Bedroom With a Big Mirror: 15 Ideas and Placement Tips

A big mirror is one of the hardest-working things you can put in a bedroom. It bounces daylight around, makes a small room feel larger, gives you a proper full-length view when you're getting dressed and, chosen well, becomes a statement piece in its own right. But where you put it matters: in the wrong spot, a large mirror can reflect clutter, glare or the bed itself, and a heavy one needs to be fixed securely.

In this guide I'll share 15 ideas for a bedroom with a big mirror, the best and worst places to put one, how big it should be, what feng shui says about mirrors facing the bed, and how to hang or lean a heavy mirror safely.

Why Add a Big Mirror to a Bedroom?

• More light. A large mirror opposite or beside a window reflects daylight deep into the room.
• More space. Mirrors visually double a room's depth, which is especially useful in small bedrooms.
• A full-length view. Essential if you get dressed in the bedroom.
• A focal point. An arched, gilt, antique or oversized mirror adds character and drama.

Where to Put a Big Mirror in a Bedroom

My rule of thumb: put a large mirror where it will reflect something beautiful, such as a window, a garden view, a piece of art or a pendant light, rather than a cluttered corner, a radiator or a door.

What About Feng Shui?

In feng shui, mirrors are believed to amplify energy, which is why many practitioners advise against placing one directly opposite the bed. As holistic designer Anna Lippett told Homes & Gardens, "They reflect and amplify energy so avoid positioning opposite the bed for good quality sleep." The same article notes that feng shui schools disagree on whether bedrooms should have mirrors at all.

Whether or not you follow feng shui, the practical advice is sound: some people find catching their reflection in the night unsettling, and a mirror opposite the bed can reflect light from the landing or street into your eyes. If you're unsure, put the mirror on a side wall, or try covering it for a few nights to see if you sleep better.

How Big Should a Bedroom Mirror Be?

15 Ideas for a Bedroom With a Big Mirror

1. An arched floor mirror. A tall arched mirror leaning against the wall is elegant, relaxed and echoes the arches of a Spanish style bedroom.

2. An antique or foxed mirror. A softly aged mirror feels romantic rather than stark, and it's easy to create the look yourself; here's how to antique a mirror at home.

3. A gilt overmantel mirror. In a period bedroom with a fireplace, a large gilt mirror above the mantelpiece is timeless.

4. A mirrored wardrobe wall. Mirrored doors make a small bedroom feel twice the size; soften the effect with linen curtains, wood and plants.

5. Mirrors behind the bedside tables. A pair of tall mirrors behind each bedside table bounces lamplight and adds symmetry.

6. A round mirror above a dressing table. Simple, practical and softening in a room full of straight lines.

7. A Hollywood vanity mirror. A lit mirror at a dressing table makes getting ready easier and adds a touch of glamour.

8. A rattan or wooden frame. Natural frames suit Scandi, coastal and Japandi bedrooms.

9. A large mirror opposite the window. The single best way to brighten a dark bedroom, especially with soft, light-reflecting white paint colours on the walls.

10. A grouping of smaller mirrors. A gallery wall of vintage mirrors adds character and reflects light in many directions.

11. A mirror in a dressing nook. Create a dressing area with a full-length mirror, a bench and a rail, even in a corner.

12. A mirror on a sloping ceiling wall. In loft bedrooms, a tall mirror on the highest wall makes the room feel taller.

13. A mirrored chest or bedside table. Mirrored furniture adds sparkle without hanging anything.

14. A sunburst or decorative mirror. A sculptural mirror becomes art in its own right.

15. A mirror with layered textiles. Pair a big mirror with warm, textured bedding, layered bed shams and wool throws, so the room feels cosy rather than cold.

How to Hang or Lean a Heavy Mirror Safely

Big mirrors are heavier than they look. Glass weighs around 2.5kg per square metre for every millimetre of thickness, so a 6mm mirror measuring 1m by 1.8m weighs about 27kg before you add the frame.

• Know the weight of your mirror and choose fixings rated well above it.
• Fix into studs, joists or masonry where possible. On plasterboard, use heavy-duty plasterboard fixings rated for the load, or a French cleat or hanging rail that spreads the weight.
• Use two fixing points rather than one, so the mirror hangs level and the load is shared.
• Secure leaning mirrors. Fit an anti-tip strap or bracket to the wall, especially in homes with children or pets.
• Avoid hanging heavy mirrors directly above the bed head, where a fall could cause injury.
• Check the wall for pipes and cables with a detector before drilling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should a big mirror go in a bedroom?

Ideally opposite or beside a window to bounce light around, on a side wall, or leaning against a wall near a dressing area. Many people avoid placing one directly opposite the bed.

Is it bad to have a mirror facing the bed?

In feng shui, a mirror facing the bed is believed to disturb sleep. Practically, some people find it unsettling at night, so a side wall is often a better choice.

How big should a full-length mirror be?

Around 150 to 180cm tall is usually enough to see yourself head to toe, depending on your height.

Does a big mirror make a bedroom look bigger?

Yes. A large mirror visually doubles the depth of a room and reflects light, which makes a small bedroom feel larger and brighter.

How do you secure a leaning floor mirror?

Fit an anti-tip strap or bracket from the back of the frame to the wall, and make sure the base can't slide on a smooth floor.

Reflect the Best of Your Bedroom

A big mirror can make a bedroom brighter, larger and more beautiful, as long as it reflects something worth seeing and is fixed safely. Choose the right size for the wall, place it to catch the light, and soften it with warm materials.

For more bedroom inspiration, explore the interior design section, and if you'd like help planning your bedroom layout and lighting, you can book a one-hour online interior design consultation with me.