Bathroom Mirror Ideas: Where to Hang a Chain-Hung Mirror

A mirror that hangs from a chain, rope or ribbon (the "brooched" look) works best when its center sits at eye level, its width is about two-thirds to three-quarters of the vanity below, and it clears the faucet by a few inches. Get those three right and the rest is styling.

It's very common to hang these mirrors too high, or to let them swing. Both are easy to fix, and the bathroom is where the details matter most, so that's where we'll start.

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How high should you hang a bathroom mirror?

Start with your own body. Charlotte Jirousek of Cornell University puts it this way: "Our most universal standard of measurement is the human body; that is, our experience of living in our own bodies." For a mirror, that means eye level. Aim to put the center of the glass (not the hook) at about 57-60 inches from the floor, then adjust for the people who use the room most.

Next, check the gap above the faucet. About 4-6 inches between the highest point of the faucet and the bottom of the frame keeps splashes off the glass without leaving the mirror floating away from the sink. Hold the faucet's spec sheet next to your tape measure before you mark the wall.

Remember that a chain-hung mirror is taller than it looks. The chain and the hook above it add height, so measure to the top of the hardware and leave 3-4 inches below the ceiling or crown molding. If you don't have that room, a flush-mounted mirror is the better call.

Bathroom mirror ideas for single sink and double sinks

Single sink

For a single vanity, a mirror about two-thirds to three-quarters of the vanity width looks balanced. Much narrower and it reads like a postage stamp. Much wider and the cabinet below looks flimsy. This is where round and asymmetrical bathroom mirrors shine: a round mirror softens a boxy vanity, and an offset oval can balance a window or a tall sconce on one side.

Double sinks

Two sinks give you two good options. Hang one mirror centered over each sink, or hang a single wide mirror centered between them. Paired mirrors are a natural fit for symmetry, which design theory describes as equal "weight" on equal sides of a centrally placed fulcrum. Center each one on its faucet, keep the two identical, and leave an even gap between them.

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Small bathroom mirror ideas and large bathroom mirror ideas

In a small bathroom or powder room, one round or oval mirror with a slim chain keeps the wall from feeling busy. Skip a heavy chain in tight spaces: it competes with the faucet and eats wall height.

In a bigger bathroom, you can go large. A tall mirror with a thick rope or heavy links suits a rustic vanity, while a fine chain suits a pedestal sink. Match the visual weight of the hanging hardware to the faucet and the lighting around it. For more ways to use reflection to open a room, see 10 ways to make a room look bigger with mirrors.

Where do lights and chains meet?

Vanity sconces generally flank the mirror at about 60-66 inches from the floor. Make sure the chain doesn't cut across the light. If you can't fit sconces, a light above the mirror can work, but check that the hook doesn't hide behind the fixture. For bulb and shade choices, these brooched lighting ideas are a useful next read.

Bathrooms are humid, so ask about the chain's finish. Unsealed brass can tarnish unevenly, and ribbon can hold moisture. A slender brass rod gives you the hung look with less upkeep.

Keep it secure (pets included)

The decorative chain should be for looks. As an architect, I recommend that the weight sit on a hidden cleat, D-ring or keyhole mount screwed into a stud, or on a heavy-duty toggle bolt if no stud is available. Adhesive hooks can't handle the leverage of a hanging mirror.

Cats treat swinging chains as toys, and a slammed bathroom door can set a mirror swaying. A little museum gel or a pair of clear rubber bumpers (about 1/2 inch thick) on the bottom back corners keeps the glass flat to the wall and stops it tilting forward. For anything heavy, ask a licensed professional to help with the mounting.

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Using the same mirror in other rooms

Entryway

Above a console, leave about 6-8 inches between the frame and the tallest things on the table. It also bounces light into a dark corridor. Our guide to ornate brooched mirror shapes made modern has more shapes to try here.

Fireplace mantel

Hang the mirror closer to the shelf than you would elsewhere, about 3-5 inches, so it doesn't drift toward the ceiling. Choose a spot where it reflects something worth seeing, such as a window, art or a chandelier, and not a bare corner.

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Bedroom vanity

Keep the mirror no wider than the dresser. Centered is the safe choice. For a looser look, offset it and balance it with a tall lamp on the other side. Since a chain prevents a centered overhead light, rely on lamps or daylight, and avoid placing the glass where a window throws glare into your eyes.

Finishing touches

• Mixed metals are fine. A polished nickel faucet looks good with an antique brass chain, and this comparison of chrome, nickel and silver can help you choose.
• If the chain is adjustable, test lengths with painter's tape before cutting any links.
• With two chains forming an inverted V, keep the triangle even so it looks balanced.
• On standard 8-foot ceilings, keep the chain short. Taller rooms can handle a longer drop.
• Place a plant where the mirror can reflect it.

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If your bathroom leans toward gilded or arched frames, have a look at brooched mirror ideas for bathrooms.

Frequently asked questions