To use or not to use one large full-length mirror in the bedroom is a low-key debate. While one large mirror is beneficial, there’s another route. A mirror above a nightstand is a great alternative. So, for two nightstands, you will use one mirror for each.
The balance, symmetry, and beauty on both sides of the bed are reasons to use a mirror above each nightstand. If this alternative fascinates you, it’s good to know how high to hang them. While the norm is about five inches, let’s discover which height fits yours.
Plus, should you lean the mirror, or hang it over a nightstand? You’ll find the answer to that question, and six ideas to hang a mirror over a nightstand all within this article.
In This Article We'll Discuss
How High To Hang a Mirror Over a Nightstand
There is a thin line between hanging a mirror too low or too high. A low-hung mirror will show the decor accessories on the table. A mirror hung too high requires a stair step or ladder to view the reflection.
All mirrors hung over nightstands should center mount at eye level. An off-center mirror is off balance visually. The mirror width should be no wider than the nightstand width or it will look clunky. To be sure, measure the countertop left to right and measure the mirror left to right and compare.
So, what is the correct height? The general gap between the top of the nightstand and mirror bottom should be four to six inches. You increase or decrease this depending on the height of the nightstand.
An accurate measurement goes by the nightstand height. For nightstands below 35 inches there can be a 10-15 inch gap. For nightstands that are 35 inches tall, there can be an 8 to 10 inch gap. And, nightstands above 35 inches can use the general height (4 to 6 inches) mentioned above.
6 Ideas for Hanging a Mirror Over a Nightstand
Focus on the Shape
The basic rule for large and wide nightstands is to use rectangular mirrors. For small and narrow nightstands, use oval mirrors. The frame needs to match the room decor color. A frameless mirror can match any decor, but silver and gold frames are safe bets if the colors are all over the map.
Arch and crowned top mirrors are fine as they blend personality with the basics. Round and square mirrors can work, but you must place them at the right height to avoid an awkward visual.
Choose Light Mirrors
Make the mirror do more by buying it with lights around the frame. The mirror will not only show your reflection and enlarge the room, but it will also double as a table lamp. Mirrors with lights are space savers. They allow more open space to add items where the table lamp used to be.
Stack Two Small Mirrors
An intriguing idea is adding two or three small mirrors above the nightstand. That is where short mirrors come in handy. Nail the mirror design by choosing a non-decorative framed or frameless mirror. Make sure the rectangular or oval mirrors are horizontal for easy stacking. The design adds variety and height to the walls and adds personality to the nightstand wall.
Include the Headboard
A mirrored headboard, a mirror wall, and floor-to-ceiling mirrors involve the headboard. A mirrored headboard should cover the headboard and the nightstands next to the bed. A mirror wall decorates the bed, headboard, and nightstand wall with mirror panels. If a headboard exists in either scenario, wrap the mirrors around the headboard.
The third way is using floor-to-ceiling or nightstand to ceiling mirrors. Add a tall headboard to fill the center gap. The headboard should be the same height as the mirrors. Blend the headboard and mirrors through frames or color and make it match bedroom decor.
Add a Third Mirror
Two vertical-length mirrors need something in the center to bring eye-catching symmetrical style. If you don’t want a tall headboard, add a small decorative mirror above the bed instead. Centered above the headboard, a mirror between the two nightstand mirrors is magnificent.
Use Two Full-length Mirrors
You may like the idea of a full-length mirror, but not a large, bulky one. In this case, you can use two smaller full-length mirrors and lean them behind the nightstands. The mirrors double the size of the room. Hanging the mirror is optional, but it will look better because the mirror will be out of the way.
Leaning vs. Hanging a Mirror Over Nightstands
The benefit of hanging a mirror over a nightstand is that it is out of the way. When you move the nightstand to clean it or retrieve fallen decor, you don’t risk damaging the mirror. But, mirrors are heavy, and they need to hang tight against the wall. A mirror not installed on the wall correctly will fall and break, causing injury.
Leaning a mirror on the nightstand forgoes wall installation. The same is true for leaning a full-length mirror behind a nightstand. So, the mirror needs to be moved for cleaning or retrieving fallen items. In this case, you run the risk of dropping and shattering the leaning mirror.
For leaning table mirrors, bumps against the nightstand can shatter the mirror. This can cause major and minor injuries. For leaning full-length mirrors, the mirror is closer to the ground. It’s easier for children to reach and break while sitting on it, touching it, or playing around.
The safer solution is hanging the mirror above the nightstand. The result is slick, clean, and less risky than leaning the mirror on the countertop. Use mounting brackets or wall studs to seal the mirror to the wall to keep it from moving or tilting.
How Will Mirrors Over Nightstands Make a Bedroom Look?
Mirrors over nightstands are beneficial for the bedroom. Instead of using one large, bulky mirror, this layout brings two smaller mirrors to the area. You won’t have to share the mirror with your significant other, as that person will have a mirror. Plus, the mirrors add variety to walls and against artwork and tapestries hung nearby.
The mirrors keep the function of reflecting what you are wearing so you can see it. It also adds dimension by reflecting the image in front of it and using it to widen the room. As artwork highlights art, the reflection is the art for mirrors. So, the space reflected in the mirror should be appealing.
With a window, the mirror reflects light to add brightness throughout the area. It bounces and spreads light, so every inch is radiant and bright.
Conclusion
Mirrors over nightstands are show stoppers in the bedroom. Pick mirrors that match the bedroom decor and are equal to or less than the nightstand height. Hang and decorate the mirror and/or the headboard for striking results.
Did you know how high to hang a mirror over a nightstand? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section. Hanging a mirror over a nightstand is a skill. Those mirrors must line up visually to bring out the harmonious ambiance.