How Big Should a Mirror Be Over the Dresser
Putting a mirror over a dresser is a design staple.
While there are no hard and fast rules for mirror size, you can follow some general guidelines to ensure the mirror you select looks appropriate for your dresser.
For one large mirror, find something that’s ⅔ to ¾ the length of your dresser. For one or two smaller mirrors, look for an option ⅓ the size of your dresser.
Check out these guidelines and examples to help you make the best decision for your space.
What Size Mirror Over a Dresser: Common Dimensions
The most common dimension for a longer-style dresser is 60 inches.
If you have a 60-inch dresser, here are the best size mirrors to go over it:
- If you want to use one long mirror – 40 to 45 inches
- If you’re going to center one small mirror – 20 inches
- If you’re going to use two small mirrors – 20 inches
There’s some wiggle room with these numbers, and it’s okay if your mirror is a little wider. However, you should never extend the mirror past the dresser.
If you want a super large mirror, it can be as tall as you’d like but not wider than the piece of furniture it’s centered over.
If you have a smaller, 36-inch dresser, the best mirror size will be from 23-27 inches.
How High Should a Mirror Be Over a Dresser?
The height of your mirror depends on its style.
You can set small mirrors on the dresser and lean them against the wall. The same goes for large mirrors intended to sit directly on a dresser – you don’t have to worry about height.
As a general rule of thumb, if you’re hanging a mirror, you’ll want a 6-8 inch gap between the dresser and the mirror. But, you should also position your mirror so you can see your face when standing.
Mirror Over a Dresser Examples
Not sure how you want to hang your mirror? Use these examples of different sizes and styles of mirrors over dressers as inspo.
Modern Dresser with Round Mirror
The homeowners have positioned a round mirror over the dresser. The round mirror is about ⅔ the width of the dresser and looks perfectly balanced.
Round mirrors over dressers are trendy right now. You can use one large mirror hung over a chest of drawers or a smaller one mixed with other decor pieces.
Mirror Floating Over Long Dresser
Use a mirror the same shape as your dresser for a clean and simple style. The rectangle look is easy to pull off, especially if the mirror is ⅔ to ¾ the length of the dresser.
Be sure to hang your mirror at a practical height. You should be able to look into it when standing and see your face.
Small Round Mirror Centered Over Dresser
If you want to use a small mirror on your dresser, consider mixing it with other decor pieces. For example, the small lamp and glass bottle balance the mirror on this dresser.
If you like the look of small mirrors, rest them on the dresser like shown or hang two on the wall to create a balanced effect.
Traditional Matching Dresser and Mirror
If you bought a matching dresser and mirror, your setup is probably similar to this – a long dresser and a mirror about ⅔ the length.
This setup is the perfect option for a traditional bedroom. If you don’t like the matching look but want to keep the proportions, find another mirror that’s the same size.
Tall Antique Dresser and Mirror
If you have a taller dresser, use a mirror that’s ⅔ to ¾ the length of the dresser. Using smaller mirrors on narrow dressers usually looks awkward unless mixed with other pieces.
Also, be sure to position the mirror so that you can see your face when standing.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a mirror to go over your dresser, keep balance in mind. If you want a large mirror, find one that’s about ⅔ to ¾ the length of your dresser. For one to two small mirrors, look for an option that’s about ⅓ the length of your dresser.
If you want to use a tiny mirror, mix it with other items. And when thinking about height, ensure your mirrors are high enough to see into them when standing.
