Why Mirrors Matter More Than You Think
A mirror does two things simultaneously: it reflects light, making a space feel larger and brighter, and it introduces a decorative object with its own visual weight and character. The frame of the mirror — its material, its profile, its finish — is as important as the glass itself in determining how the mirror reads in a room.
A brass-framed mirror brings warmth, depth, and a sense of craft to any space. Unlike a frameless mirror, which reads as purely functional, a brass mirror is also a piece of furniture — an object with presence and personality that contributes to the design of the room even when no one is looking into it.
Shape: The First Decision
The shape of a mirror has a significant effect on the character of the space. Round mirrors are the most versatile — they soften angular rooms, work well above rectangular furniture like vanities and consoles, and have a timeless quality that suits almost any interior style. They are particularly effective in bathrooms, where the circular form provides a gentle counterpoint to the rectangles of tiles, cabinets, and basins.
Rectangular mirrors are more formal and architectural. They work well in symmetrical arrangements — two matching mirrors flanking a window, for example, or a single large mirror above a double vanity. They are also more practical in spaces where the mirror is used primarily for grooming, as the rectangular format provides a more complete view of the face and upper body.
Irregular or organic shapes — the kind of hand-forged brass mirrors we make at Northgrove — occupy a different category entirely. These are mirrors that function as art objects, with frames that have been shaped by hand into forms that are unique to each piece. They are most effective as focal points in rooms where the design is otherwise relatively restrained, allowing the mirror to carry the visual interest of the space.
Size: Bigger Is Usually Better
The most common mistake when choosing a mirror is selecting one that is too small for the space. A mirror that is proportionally correct for its wall will feel generous and confident; a mirror that is too small will feel tentative and lost. As a general rule, a mirror above a vanity should be approximately the same width as the vanity, or slightly narrower. A mirror above a console table should be at least two-thirds the width of the table.
For full-length mirrors, the standard recommendation is that the mirror should be at least half your height to show a complete reflection — but for decorative purposes, a full-length mirror that reaches from near the floor to near the ceiling is far more dramatic and effective than a shorter version.
Frame Profile: Thin or Substantial?
The profile of the brass frame — how thick and substantial it appears — affects the visual weight of the mirror and how it reads in the room. A thin, delicate frame (perhaps 15–20mm wide) creates a mirror that reads almost as frameless, with just a hint of brass warmth at the edge. This is a good choice for spaces where the mirror is primarily functional and the design is otherwise very clean and minimal.
A more substantial frame (50mm or wider) creates a mirror that reads as a decorative object in its own right — the frame has enough visual presence to be noticed and appreciated. This is the right choice for spaces where the mirror is intended to be a statement piece, or where the room has enough visual complexity to support a more elaborate frame.
Placement: The Final Consideration
Where you place a brass mirror is as important as which mirror you choose. In a bathroom, the mirror should be centred above the vanity and hung at a height that is comfortable for the tallest person who will use it regularly. In a living room or bedroom, consider placing the mirror where it will reflect something beautiful — a window, a piece of art, a view of the garden — rather than simply reflecting the opposite wall.
In a hallway or entryway, a full-length brass mirror serves both a practical function (the last check before leaving the house) and a design function (making the space feel larger and more welcoming). Position it where it will catch the light from a window or a lamp, and where it will be the first thing you see when you enter the space.