How to Choose the Perfect Tall Skinny Wall Mirror
A tall skinny wall mirror can be a beautiful and functional addition to any home. With its slender vertical orientation, this type of mirror is ideal for filling narrow wall spaces, reflecting light, and creating a sense of depth in entryways, hallways, and more. But with so many sizes, shapes, styles, and mounting options to choose from, how do you select the perfect tall skinny wall mirror for your space?
We'll look at popular locations to hang one, sizing and proportion advice, different frame and mounting styles, and tips for decorating and styling your new mirror. We've also included creative DIY ideas, common mistakes to avoid, and inspirational room photos to spark your imagination. By the end, you'll be ready to find and install the ideal tall skinny wall mirror to elevate your home's design.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tall Skinny Wall Mirror
When selecting a tall skinny mirror, there are several key details to evaluate:
- Size and proportions - Consider the mirror's height and width and how it relates to your wall size. You generally want it to fit the wall nicely without looking too small or overwhelmingly large.
- Frame style and color - Choose a frame that matches your room's aesthetic. Go minimalist, rustic, traditional, modern, or select a fun unique shape.
- Mounting type - Decide between a hanging mirror or one that leans against the wall. Hanging offers more versatility.
- Material - Glass, metal, wood, acrylic, and other materials each have their own look and durability.
- Placement in the home - Take into account where you want to install it and what purpose it will serve there.
You'll also want to look at the mirror's quality of construction and hardware. A solid wood or metal frame and sturdy cleat hanging system will last for years to come. It's worth investing in a well-made tall skinny wall mirror that brings value and functionality.
Popular Tall Skinny Wall Mirror Styles
When you start browsing tall skinny mirrors, you'll discover plenty of stylish options. Here are some of the most popular frame designs:
- Minimalist frameless - Without any frame at all, these mirrors have sleek modern appeal.
- Distressed wood frame - A reclaimed wood frame adds texture and farmhouse charm.
- Metal frame - From sleek stainless steel to vintage brass, metal frames bring an industrial vibe.
- Mirrored frame - For contemporary glam, a frame made of small mirrored tiles refracts light.
- Rounded frame - A circular or oval frame softens the mirror's linear shape.
- Geometric frame - Try a frame with clean lines, sharp angles, or concave/convex shaping.
The frame should harmonize with your existing furniture and decor style. Also consider if you want a mirror that blends in discreetly or makes a bold statement.
Where to Place a Tall Skinny Wall Mirror in Your Home
One of the perks of a slender vertically oriented mirror is that it can fit and enhance all sorts of tight narrow spaces around your home. Here are some ideal tall skinny mirror locations:
- Entryway - Hang one near the front door to create an elegant welcoming effect.
- Above console table - Reflect and amplify the items displayed on the tabletop.
- In a narrow hallway - Visually widen a tight space and add brightness.
- Next to front door - Provide one last glance as you head out.
- Staircase landing - Mirrors bring more light to typically dark stairwells.
- Above fireplace - Draw the eye upward and reflect mantle decor.
In a bedroom, lean one in a corner or place between windows. In a bathroom, put beside the vanity. Get creative finding new applications for brilliant reflected light and the illusion of more space in any room.
Hanging and Mounting Considerations
To ensure your tall skinny mirror properly and safely stays on display, pay attention to these hanging and mounting tips:
- Finding wall studs - Use a stud finder to locate wood studs so you can install directly into them.
- Selecting proper hanging hardware - Heavy duty picture wire or D-rings with screws work well for most mirrors.
- Ensuring it is properly leveled - Use angled mounting brackets or adjust picture wire lengths as needed.
- Hanging above furniture vs. on wall - If hanging above a piece of furniture, secure to the wall with cleats but allow the mirror to lean on the furniture.
For a leaning mirror, place rubber bumpers on the bottom corners to prevent sliding. Follow all hardware instructions closely for best results. With careful installation, your tall skinny wall mirror will maintain its beautiful upright posture.
Decorating and Styling with a Tall Skinny Mirror
On its own, a tall lithe mirror makes a striking decorative statement. But you can also style it in creative ways to enhance the look even further:
- Use alone as a statement - Let an ornate or uniquely shaped mirror star on an empty wall.
- Pair with wall sconces - Sconce lighting alongside amplifies the glam.
- Flank window or artwork - Position equal size mirrors on either side of a focal point.
- Layer with other mirrors - Hang a round, square, or geometric mirror nearby for contrasting shapes.
- Add plants, candles, art - Place vignettes of decor items in front to reflect their beauty.
Try tilting the mirror slightly or hanging it higher or lower for different artistic effects. Use it imaginatively to pick up light and colors from room details or display meaningful objects within its view.
Shopping Tips for a Tall Skinny Wall Mirror
Ready to start your tall skinny mirror search? Keep these shopping tips in mind:
- Budget - Narrow down choices by setting a spending limit.
- Quality of materials - Inspect for durability and weight.
- Returns and warranty - Check policies in case it arrives damaged.
- Online vs. in-store - View sizing in person if unsure.
- Buying used/vintage - Refurbish a quality thrift store or antique find.
Browse home stores, boutiques, antique shops, and online retailers like Wayfair and Home Depot. And don't forget to measure your space carefully to ensure a proper size match.
DIY Ideas for Getting the Look
Want to save money by making your own tall skinny wall mirror? Try one of these creative DIY routes:
- Repurposing old window frame - Remove the glass from a salvaged window for built-in framing.
- Using plywood and trim - Cut plywood to size and attach trim pieces around the edge.
- Painting thrift store find - Give a yard sale mirror frame a fresh color update.
- Adding lighting - Install battery-operated puck lights along the frame edges.
Apply adhesive mirror sheets or glass mirror tiles to the frame backing. Prop up your homemade mirror against the wall or hang it simply with mirror wire or command strip velcro. Let your imagination run wild to design a one-of-a-kind skinny mirror masterpiece.
Common Mirror Styling Mistakes to Avoid
While decorating with your tall slender mirror, steer clear of these common gaffes:
- Hanging too high - Position appropriately for your height so you don't have to stretch to see yourself.
- Choosing wrong size - Take measurements so it fits the wall and looks proportional.
- Ignoring lighting - Illumination is key for optimal mirror visibility.
- Cluttering the frame - Allow the mirror shape itself to stand out.
- Forgetting the screws - Have anchors for studless walls and levels for hanging.
Additionally, beware of sticking on lots of decorations that obstruct the reflective surface. And if your style changes, resist trying to repaint coated glass mirrors, which can cause damage. With careful styling choices and proper installation, your beloved tall skinny wall mirror will maintain its striking appearance and function.
Examples and Inspiration
Need a better visual of how to effectively style and place a tall narrow mirror? Here are some gorgeous room examples to spark design ideas:
Entryways
Hang one mirror or a symmetrically aligned pair beside an entryway bench or table to catch a glimpse as you grab your keys heading out. The reflection makes small foyers feel more spacious and bright.
Bathrooms
In a narrow galley or powder bath, position across from the sink vanity for head to toe outfit views. Or place two across from each other to get a unique quadrupled mirror effect.
Bedrooms
Layer with a full length mirror for double mirror styling. Or lean an ornate one in a corner to amplify the room details it reflects.
Living Rooms
Above a sofa, make the room feel larger and draw attention upwards. Or have it reflect your TV for a cool postmodern look.
Dining Rooms
Skinny horizontal mirrors help enrich the dining ambiance. Angle across a corner or float above a buffet or server.
FAQs
Still have some questions about choosing and styling the ideal tall thin mirror? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
- How tall should it be? Ideally around 50 to 60 inches tall for most standard home ceiling heights.
- Should it match other metals and finishes? That's one option for a coordinated look. Mixing and matching can also look very eclectic and artistic.
- Should it lean against the wall or hang? Hanging offers more flexibility, but a leaned mirror saves installation work.
- How do I clean it? Use a soft microfiber cloth with just water or mild glass cleaner. Avoid chemical cleaners which can damage mirror coatings.
With an abundance of stylish options, from rustic wood to polished brass to geometric frames, today's tall narrow mirrors make a fashionable and functional addition to modern homes. Carefully measure your space, assess your style, review hanging logistics, and shop smartly to discover the ideal reflection of your taste. Position it thoughtfully to illuminate and enlarge any room with brilliant light. Then stand back and let your new elegant tall skinny wall mirror work its decorative magic, delivering beautiful form and ample function.
A long rectangular tall skinny wall mirror with a rustic Verde finish creates a romantic and sophisticated ambiance in hallways. Its softly curved iron frame adds a gothic motif to its beveled mirrored glass.
- Dimensions: L 8.00 X W 0.75 X H 55.00
- Qty Available: 85
- Retail Price: $232.50
- Weight: 13.5 lbs.
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- Free Shipping and Returns for orders over $49 in the contiguous United States, except for international shipping, for which customers should contact a Lighting Expert.
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Narrow Mirrors:
- The average selling price of narrow mirrors at 1stDibs is $2,250, with the lowest price being $495 and the highest up to $6,000.
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- The upgraded line of handcrafted products offers attractive, fashion-forward quality merchandise with a continued longstanding commitment.
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