10 Tips for Hanging a Mirror Over the Fireplace

Hang a mirror over the fireplace to open up a elbow room , bounce Christ Within around , and add a beautiful decorative element .

While it ’s become a popular excogitation trend in recent year , a mirrorover the fireplaceis a timeless flavour . A mirror is a fashionable alternative to a piece of art or a TV , and in addition to create a bright and airy aesthetical , it ’s a neutral background for layer artwork and displaying seasonal decor .

A hearth is typicallythe natural focal pointin a elbow room , give the mirror a choice spot . That ’s why pick out the right size , cautiously considering its form , and hanging it right is substantive . We ’re here to share helpful tips and trick for everything from hanging elevation and mirror size to what you want the mirror to reflect and how to integrate it withother mantelpiece decorfor a silklike and fashionable open fireplace .

sitting area with white brick fireplace

Credit: Josh Grubbs

Keep Proportion in Mind

Stacey Brandford

The worldwide rule of thumb for hang up a mirror above a fireplace is to pick one that is at least two third base the length of your mantel . Proportion is key whether you ’re choose furniture or hanging a mirror , because the right piece in the incorrect size will look all ill-timed , no matter how nice it is . The mirror should never be all-encompassing than the mantel or much smaller than the rule of third base suggest . If you do utilise a small mirror , visually enlarge it by creating avignette around it — layer a framed piece of art in front of it , fill negative space on the side with tall candlesticks , or use a vase with seasonal root word to add pinnacle .

Consider the Shape

Jay Wilde

When choosing a mirror , believe the architectural feature of speech of the fireplace itself as well as the style of the elbow room and the various condition that it capsulize . Is the mantelpiece to a great extent ornate or is it more aerodynamic and linear ? Will the mirror hang on anaccent wallwith a decided blueprint or sheer color ? If you see lots of strong edges and light lines around the elbow room , produce direct contrast and softness with a round mirror . Or to make a program line , go with an unexpected mirror shape such as an octagon to draw off attention and emphasize the fireplace as the focal point .

Get the Height Right

Jonathan Mark Denby

Just like choosing the right sizing of the mirror , getting the height right is key . It see the overallappearance of the fireplaceand affects the reflection you ’ll see in the mirror . For a balanced look , the space between the mantlepiece and the bottom of the mirror should be four to six inches . The quad between the top of the mirror and the roof or crownwork molding should be at least four to six column inch as well , however this will vary depending on ceiling peak .

Secure the Mirror

Annie Schlechter

A mirror can be pretty heavy , so to avoid any potential fortuity and damage , make certain yousecure it in placewith appropriate mount hardware . tick to see that there are studs in the wall to support its exercising weight , then measure and mark the hanging place . A enceinte mirror will typically have more than one hanging bracket , so utilise a story to help you pose it equally and follow the put on directions to firmly hang it in billet .

Go for a Layered Look

David A. Land

make a layered esthetic by list a bit of art against the hanging mirror . Position it off centre and continue layering other items , such as additional graphics orseasonal decorative accents , in front and around it . habituate things that have unlike heights to create dimension and fill excessive electronegative wall quad .

Lean the Mirror

John Stoffer

For a relaxed appearance and easier alternative , lean the mirror on the mantel instead of give ear it . It ’s less formal and gives you more flexibility when it come to switch over out your chimneypiece interior decoration since you ’re not putting any permanent golf hole in the wall . This is also a bang-up pick if there are no studs in the wall or the aerofoil — such as abrick fireplacewall — is hard to drill into .

Choose an Interesting Frame

Carson Downing

While a mirror itself does n’t bring color or a distinct simulacrum over a mantel in the same way that a piece of art does , an interesting figure can have the same effect . Mirrors come in various styles and material , so in addition to paying attention to its size and shape , calculate for one with an interesting inning . Bring in a textural element with a woods or rattan framing , dress up the room and complement a traditional marble mantel with an antique - style memorial tablet mirror , or throw overboard a frame altogether for amodern , minimalist look .

Check the Reflection

Ryann Ford

Since a mirror over a mantelpiece fill a striking place within a elbow room , check its reflectivity before hanging it in place . A mirror can be used as a design tool to bounce light around and visually enlarge a space , and since it may be one of the first thing you see when you walk in the room , you do n’t want it to reflect a dark corner or cluttered bookshelf . Instead , direct for it to mull a beautiful decorative feature such as a chandelier , a piece of artistic production , or a windowpane that will bring the out-of-doors in .

Use Multiple Mirrors

Hang a compendium of mirrors for an interesting optic display that extends the range of manifestation . It breaks up the reflection while maintaining an receptive and airy find and gives the mirror an artwork - similar quality . Toprevent a cluttered look , keep the mantel decor to a minimum and stick with a limited color pallet .

Don’t Ignore the Wall

Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Do n’t ignore the wall above the mantel , as it ’s a large opportunity to create a beautiful backdrop for your wall hanging mirror . Juxtapose a orotund mirror with a horizontal shiplap wall for dividing line , addpicture moldingto foreground the mirror , or habituate an accent paint color to fructify a dramatic scene .

living room with brick fireplace and round mirror