Selecting a Standing Mirror | Information on Craftsmanship

Standing mirrors not only make a space feel larger, but they also are beautiful pieces of furniture in their own right. With a variety of different materials to choose from for their frames, and different heights and pivot points, buying a standing mirror is a matter of blending personal taste with practical concerns.

Stability: Does the frame visibly shake or seem to twist when you move the mirror? If so, the frame is not aligned properly. Only buy mirrors that can move without visible distress. A badly designed frame can result in the mirror overturning. 

Noise: If the standing mirror pivots, check to see if it makes noise when it is moved. If you hear squeaking, do not buy the mirror. The joints are bearing too much weight for their size.

Overall Dimensions: Putting a free standing mirror in your home requires you to think in complex spatial terms. A floor standing mirror needs space so the mirror can swing out and swing back, and also needs enough space around the sides so that other pieces of furniture don’t interfere with its ability to provide a clear reflection. Make sure you have plenty of room before you go shopping. Trying to squeeze a standing mirror into a very small space will have the opposite intended effect, and make the room feel far more claustrophobic than it really is.

Height: Floor standing mirrors are usually about 72” in height.

Wood: Depending on the type of wood used, wooden framed standing mirrors add warmth and sophistication to a room. Darker woods, such as walnut or mahogany, lend a more traditional feeling, while lighter woods, such as oak, may work better in sunnier climates.

Metal: Perfect for more modern décor schemes, metal framed standing mirrors can be extremely ornate or emphasize a sleek, toned down approach. Decorative flourishes can appear at the very top of the mirror, or the frame can be whittled down so that it is barely visible. Either way, a metal frame is extremely durable and easy to clean.

Plastic: Plastic is not the most durable nor the most aesthetically pleasing frame, but some standing mirrors do use this as a material. Try to avoid purchasing a mirror that has a plastic frame.

Price: Wood and metal framed standing mirrors generally are fairly expensive. The top of the line models cost anywhere from 8 to 10 times more than their less expensive counterparts. The most expensive standing mirrors generally pivot on their frame, while the least expensive versions allow the mirror to rest on the floor.