror Size with MirrorMate

MirrorMate offers a wide selection of DIY mirror frames for bathroom mirrors in a range of styles, fromfarmhouse toglam. Whether you’re reframing an outdated mirror in the living room or upgrading a plate-glass mirror in the bath, MirrorMate frames are custom-crafted just for your mirror. Your kit arrives with everything you need to assemble and install your new frame in a single morning or afternoon.

Find your perfect frame by shopping the full collection.