While it’s become a popular design trend in recent years, a mirrorover the fireplaceis a timeless look.

A fireplace is typicallythe natural focal pointin a room, giving the mirror a prime spot.

That’s why choosing the right size, carefully considering its shape, and hanging it correctly is essential.

sitting area with white brick fireplace

Credit: Josh Grubbs

The mirror should never be wider than the mantel or much smaller than the rule of thirds suggests.

Is the mantel heavily ornate or is it more streamlined and linear?

Will the mirror hang on anaccent wallwith a distinct pattern or bold color?

living room with brick fireplace and round mirror

Credit:Stacey Brandford

It determines the overallappearance of the fireplaceand affects the reflection you’ll see in the mirror.

Go for a Layered Look

David A.

Land

Create a layered aesthetic by leaning a piece of art against the hanging mirror.

white living room with brown mirror

Credit:Jay Wilde

Use things that have different heights to create dimension and fill excessive negative wall space.

It breaks up the reflection while maintaining an open and airy feel and gives the mirror an artwork-like quality.

Toprevent a cluttered look, keep the mantel decor to a minimum and stick with a limited color palette.

white living room wall with round mirror over fireplace

Credit:Jonathan Mark Denby

white fireplace with round gold mirror

Credit:Annie Schlechter

gold mirror over white fireplace against a blue wall

Credit:David A. Land

white brick fireplace with mirror on mantel

Credit:John Stoffer

white brick fireplace with mirror over

Credit:Carson Downing

gray fireplace with black chandelier

Credit:Ryann Ford

white living room with gold circle mirrors over fireplace

Laurie Black.

gray fireplace wall with gold mirror above mantel

Credit:Stacy Zarin Goldberg