A full-length mirror is one of the simplest ways to change how a room feels. Put it in the right place and it bounces light around, makes a small room look bigger and gives you a proper head-to-toe check before you leave the house. Put it in the wrong place and it reflects a cluttered corner or a blank wall. This guide covers how to choose the size and shape, where to place a floor mirror in each room, and how to keep it safe and stable.
Choosing the right size
To see your whole outfit, a mirror should generally be at least half your height, and more if you want to see yourself from a few steps back. Most full-length mirrors fall between about 55 and 70 inches tall.
- Height: taller mirrors let you see your full outfit from farther away and make ceilings feel higher.
- Width: wider mirrors reflect more of the room and feel more generous; narrower ones fit between furniture and behind doors.
For example, the Full Length Floor Mirror we carry comes in two sizes: about 59 × 18 inches and 63 × 20 inches.
Arched or rectangular?
- Arched mirrors soften a room with lots of straight lines and feel slightly more decorative. They suit bedrooms, entryways and living rooms with a relaxed or modern look.
- Rectangular mirrors are classic and versatile. They fit neatly between furniture and work well in minimalist rooms.
Frame color matters too. A thin black frame looks crisp and graphic; a thin gold frame adds warmth and works well with wood, brass and neutral textiles.
Where to place a floor mirror
Bedroom
The most practical spot is near your wardrobe or dresser, so you can check your outfit as you get dressed. Make sure you have enough floor space in front of it to step back a few feet. Many people prefer not to have a mirror directly facing the bed; a side wall is often more restful.
Entryway or hallway
A mirror by the front door is handy for a last look before you leave, and in a narrow hallway it makes the space feel wider. Place it where people will not bump into it, and anchor it if the area is busy.
Living room
Lean a tall mirror in a corner or beside a window to bounce natural light deeper into the room. Positioning it at an angle to a window, rather than directly across from it, spreads the light without creating glare.
Small spaces and studios
A full-length mirror can visually double a small room. Place it so it reflects the most open or brightest part of the space, not a wall of storage.
Think about what the mirror reflects
Before you settle on a spot, stand where the mirror will go and look at what is directly opposite. Ideally, it reflects a window, a plant, a piece of art or an open view, not a cluttered shelf, a laundry basket or a blank wall.
Leaning vs. hanging
- Leaning against the wall gives a relaxed look and is easy to move. Place the bottom of the mirror a few inches from the wall to create a stable angle.
- Using a stand lets the mirror stand on its own away from the wall, which is useful in corners or in front of a wardrobe.
- Hanging on the wall saves floor space and is the most secure option in busy homes.
The mirror above can stand on its own with the included stand or be mounted on the wall.
Safety tips
- Secure it in homes with children or pets. A leaning mirror can be knocked over. Use wall anchors or hang it if little ones or large dogs are around.
- Place it on a flat, stable floor, not on thick, uneven rugs.
- Keep it out of walkways where it can be bumped.
- Use the right hardware for your wall type if you hang it. Check the mirror's weight first; the 64-inch version above weighs about 16 lb.
- Handle with care when unpacking. Unbox with two people if the mirror is large.
Cleaning and care
Dust the frame and glass regularly with a dry microfiber cloth. For smudges, spray glass cleaner onto the cloth rather than directly onto the mirror, so liquid does not run behind the frame. Wipe in a gentle Z pattern from top to bottom for a streak-free finish.
Quick recap
Pick a mirror at least half your height, choose arched or rectangular to suit the room, and place it where it reflects light or a pleasant view. Lean, stand or hang it depending on your space, and always secure it in homes with kids or pets.
Our Full Length Floor Mirror comes arched or rectangular, in 59 or 64 inches, with a black or gold aluminum frame. Orders ship free within the US; delivery times are on our shipping policy page.