A wall mirror in the bedroom serves two purposes: it shows the full figure and visually enlarges the room. However, many buyers underestimate the necessary height or hang the mirror too high. To see oneself from head to toe, a mirror surface of at least half one's body height, preferably two-thirds, is required. Equally important is the placement: the lower edge should start close to the floor so that shoes and hems are also visible. In this guide, you will learn what dimensions are sensible, where the mirror should hang, and what to consider during installation.
Minimum Dimensions for a Full-Length Mirror
Physically, a mirror height of half your body height is sufficient if you stand centrally in front of the mirror. For a body height of 180 cm, this would be 90 cm of mirror surface. In practice, however, a more generous measurement is recommended because you rarely stand exactly in the middle and may also want to check your hairstyle or shoes. A mirror height of 120 to 140 cm covers most everyday situations. Models with a height of 150 to 180 cm offer additional comfort and make the bedroom appear more spacious.
The width depends on the available space and the desired room effect. Narrow mirrors from 40 cm width fit into niches or next to the door, wider formats from 70 cm also show outstretched arms and clothing in profile. Very wide wall mirrors from 100 cm are suitable for double rooms where two people stand in front of the mirror simultaneously.
Height of the Lower Edge Above the Floor
The lower edge of the mirror should be a maximum of 20 cm above the floor, ideally 10 to 15 cm. Only then will you see shoes, trouser hems, and the entire silhouette. If the mirror hangs higher, the lower part of the body remains invisible, and the mirror loses its function as a full-length mirror. Floor-standing mirrors with frames usually start at a distance of 2 to 5 cm and offer the most complete view.
When installing, consider the height of skirting boards: a skirting board of 8 cm height requires either a recess or a minimum distance of 10 cm so that the mirror hangs flush with the wall. Some manufacturers offer models with integrated bases that stand on the floor and are leaned against or screwed to the wall.
Placement in the Room
The classic location is the wall opposite the bed or to the side of the dressing room door. This allows daylight to fall on the mirror without dazzling you. Avoid the wall directly opposite the window: backlighting makes it difficult to assess colors and fit. The wall behind the bed is equally unfavorable because you cannot stand comfortably in front of it there.
In narrow bedrooms, a mirror on the long side visually enlarges the room. Hang it centrally or slightly offset from the center of the room so that it is not obscured by furniture. A distance of at least 100 cm to the opposite wall allows you to step back a few paces and check the overall effect. In walk-in closets or dressing rooms, a mirror on the end wall, flanked by shelves or clothes rails, is recommended.
Frame Choice and Wall Condition
Heavy frames made of solid wood or metal give the mirror stability and blend into classically furnished bedrooms. Light aluminum frames or frameless models suit modern interiors and appear more discreet. Weight plays a crucial role in installation: a mirror 150 cm high and 70 cm wide with a wooden frame can quickly weigh 15 to 25 kg, frameless only 8 to 12 kg.
Check the wall condition before drilling. Solid walls made of concrete or solid bricks can easily support heavy mirrors with suitable anchors. Lightweight walls made of plasterboard require cavity anchors or a cross batten screwed into the stud work. For rented apartments, floor-standing mirrors are a good option as they do not require drilling and can be moved when relocating.
Lighting and Reflection
Indirect light from the side or from above shows colors true to life and avoids harsh shadows on the face. LED strips above the mirror or wall lights mounted on the side provide even illumination. Make sure that the light source is not directly reflected in the mirror, otherwise it will dazzle when looking into the mirror.
Mirrors also reflect artificial light from ceiling lights or bedside lamps. Position the mirror so that it brightens the room without light sources being disruptively reflected. In rooms with little daylight, a large wall mirror opposite the door or to the side of the window can significantly increase brightness.
Guidelines for Common Room Sizes
| Room Size | Recommended Mirror Height | Recommended Mirror Width | Distance Lower Edge to Floor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small bedrooms up to 12 m² | 120 to 140 cm | 40 to 60 cm | 10 to 15 cm |
| Medium bedrooms 12 to 20 m² | 140 to 160 cm | 60 to 80 cm | 10 to 15 cm |
| Large bedrooms from 20 m² | 160 to 180 cm | 80 to 120 cm | 10 to 20 cm |
| Dressing rooms | 180 to 200 cm | 70 to 100 cm | 5 to 10 cm |
Installation Tips for Secure Mounting
For heavy mirrors, use at least two, preferably four, hanging points. Special mirror hangers with safety hooks prevent the mirror from slipping out of the bracket due to vibrations. Before drilling, measure the position of the hangers on the mirror and transfer them precisely to the wall. A spirit level ensures that the mirror hangs straight.
For very large or heavy models, a mounting rail screwed horizontally to the wall is recommended. The mirror is then hung into the rail and cannot slide sideways. For floor-standing mirrors that are leaned against the wall, use anti-tip brackets that are attached to the top of the frame and the wall. This keeps the mirror stable even if accidentally bumped.
Combination with Chest of Drawers or Dressing Table
A wall mirror above a chest of drawers forms a functional unit: you place jewelry, watches, or accessories on the chest of drawers and see in the mirror how they look. The top edge of the chest of drawers should be about 75 to 85 cm high so that you can comfortably access it. The mirror then begins 5 to 10 cm above the chest of drawers, so that there is no gap, but the storage surface remains free.
However, for a full-length mirror, this arrangement is only partially suitable because the lower part of the body will not be visible. One solution is to hang a tall, narrow mirror to the side of the chest of drawers and place a smaller mirror above the chest of drawers. This gives you both functions: full-body view and detail check for face and upper body.
You can find suitable pieces under Wall Mirrors and Chests of Drawers. Information on how the pieces are constructed, available dimensions, and delivery times can be found on Eichholtz Wall Mirrors and Eichholtz Chests of Drawers and Sideboards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high does a wall mirror need to be to show the whole body?
Theoretically, half your body height is sufficient, i.e., 90 cm for a body height of 180 cm. In practice, a mirror height of 120 to 140 cm is recommended so that you can see everything even when slightly offset and with shoes. Models from 150 cm offer additional comfort and make the room appear more spacious.
How far should the lower edge of the mirror be from the floor?
A maximum of 20 cm, ideally 10 to 15 cm. Only then will the lower part of the body remain visible. Floor-standing mirrors with a distance of 2 to 5 cm show the most complete view. Consider the height of existing skirting boards so that the mirror hangs flush with the wall.
Where is the best place to put the mirror in the bedroom?
Opposite the bed or to the side of the door, so that daylight falls on the mirror without dazzling. Avoid the wall directly opposite the window due to backlighting and the wall behind the bed because you cannot stand comfortably there. A distance of at least 100 cm to the opposite wall allows you to step back.
What type of mounting is suitable for heavy wall mirrors?
Use at least two, preferably four, hanging points with mirror hangers and safety hooks. For solid walls, suitable anchors are sufficient; lightweight walls require cavity anchors or a cross batten in the stud work. Very large models are best hung on a horizontally screwed mounting rail.