How to Pick the Right Mirror for Your Entryway

As I have finally hanged my beautiful Muuto mirror in the entryway, I wanted to share a few tricks on how to pick the right mirror for YOUR entryway. Because each case is different, it is important to consider a few things before choosing one.

A mirror is one of the major pieces in an entryway. Most of us like to have one last glimpse at how we look before getting out into the world. The main purpose of an entryway is to ease your back-and-forths into your home. So making it functional and welcoming should be the main concern. Here are some things to take into account before choosing a mirror:

1.What are your needs?

We are all different hence we do not necessarily have the same needs when it comes to how we get out of our home. Some people may want to have a look at themselves before going out while others don’t really care. For example, for me, it was important to have a last glimpse at my face but I didn’t need a full outfit check. Thus, I didn’t go for a full-length mirror. So first consider your needs in terms of getting out of your home and coming in. It will help you to narrow down the options you have. (This is valid for every part of your home. It should always be our first concern.)

2.Consider the space

When selecting a mirror for your entryway, it’s important to consider the size and proportion of the space. A small mirror in a large entryway may look out of place, while an oversized mirror in a small entryway can overwhelm the space. Measure the area where you plan to hang the mirror and consider the scale of the surrounding furniture and decor.

Question to ask yourself when feeling the space :

• Is the ceiling heigh?
• Is my entryway luminous or dark?
• Is it narrow or wide?

All these questions are relevant for picking the right mirror.

I’d say if I had one rule to follow it would be adapt the size of the mirror according to the space you have. A good rule of thumb is to choose a mirror that is about two-thirds the width of the furniture it’s hanging over, such as a console table or bench. A wide entryway calls for a larger mirror. If you have a narrow entryway but some high ceiling, why not consider a full-length mirror? If your entryway is narrow and not so high, putting a mirror on the adjacent wall of a window could make it look bigger as it will reflect the outside light.

3.Choosing the style of your entryway mirror

Mirrors come in a variety of styles, from modern and minimalist to ornate and traditional. Consider the overall style of your home and choose a mirror that complements it. If your home has a contemporary aesthetic, a sleek, frameless mirror might be the perfect fit. Why not opt for a bold piece that contrasts with the surrounding style? Feel free to blend various styles to showcase your personality. In my hallway, I selected an ultra-modern, minimalist mirror, even though the room has a more traditional vibe. I wanted an element that would inject a touch of modern flair to better reflect my personal style.

A case for antique gold mirror in entryway / hallway

While browsing images for this article, I notice a very bold statement mirror that occured in a lot of different interiors: the antique gold mirror.
It’s not necessarily the kind of piece you would expect in any home yet it’s been consistently used in different settings, throughout the centuries. It’s pretty intense piece with its ornaments and gold color but it appears to work every time. Why is that you ask ?

I believe that the antique gold mirror embodies “timeless beauty”, with intricate details and elegant design that transcend eras.

4.Positioning your mirror in your entryway

Positioning your mirror in your entryway is crucial to maximizing its impact on the space. The right placement can not only enhance the aesthetics of the entryway but also serve practical purposes such as reflecting natural light and creating the illusion of a larger space. Here are some tips on how to effectively position your mirror in your entryway:

• Reflect Natural Light: One of the key benefits of placing a mirror in the entryway is to reflect natural light into the space. Entryway in old apartments are often dark or blind so adding a mirror that reflects natural light can really change the space. To achieve this, consider positioning the mirror opposite a window. This will help bounce light around the room, making it feel brighter and more welcoming. Additionally, placing a mirror near a light source can amplify the effect of the light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in the entryway.
• Create the Illusion of Space: Mirrors have the magical ability to make a space feel larger than it actually is. To create the illusion of space in your entryway, consider placing a mirror on a wall that is perpendicular to the entry door. This will visually expand the area and make it feel more open and airy. Avoid placing the mirror directly opposite the entry door, as this can create a sense of confrontation and make the space feel cramped.
• Consider Eye Level: When hanging a mirror in your entryway, consider the eye level of the people who will be using the space. The mirror should be positioned at a height that is comfortable for the average person to look into. A good rule of thumb is to hang the mirror so that the center is at eye level, which is typically around 145 to 165 cm from the floor. This ensures that the mirror is both functional and aesthetically pleasing for everyone who enters the space.
• Create a Focal Point: To make a statement with your mirror, consider positioning it as a focal point in the entryway. Placing a mirror above a console table or bench can create a stylish vignette that draws the eye and sets the tone for the rest of the space. Consider the overall layout of the entryway and choose a prominent wall where the mirror can take center stage.
• Finding the right balance with decor items: What could help you chose the right spot for the mirror, is considering the small decor items you have or plan on buying. For example, If you like to have flowers in your entryway, or need a lamp in a certain spot. These are all things to take into account when looking for the right place. Because in the end, it’s a whole. Each item has to complete the other.
  Also, wall art is a good point to take into account. If you are going to use mirrors to make a sort of gallery wall (check out how to build a gallery wall).

Anyway, I hope that by now you have a better idea of what type of mirror you are looking for.
I made a small selection of my favorite mirrors on the internet these days. I’ve tried to put a mix of different shapes and sizes of mirrors. Enjoy.

1. Bellevue Floor Mirror Urban Outfitters|| $699||
2. Gloss floor mirror CB2 || CHF 542 ||
3. Brass Mirror H&M Home || CHF 19.95 ||
4. Rattan mirror La Redoute || € 49.90 ||
5. Framed Mirror Mutto || CHF 236 ||
6. Stockholm mirror IKEA || CHF 99.95 ||
7. Mirror rack Nordal || € 279 ||
8. Pharmacy Mirror Target || $ 70 ||
9. Black mirror Arne Lykke || € 49,9 ||
10. Mirror F.A.33 GUBI || CHF 938 ||