Find Your Perfect Tall Skinny Wall Mirror for a Contemporary Look
Tall skinny wall mirrors are having a major moment in interior design right now. With their sleek, vertical shape and contemporary vibe, it's no wonder these elongate mirrors are surging in popularity.
But with so many sizes, styles, and placement options to consider, how do you find the perfect tall skinny wall mirror to complement your home? Read on for the complete guide to selecting and styling the ideal mirror for a modern, stylish look.
Different Tall Skinny Mirror Styles
One of the great things about tall skinny mirrors is the range of styles available today. From minimalist to lavish, you can find a mirror design aligned with your personal taste and home decor theme.
Simple Framed Mirrors
This classic style features a slender frame made of metal, wood, or plastic. The straightforward design epitomizes contemporary cool. Simple framed mirrors come in finishes like brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and matte black to match modern, urban, or industrial decor. For a lighter look, pale wood like ash or maple pairs well with Scandinavian-inspired spaces.
Minimalist rooms benefit from the simplicity of a thin framed mirror. The clean lines blend right into whitewashed walls and uncluttered furnishings. Go for a mirror width in scale with your wall size--a dainty 12 inch wide frame on a large wall can look lost.
Ornate Framed Mirrors
On the more opulent end of the mirror spectrum, ornate framed mirrors make a dramatic statement. Intricately carved wood, gilt metalwork, or crystal-embellished frames exemplify glamorous vintage styles. Use a tall ornate mirror as a focal point in your bedroom or living room. Play up the old-world charm by hanging it above a console table or fireplace mantel.
For bohemian and eclectic spaces, an antique-inspired mirror adds character. Seek out frames with architectural motifs, floral flourishes, or distressed finishes. Lean into romantic vibes with carved cherubs, roses, and curving lines.
Ornate mirrors require ample breathing room--keep the area around them clear of clutter to let the striking details shine.
Borderless Mirrors
On the completely opposite end of the mirror design spectrum, we have the borderless or frameless mirror. As the name implies, these mirrors have zero frame and are simply cut polished glass. The edges have a clean, finished look.
Frameless mirrors create a brilliantly sleek and modern statement. They seem to disappear right into the wall, giving a contemporary edge to any room. Use a borderless mirror to open up a narrow space visually--the uninterrupted reflection makes rooms appear wider.
Finish is key for frameless mirrors. Beveled edges add depth while flat polished edges blend seamlessly. Picking a mirror that coordinates with your wall color enhances the unified effect.
LED Lighted Mirrors
Illuminate your space in style by choosing an LED lighted mirror. These ingenious mirrors have lighting built right into the frame, offering the perfect view for makeup, shaving, and getting gorgeous.
Perimeter lighting provides even illumination while not compromising style. Look for dimmable options to control brightness. For a touch of Hollywood glam, mirrors with warm backlighting emanate a flattering glow. Incorporate a lighted mirror into your bedroom or bathroom for a decorative and functional design win.
Smart LED mirrors take illuminated style even further. Touchscreen interfaces, voice controls, Bluetooth connectivity, and embedded cameras make these advanced mirrors really shine.
Smart Mirrors
Smart mirrors are the cutting edge in mirror technology. They incorporate interactive features through LCD screens seamlessly set into the glass. Voice activation, touch screens, WiFi connectivity, and built-in cameras allow smart mirrors to function as so much more than simple reflection.
With customized news, traffic, and weather feeds, smart mirrors keep you informed. Streaming video turns them into virtual TVs. Selfie modes, virtual try-on for makeup or outfits, and image editing allow you to look your best. For the ultimate in futuristic functionality, smart mirrors are a must-have.
Size Considerations
Once you've settled on the ideal tall skinny mirror style for your space, it's time to think about size. Measuring your wall dimensions is an important first step. You'll want a mirror width in scale with its wall to maintain pleasing proportions.
Standard tall skinny mirror sizes range between four to five feet in height, with widths of 12 to 24 inches. Measure the wall you want to install it on--a mirror that takes up the full length will make a bold statement. For a more discreet look, size it to about three-quarters of the wall's length.
Truly floor-length mirrors run six feet or taller from floor to ceiling. This dramatic height opens up the space visually and showcases entire outfits. Just take care that ceiling height can accommodate the mirror's top edge.
There are no set rules on tall skinny mirror sizes--choose what balances best in your room. Just remember, a mirror too small on a large wall can get dwarfed. And an oversized mirror on a petite wall can feel overwhelming.
Placement Tips
Finding the ideal spot to install your tall skinny mirror is key to maximizing its visual impact. Here are some top tips for placement:
- Living room accent wall - Create a focal point and illuminate the room.
- Bedroom corner - Add depth and reflect more light by a window.
- Bathroom vanity - Enhance visibility for grooming at the sink.
- Entryway or hallway - Give a last glance before heading out.
- Staircase landing - Draw the eye upwards and reflect banister details.
- Opposite a console table - Reflect items placed on tabletop.
Consider sightlines when positioning a tall skinny mirror--you want to be able to see it fully when entering a space. And when possible, have it reflect light from windows or pendant lights to brighten up the room.
Hanging Methods
Once you've mapped out the perfect spot, it's time to learn how to hang a tall skinny mirror securely. With its height and weight, specialized mounting is key. Follow these steps:
First, locate the wall studs and use a high-quality anchor suited for your wall material. Screw eyes or D-rings attached along the back of the frame allow for hanging with wire. Measure carefully and use a level to ensure the mirror hangs straight. Follow the hardware manufacturer's instructions closely.
For a large statement mirror, consider hiring a professional installer. They have specialized equipment to lift heavy mirrors and get them perfectly positioned.
Never hang a tall skinny mirror by simply nailing into drywall alone. It needs the added support of studs or specialized drywall anchors to bear the weight. But with the proper hardware and careful measuring, you can absolutely hang your mirror in a DIY fashion.
Design Inspiration
Need a little design inspo before picking your tall skinny mirror? Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:
- Repurposed antique window - Add character by using the actual glass.
- Paint color coordinated - Match mirror frame to wall paint.
- Photo collection overlay - Arrange Polaroids or prints under glass.
- Unexpected shape - Try a curved or circular style.
- Infuse your personality - Go bold with bright colors or quirky details.
Visit interior design sites and blogs to discover how top pros are styling tall skinny mirrors. Note elements that appeal to your own aesthetic. Collect images of rooms with your preferred decor vibe. Soon you'll be ready to try out the look yourself.
Finding the Right Retailer
Ready to start shopping for your perfect tall skinny wall mirror? Both online and brick-and-mortar retailers carry a wide selection. Here are a few things to look for as you search:
Online furniture giants like Wayfair and Amazon offer convenience and affordable pricing for basic mirror styles. Visit home stores like West Elm, Crate + Barrel, and Restoration Hardware to see options in person. For high-end designer mirrors, check luxury vendors like Rejuvenation Hardware or anthropologie.
Don't forget to factor in shipping costs, especially for large breakable items. And check return policies in case in-home placement doesn't work out. With the right retailer, you'll have your dream mirror in no time.
With their sleek contemporary vibe, it's no wonder tall skinny mirrors are having a decor moment. Now that you know what to look for in terms of styles, sizes, placement, and shopping tips, you're ready to find the ideal mirror to elevate your space.
Bringing home your new tall skinny mirror is an exciting milestone. Have fun designing the wall space with creative surrounding accents. Then get ready to enjoy compliments on your brilliant new focal point--you and your stylish mirror will bring contemporary flair to any room.