French Days Mirrors

A mirror isn't just for looking at yourself: its shape decides what it does to the room. This selection brings together round mirrors in several diameters and two tall vertical portrait mirrors with detailed frames.

Round softens, portrait elongates

A round mirror breaks up the straight lines of a wall and works well above a console table or in a bathroom. The Ondine and Lio models range from a small accent diameter to a large circle that commands a wall on its own. The Soren and Nell portrait mirrors, much taller than they are wide, stretch the height of an entryway or a narrow hallway.

Finding the right height

The center of a mirror goes at eye level, around 1.60 meters from the floor, not in the middle of the wall. Above a piece of furniture, leave about ten centimeters between the top surface and the bottom of the frame. For a vertical portrait mirror, its relationship to the floor matters more than to the ceiling.

Look at what the mirror reflects

A mirror placed opposite a window bounces daylight deep into the room and doubles the available brightness. Placed to the side, it brightens less but reflects a section of wall that is often more flattering. Always look at what the glass will show before deciding where to hang it.

Frequently asked questions

What diameter should I choose above a console table?

Allow about two-thirds of the width of the furniture. A smaller circle gets lost on the wall, a wider one visually overflows the surface.

What's the difference between a round mirror and a portrait mirror?

A round mirror plays with light and softens a wall arrangement. A portrait mirror, vertical and larger, commands the wall on its own and lengthens the perspective of the room.

How do I clean a mirror without leaving streaks?

Use a barely damp microfiber cloth, then a second dry cloth, starting from the top. Avoid spraying cleaner on the edges, where moisture can seep under the frame.