10 Tips for Hanging a Mirror Over the Fireplace

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

While it's become a popular design trend in recent years, a mirror over the fireplace is a timeless look. A mirror is a stylish alternative to a piece of art or a TV, and in addition to creating a bright and airy aesthetic, it's a neutral backdrop for layering artwork and displaying seasonal decor.

A fireplace is typically the natural focal point in a room, giving the mirror a prime spot. That's why choosing the right size, carefully considering its shape, and hanging it correctly is essential. We're here to share helpful tips and tricks for everything from hanging height and mirror size to what you want the mirror to reflect and how to integrate it with other mantel decor for a sleek and stylish fireplace.

Related: How to Hang a Heavy Mirror for a Statement Piece That Won’t Budge

Keep Proportion in Mind

The general rule of thumb for hanging a mirror above a fireplace is to pick one that is at least two thirds the length of your mantel. Proportion is key whether you're choosing furniture or hanging a mirror, because the right piece in the incorrect size will look all wrong, no matter how nice it is. The mirror should never be wider than the mantel or much smaller than the rule of thirds suggests. If you do use a small mirror, visually enlarge it by creating a vignette around it—layer a framed piece of art in front of it, fill negative space on the sides with tall candlesticks, or use a vase with seasonal stems to add height.

Consider the Shape

When choosing a mirror, consider the architectural features of the fireplace itself as well as the style of the room and the various shapes that it encapsulates. Is the mantel heavily ornate or is it more streamlined and linear? Will the mirror hang on an accent wall with a distinct pattern or bold color? If you see lots of hard edges and clean lines around the room, create contrast and softness with a round mirror. Or to make a statement, go with an unexpected mirror shape such as an octagon to draw attention and emphasize the fireplace as the focal point.

Get the Height Right

Just like choosing the correct size of the mirror, getting the height right is key. It determines the overall appearance of the fireplace and affects the reflection you'll see in the mirror. For a balanced look, the space between the mantel and the bottom of the mirror should be four to six inches. The space between the top of the mirror and the ceiling or crown molding should be at least four to six inches as well, however this will vary depending on ceiling height.

Secure the Mirror

A mirror can be pretty heavy, so to avoid any potential accidents and damage, make sure you secure it in place with appropriate mounting hardware. Check to see that there are studs in the wall to support its weight, then measure and mark the hanging spot. A large mirror will typically have more than one hanging bracket, so use a level to help you position it evenly and follow the mounting directions to securely hang it in place.

Go for a Layered Look

Create a layered aesthetic by leaning a piece of art against the hanging mirror. Position it off center and continue layering other items, such as additional artwork or seasonal decorative accents, in front and around it. Use things that have different heights to create dimension and fill excessive negative wall space.

Related: The 16 Best Floor Mirrors of 2023 for Your Home

Lean the Mirror

For a relaxed appearance and easier alternative, lean the mirror on the mantel instead of hanging it. It's less formal and gives you more flexibility when it comes to switching out your mantel decor since you're not putting any permanent holes in the wall. This is also a great option if there are no studs in the wall or the surface—such as a brick fireplace wall—is hard to drill into.

Choose an Interesting Frame

While a mirror itself doesn't add color or a distinct image over a mantel in the same way that a piece of art does, an interesting frame can have the same effect. Mirrors come in various styles and materials, so in addition to paying attention to its size and shape, look for one with an interesting frame. Bring in a textural element with a wood or rattan frame, dress up the room and complement a traditional marble mantel with an antique-style brass mirror, or forgo a frame altogether for a modern, minimalist look.

Check the Reflection

Since a mirror over a mantel occupies a prominent spot within a room, check its reflection 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 things you see when you walk in the room, you don't want it to reflect a dark corner or cluttered bookshelf. Instead, aim for it to reflect a beautiful decorative feature such as a chandelier, a piece of art, or a window that will bring the outdoors in.

Use Multiple Mirrors

Hang a collection of mirrors for an interesting visual display that extends the range of reflection. It breaks up the reflection while maintaining an open and airy feel and gives the mirror an artwork-like quality. To prevent a cluttered look, keep the mantel decor to a minimum and stick with a limited color palette.

Don't Ignore the Wall

Don't ignore the wall above the mantel, as it's a great opportunity to create a beautiful backdrop for your hanging mirror. Juxtapose a round mirror with a horizontal shiplap wall for contrast, add picture molding to highlight the mirror, or use an accent paint color to set a dramatic scene.

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