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Design Dilemma
four_monkeys

Hang mirror horizontally or vertically?

four_monkeys
11 years ago
I purchased the Eagan mirror from Pottery Barn to hang on my stair landing. The mirror measures 44" x 55" and the beige painted portion of the stair landing measures 89"w x 92"h (almost square). In the picture I have the mirror outline in the horizontal position with it centered on the wall. Which position do you think would look best - horizontal or vertical? Thanks!
Featured Answer
  • four_monkeys
    Original Author
    11 years ago
    Thanks for all of the advice! This mirror is really heavy, so I need to get it right the first time as it will be a pain to re-hang.
    I am trying to add more light to the stairwell, and at the top of the stairs there is a small loft area with a skylight, which makes the loft area really bright during the day. So I am hoping to reflect some of that light onto the stair landing.
    I will hang it vertical, move it higher and paint the bulkhead. Here is a picture of the outline in the vertical layout:

    Comments (44)

    • decoenthusiaste
      11 years ago
      Vertical!
    • four_monkeys
      Original Author
      11 years ago
      Thanks! Should I keep the mirror centered or should I raise it so it is not too close to the floor?
    • PRO
      Brickwood Builders, Inc.
      11 years ago
      Raise it.
    • PRO
      Cynthia Taylor-Luce
      11 years ago
      Yep, vertical and raised a bit. This will give you more height in this area that's under the bulkhead which is tending to be squashing it down.
    • Chandani
      11 years ago
      Agree with others- Vertical... I think if you were to go vertical, you can probably leave the bottom where it is now.
    • PRO
      patti g design
      11 years ago
      vertical, especially because of the bulkead above
    • ruth chikalla
      11 years ago
      vertical
    • Jubi Arriola_Headley
      11 years ago
      What everyone else said. :-)
    • Natalie
      11 years ago
      Either way will work---if vertical then yes raise it. I just wonder what exactly this mirror is to reflect---is there a window or something opposite you wish to emphasize/accentuate? If not then place a narrow shelf underneath and add tall accessories... Good luck!
    • PRO
      User
      11 years ago
      Vertical and I have a paint trick that will also help fool the eye. Carefully paint the bulkhead the same colour as your wall this will visually make it recede. As for the placement I would hang it so the top of the mirror is 80 inches from the floor or 12 inches from the bottom of the bulkhead this will give you a 1/3 (12 inches) wall above and 2/3 (24 inches) wall below for a balanced proportional look.
    • pamdietz
      11 years ago
      Vertical, elevated and move it off center--far more interesting.
    • PRO
      User
      11 years ago
      Please go to Capel rugs link to see all kinds you can buy locally I like this style and tone/colour if you go for patterned chairs and cushions but there are similar that might appeal to your tastes more. Have fun!
      http://www.capelrugs.com/moor-bisque-rugs
    • pollyb1942
      11 years ago
      I guess you already have your mirror, but have you thot about plate glass mirror on the entire wall? Would do wonders for adding light and expanding space.
    • PRO
      NexTrend Design
      11 years ago
      last modified: 11 years ago
      Having it centered creates some visual interest no matter where you're standing. I also like pam's idea of going off center, which would allow room for some floating shelves on one side with a few accessories or..... In the photos below, I made a tall slender green arrangement in the corner of the landing to add interest, which would look good in your case as well, regardless of the mirror being in the center or off center. The soft turquoise colors complemented the little chair vignette in the entryway.
    • PRO
      NexTrend Design
      11 years ago
      last modified: 11 years ago
      Colors of vase & arrangement complement the chair vignette in entryway...
      (scroll over photo to enlarge)
    • anitajoyce
      11 years ago
      vertical! If someone is looking in it , they may want to see more of themselves in it, from head to toe.
    • PRO
      S&K Interiors LLC
      11 years ago
      Horizontal
    • Holly Murphy
      11 years ago
      Vertical, and raised, as this area of your home needs height, not width....:) Beautiful place btw...
    • PRO
      Cyndee Banister
      11 years ago
      I would hang it vertical as the space has a low ceiling, and this would give height to the wall.
    • User
      11 years ago
      Definitely vertically. Also, I believe it will look more dynamic if it's raise up off the "center line" a bit. It would be more visible that way and keep the eye moving upward.
    • Michelle Béchard-Lalonde
      11 years ago
      Definitely, you should hang it vertically!
    • Crystal Wall
      11 years ago
      Vertically with sconces on either side. :)
    • PRO
      Heather Cleveland Design
      11 years ago
      Vertical and raised a bit, but not too much!
    • kmgwhite
      11 years ago
      If you go horizontal, definitely paint the bulkhead the same color as the wall and raise the mirror. If go go vertical, leave it as is in the picture. I think that going horizontal somehow seems friendlier, while vertical is more formal... If you go vertical, plants would look great on either side...Horizontal, place a shelf underneath. I don't think you can go wrong either way.
    • Susan Gahagan
      11 years ago
      Neither. Mirrors on stairways is confusing....and I think dangerous. The area needs some color and/or texture anyhow. Consider a painting or photograph instead.
    • vsegura
      11 years ago
      I love that mirror, and have the less expensive version. You should hang it vertically, maybe add candle sconces on either side, and if you really want to make a statement a narrow console table beneath it, to greet people as they get to the landing!
    • PRO
      Mark d. Kimball Designs
      11 years ago
      VERTICAL!!!!
    • cocoabama
      11 years ago
      Horizonal - creates an illusion that you are going toward an object/cuts the sharpness of staircase - bring the mirror up - too close to floor!
    • PRO
      Ana Maria Designs
      11 years ago
      Vertical.
    • Nora Bey
      11 years ago
      Vertically looks good on the wall but horizontally will look good weather you're coming up or down the stairs.
    • PRO
      Lavender
      11 years ago
      mirror hung vertical slightly higher just like you place a print with the mat bigger on th bottom and (sorry to those that suggessted it) no do daws...like consoles, shelves or other accidents waiting to happen on such a small landing.
    • Shannan
      11 years ago
      Vertical
    • PRO
      Affordable Staging Solutions
      11 years ago
      So many great ideas. Vertical on center so you could add sconces later if you wanted, and painting the bulkhead the same color as the walls was also a wonderful idea!
    • nancycrane
      11 years ago
      Vertical...the pic shown with the tape makes it look too boxy and the walls are boxy enough.
    • shirleybird
      11 years ago
      Paint the bulkhead same as the wall color, hang the mirror vertical as you have sown taped off.Live with it for a while like that because I'm not so sure you will need any doo dads around it either.
    • User
      11 years ago
      last modified: 11 years ago
      Horizontal, for sure - but slightly higher.
    • christyhennessey
      11 years ago
      Vertical and raised. It is a great mirror!
    • Maggie Holbrook
      11 years ago
      Vertical for sure. It is a walkway and it makes sense to see a full body. it elongates the space too. love the mirror!
    • User
      11 years ago
      Curious...what did you end up doing with the mirror?
    • four_monkeys
      Original Author
      11 years ago
      last modified: 11 years ago
      Thanks for everyones comments! I ended up hanging the mirror vertically and raising it higher. Also, as suggested, I plan to paint the bulkhead the same "latte" color as the walls in order to make it recede. Here is an "in progress" picture (side note: this picture was taken during the day so the wall color appears much lighter). I will post another picture once the bulkhead is painted. :) Thanks again! (scroll over picture for full image)
    • Laura Hinrichsen
      9 years ago
      Oh, good. I was worried you didn't know to paint the vertical face of the bulkhead, it's a great staircase and that was ruining everythibg else visually. Then i finally got to your last comment and felt SO relieved.
    • jpotter0708
      8 years ago

      Hi All,

      I just purchased the same mirror for my living area. I will hang it above the sectional pictured here. There is an 11" shelf between the sofa and the wall where I can put decorative items/lamps as you can see.

      I am wondering how high above the shelf to hang the mirror. Can you advise?

    • jpotter0708
      8 years ago

      The measurement from shelf to ceiling is: 97"

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