We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Plus expert tips on how to use leaner mirrors properly. wood craft box
A well-chosen mirror makes both a practical addition to a space and a style statement in its own right. That goes especially for floor and leaner mirrors, which tend to be larger, giving you somewhere to check your whole outfit from all angles, while making a punchy, impactful addition to the room.
A carefully placed mirror will also bounce light around the space, lifting gloomy or stuffy rooms and making them feel airier. 'When used in the right way, a floor mirror can make a room look twice the size and doubly bright,' says Becky Dyson, interior stylist at The Living House. 'Place a large leaner mirror against a dark wall, opposite a window, and it’ll create a feeling of space that’s double the actual size of the room.'
As for the room itself, it’s up to you. But being the go-to spot for assessing your outfit, leaner mirrors naturally lend themselves well to the bedroom. The hallway makes another good place to keep them, so you can have a quick final check before you rush out the door.
'Don't be afraid to play around with different sizes and styles,' says Becky. 'The more mirrors you add, the brighter a room will feel. That could look like having a large wall leaner mirror, a smaller one over a dressing table and one on a shelf in a bedroom. A pair of tall mirrors behind your bedside tables also provides great symmetrical style.'
There are also some places to avoid. Here are Becky’s top tips for using mirrors the right way:
Don’t hang mirrors in hotspots for clutter. 'A mirror reflects back what is opposite and if that is toys, piles of post and washing, you'll be seeing it twice over!' she says. Instead, it’s best practice to position them opposite a window so they can help bounce light around.
Avoid hanging a mirror on its own on the wall as it will appear to float. 'It needs to be anchored by something,' Becky says. 'That could be a console table, fireplace, sofa, or it could form part of a gallery wall.'
Don’t position a large mirror opposite the loo. 'This might seem obvious but we’ve seen it done!' says Becky. 'A large mirror in your bathroom is an essential but reflecting the toilet is a no-no. Keep it at waist height and above. If you really want a full length mirror in this space, just be mindful of its position.'
Nobody wants their new statement piece toppling over, especially if you have children at home. To ensure your mirror stays just where it should, fix it to the wall. Most will come with fixings included, or there are furniture anchors also available for a low cost. You can also invest in some rubber stoppers to stop it from sliding across hardwood floors.
Luckily, there is a beautiful range of floor and leaner mirrors to shop, catering to a range of tastes and budgets. Look to H&M for breezy boho styling and The White Company for something chic and timeless.
Anthropologie and Etsy have come through with some real statement pieces this season, too. Expect double-wide panes and opulent gilded frames, ready to infuse your space with some old-world glamour.
Here are our top floor mirror and leaner mirror picks to shop now.
This cheap and cheerful leaner has a natural wood finish and a stand for added support. At a slim 30cm, it's not one to buy if you're looking to create that opulent 'quiet luxury' feel in your space. But if you're just looking for an inexpensive, unobtrusive piece to check your outfit in before you head out, this is hard to beat.
It's also made from 85 per cent recycled materials, boosting its charm even more.
Simple, chic and classic, this arched leaner mirror will look right at home in all interior schemes. A worthy addition to any dressing room.
This huge gilded floor mirror can't, by any stretch, be described as understated.
As this is a very large, heavy mirror, we would recommend keeping it on the floor; it'll make a glamorous statement in your bedroom or dressing room while retaining a feeling of elegance.
Coming in at just under a metre wide, this mirror packs an aesthetic punch. For those looking for a large mirror for a big room, this makes a solid choice.
The minimal silver frame and gently curved top are classic, ready to go in any and all interior schemes.
Pooky, the lighting brand beloved for its eclectically patterned shades and fun statement lamps, has added some mirrors to its range.
The rationale for branching away from its USP is that mirrors help bounce light around your space, making them an integral part of your lighting scheme.
This pretty full-length mirror, with its glass bamboo effect frame, is one of our favourites from the range.
Here's a similar, slightly cheaper shabby chic alternative that still holds plenty of rustic appeal, from our high-street favourite Dunelm.
Sleek and sophisticated, this classic option from our own House Beautiful Marketplace has a mirrored frame, giving it a minimal, seamless look in situ. One for classical and country schemes, especially.
We are loving H&M's improved selection of curated brands. This fun wooden leaner mirror is brought to us by luxe interiors brand Fifty Five South, via the faithful high street stalwart.
It's expensive, but provides plenty of understated chic for your bedroom or hallway — note the gold-topped tips, especially.
Seletti's punchy, kitschy pieces aren't going to appeal to all tastes. Nonetheless, fans of the irreverent Italian design house will like this cheeky mirror from its popular collaboration with (equally flippant) lifestyle store TOILETPAPER.
You can see the full range at Selfridges.
Part industrial edge, part indoor-outdoor vibes. This window pane mirror, with its black framing, will pep up drab bare walls whether wall-mounted or used as a leaner.
It's an easy, impactful update at a relatively low price for a full-length mirror.
John Lewis' ANYDAY range is packed with stylish, inexpensive gems. This chic, minimal floor mirror is under £100, but you'd never know from looking at it.
For context, this similar walnut option from the brand's regular collection, is almost £100 more expensive. A good choice for Scandi and midcentury style homes.
Sometimes more is more – and one of those times is when you're investing in a massive, intricately carved, chunky golden leaner mirror.
This lavish piece will instantly take your space from bedroom to boudoir, so make sure to finish the look properly with silky bedsheets and plenty of texture.
Shabby chic has an enduring charm and this rustic window-style mirror is a great example. It has plenty of easy breezy style that would work beautifully in country kitchens and beachside homes.
We love a good storage hack. There's a hidden shelf on this leaning-style floor mirror, so you can conceal coats and shoes in the hallway, relieving often-narrow spaces from feeling cluttered.
This window mirror brings to mind an indoor/outdoor feeling. Style the surrounding space with lots of large leafy houseplants to complete the look.
This three-way floor mirror is a real show-stopper. Perfect for a dressing room or master bedroom, you can view your outfit from all angles.
Our favourite afternoon tea sets
Maximise your space with a towel rail
13 bench table sets for stylish dining
14 desk accessories to brighten up your workspace
15 jungle wallpaper ideas to add tropical flair
Our pick of the best LED candles
17 bathroom accessories to help style your space
Luxury towels to turn your bathroom into a spa
11 stylish floor cushions you'll love
House Beautiful, Part of the Hearst UK Fashion & Beauty Network
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Wood Clocks ©2024 Hearst UK is the trading name of the National Magazine Company Ltd, 30 Panton Street, Leicester Square, London, SW1Y 4AJ. Registered in England. All Rights Reserved.