Mirrors for Your Fireplace: 20 Stylish Ideas with Expert Tips
Transform your fireplace into a stunning focal point with the perfect mirror above it. From adding light and dimension to reinforcing your room’s design aesthetic, mirrors offer endless possibilities. Here are 20 creative ideas for styling a mirror above your fireplace, each paired with an actionable design tip to ensure your space looks its best.
1. Opt for the Perfect Proportion
A well-proportioned mirror complements your fireplace and balances the room. A mirror that is two-thirds the width of your mantel typically works well, creating a harmonious look without overwhelming the fireplace.
Design Tip: Measure your mantel’s width before shopping for a mirror. For a compact mantel, consider a smaller mirror with a bold or intricate frame to make a statement while maintaining balance.
A stunning gold sunburst mirror is hung from a gray paneled wall between gold and black sconces and over a black marble fireplace. Image: Atmosphere Interior Design
2. Go Bold with Shape
The shape of your mirror can define your room’s character. Round or oval mirrors add softness, while rectangular or square mirrors convey a structured and formal look. An arched mirror brings in a touch of architectural elegance.
Design Tip: Match the mirror’s shape with your room’s design elements. For instance, a round mirror works well in rooms with soft furniture lines, while a rectangular mirror suits a more modern, angular aesthetic.
Image: Widell and Boschetti
Image: Kira David Design
3. Reflect Natural Light
Positioning a mirror to reflect natural light can make your room feel brighter and more spacious. This works especially well in rooms with limited windows or darker corners.
Design Tip: Angle the mirror to reflect a nearby window or outdoor greenery. Avoid placing it in a way that reflects unappealing views, such as clutter or ceiling fans.
A black octagon mirror hangs from a sky blue grasscloth fireplace wall over a white French mantel. Image: Amanda Nishbet Design
4. Mind Your Hanging Height
The height of your mirror affects its visual impact. Hanging it too high can make it look disconnected, while hanging it too low can feel cramped. Aim for a placement that aligns with the eye level of most occupants.
Design Tip: Position the bottom edge of the mirror 10 cm - 15 cm above the mantel for optimal visual flow. Adjust slightly higher for taller ceilings, but keep the reflection focused on the room’s main features.
Image: Dunbar Road Design
5. Experiment with Frame Materials
The frame of your mirror can dramatically change the mood of your fireplace area. A wooden frame adds warmth, a metal frame brings modern sophistication, and an ornate frame delivers classic elegance.
Design Tip: Coordinate the frame material with the existing finishes in your space. For a farmhouse aesthetic, choose distressed wood. For a contemporary look, go with sleek black or metallic frames.
Image: Brooke Wagner Design
A round ivory shagreen mirror over a marble fireplace mantel. Image: Croma Design
Image: Ashley B Hanley
6. Layer with Accessories
A mirror above the fireplace can be beautifully complemented with mantel accessories. Tall vases, candlesticks, and smaller decorative items add depth and personality.
Design Tip: Layer accessories of varying heights to create visual interest. For example, place taller items on the ends and shorter pieces in the centre, ensuring the mirror remains the primary focus.
A round brass wire mirror hangs from a light gray wall over a white art deco fireplace mantel, styled and framing a honed marble surround. Image: Erin Gates Design
7. Go for a Statement Mirror
Make your fireplace the star of the room with a striking statement mirror. Oversized, sculptural, or sunburst mirrors can create an immediate wow factor.
Design Tip: Keep mantel décor minimal to let the mirror take centre stage. Use understated accessories that don’t compete with the bold design of the mirror.
Dining room features a cream oval sunburst mirror on a hand painted fireplace wall over a marble fireplace flanked by white and gray shelving. Image: Massuco Warner Miller
Welcoming living room features a gold leaf baroque mirror hung between oil rubbed bronze sconces from a wainscot wall over an original marble fireplace mantel. Image: Peter Dunham Design
8. Explore Horizontal and Vertical Orientations
The orientation of your mirror can change the room’s perceived proportions. A horizontal mirror makes a room feel wider, while a vertical mirror draws the eye upward, emphasising height.
Design Tip: Choose horizontal mirrors for wide mantels or rooms that need a sense of expansiveness. Use vertical mirrors in rooms with high ceilings to accentuate their grandeur.
Image: Jean Stoffer Design
Image: Erin Gates Design
9. Choose Antique or Distressed Finishes
Antiqued or distressed mirrors add texture and character to the space. These mirrors work particularly well in rustic, vintage, or industrial interiors.
Design Tip: Pair an antiqued mirror with neutral or earthy tones in your décor for a cohesive look. Use warm lighting to enhance the mirror’s aged charm.
Image: Ariella Duker Interiors
Image: McGill Design Group
10. Create a Symmetrical Display with Multiple Mirrors
Instead of a single mirror, consider placing multiple identical mirrors above your fireplace for a striking, symmetrical effect. This approach works well in both traditional and contemporary interiors, creating a sense of balance and rhythm.
Design Tip: Use multiple identical mirrors with simple frames, evenly spaced across the mantel. This arrangement is particularly effective for wide mantels or to visually expand a smaller fireplace.
11. Lean the Mirror for a Relaxed Vibe
Instead of hanging your mirror, lean it against the wall above the fireplace for a casual yet sophisticated touch. This works best with larger, heavier mirrors.
Design Tip: Ensure the mirror is securely balanced, especially in homes with children or pets. Add weights to the base with heavy objects like books or décor for stability.
Master bedroom features a black marble fireplace on a white brick wall decorated with a brass mirror flanked by gold and black sconces. Image: The Lifestyled Company
12. Pair with Wall Sconces
Flank your mirror with wall sconces for a balanced and symmetrical look. The additional lighting highlights the mirror and creates a warm ambiance.
Design Tip: Choose sconces that match the style of the mirror frame. For a classic look, go with brass sconces, or opt for matte black for a contemporary vibe.
A round brass antique mirror hangs in a beautifully styled bedroom between bronze sconces. Image: Studio McGee
A brown mirror flanked by black sconces over a marble surround fireplace. Image: Huntley and Company
13. Reflect Artwork or a Chandelier
A mirror above the fireplace can double the impact of other design features in your room by reflecting them. This works beautifully with large artwork or an elegant chandelier.
Design Tip: Position the mirror at an angle that captures the best view of your chosen focal point. Ensure the reflection is free from distractions, like exposed wiring or clutter.
Image: Black Lacquer Design
Image: Mel Bean Interiors
14. Seasonal Mirror Decor
Change the look of your fireplace area throughout the year by decorating your mirror seasonally. Use garlands, wreaths, or fairy lights for added charm.
Design Tip: For the holidays, drape greenery or ornaments around the mirror frame. In spring, opt for floral garlands or pastel-coloured décor to refresh the space.
Image: The Lilypad Cottage
Image: Hello Hayley
15. Match with the Fireplace Finish
Ensure your mirror’s frame matches the materials of the fireplace for a cohesive look. A marble fireplace pairs beautifully with a silver frame, while a brick fireplace suits wood or wrought iron.
Design Tip: Carry the fireplace’s finish into other room elements, like furniture or rugs, for a unified design scheme.
Image: Alice Lane Interior Design
An inset framed mirror is fixed to a black wall over a black fireplace mantel flanked by styled black built-ins. Image: Kira David Design.
16. Play with Colour Contrasts
A mirror can stand out by contrasting with the fireplace’s colour. For example, a dark frame can pop against a white mantel, while a gold mirror adds warmth to a cool-toned fireplace.
Design Tip: Use contrasting accessories on the mantel to reinforce the colour scheme. For example, pair a black mirror with gold candlesticks for a luxe touch.
A gilt mirror sits atop a turquoise blue French fireplace mantel framing a pink marble surround. Image: Amie Corley Interiors.
A gold framed mirror hangs from a blue wall with blue trim over a blue fireplace mantel framing a marble surround. Image: Salt Design Co.
17. Try Minimalist Frameless Mirrors
Frameless mirrors bring a clean, modern aesthetic to your fireplace. Their simplicity allows other décor elements to shine.
Design Tip: Pair frameless mirrors with bold, colourful accessories on the mantel to create a striking contrast. Opt for geometric shapes like hexagons for added interest.
Image: Timber Trails Development
A black figurine complements a white elegant fireplace mantel mounted beneath a French multi-paneled mirror. Image: Zoe Feldman Design.
19. Add Texture with Layered Mirrors
Layering mirrors of different sizes and shapes creates depth and visual intrigue. This approach works well in eclectic or boho-inspired spaces.
Design Tip: Keep the frames in similar tones or finishes for cohesion. Use the largest mirror as the base, and layer smaller pieces in front for a curated look.
French brass mirrors are layered atop a limestone fireplace mantel in an elegant living room. Image: Marie Flanigan Interiors.
20. Create a Window Illusion
Use a windowpane-style mirror above your fireplace to mimic the look of a real window. This idea is perfect for rooms with limited natural light, as it adds depth and an airy feel to the space.
Design Tip: Choose a mirror with a grid or mullion design to enhance the window effect. Position it to reflect outdoor views, natural light, or greenery for a realistic and refreshing ambiance. Pair it with sheer curtains or drapery on adjacent windows to complete the illusion.
Conclusion
A mirror above your fireplace is more than just a design element—it’s an opportunity to transform your space, reflecting your personal style while adding light, depth, and charm. Whether you prefer bold statement pieces, elegant symmetry, or creative layering, there’s a mirror idea to suit every aesthetic.
At Mirror Space Australia, we offer a thoughtfully curated collection of wall mirrors to help you achieve your design dreams. From timeless classics to contemporary styles, our mirrors are crafted to elevate any space, including your fireplace mantel. Explore our collection today and find the perfect mirror to make your fireplace the focal point it deserves to be.
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