Should an Entryway Have a Mirror? (How To Decide)

Giovanni Valle is a licensed architect and LEED-accredited professional and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). He is the author and managing editor of various digital publications, including BuilderSpace, Your Own Architect, and Interiors Place.

Do you have an entryway that feels a little lifeless and you want to bring the feeling of nature to the front of your home?

Are you looking to make a good impression on your guests? If so, you may be wondering if adding a mirror to your entryway is a good idea.

Entryways can benefit from mirrors in multiple ways. Adding a mirror can make your home more welcoming and make small spaces seem larger. They brighten dark rooms by reflecting light and add character and depth to your decor.

Below, I’ll discuss the benefits of adding a mirror to your entryway and when you shouldn’t add one to your decor. I will also cover choosing a mirror for your entry and how to hang it.

The Benefits of Having an Entryway Mirror

The entryway is the first thing people entering your home see. Mirrors bring in extra light and immediately draw the eye. They also add depth and openness to your space, especially if it’s on the small side.

Pairing a mirror with an entry table or bench provides a moment, upon entering, to pause, drop your keys or your shoes, and relax into your space.

Upon leaving, it gives you a place to gather the things you need, put on your shoes, and check your appearance before leaving the house.

Mirrors can also make narrow, cramped spaces feel broader and more open. It is essential to choose the appropriate size and style for your entryway.

Mirrors can highlight parts of your home you particularly love. If you have a feature of your home you wish to draw attention to, a mirror hanging opposite will do this.

When You Shouldn’t Use a Mirror

Since mirrors reflect, you want to consider what the mirror will reflect. If there is something you don’t like looking at, and by hanging a mirror, you would see it twice, don’t hang the mirror.

A mirror could make the space more crowded and less open if you don’t have any natural light in your entryway.

Furthermore, some spaces simply aren’t equipped to hang a mirror safely. In that case, you can’t risk the integrity of your home and the safety of the people living there just to hang a mirror.

There are always alternatives. You can use a standing mirror or wall-leaning mirror if you have the space. Pair with small, standing decor items or a bench to make it fit your aesthetic.

You can also balance a mirror on top of a table or dresser to distribute the weight better. The mirror must be mounted to the wall to prevent tipping.

How To Integrate Your Mirror Into Your Entryway

There are many opinions on this topic because there is no one solution for every space. Here are some things to consider when integrating a mirror into your foyer.

1. Mirrors in Narrow Spaces

Try pairing a small round mirror with a floating shelf for narrow, cramped entryways. The mirror gives your narrow space some character without taking up too much room. The mirror adds depth to your area by making the room feel more expansive.

You can add a basket, small shoe rack, or umbrella stand on the floor beneath the shelf. Be sure to hang the floating shelf at about elbow height as it is easy to reach items on the shelf at this height.

A non-shelf option would be hanging a tall mirror that stretches from the floor to the ceiling. It can be as wide as the wall or tall and narrow.

Either way, it will help make the room more spacious. You can use a leaning mirror if you like.

Still, those are typically better for wider entryways because they take up floor space, defeating the purpose of a narrow foyer.

2. Mirrors in Wider Spaces

Consider a mirror mosaic of small round mirrors. You can center them over your table or bench. Suppose you want to add a little more character.

In that case, you can set them off-center and put a medium to large potted plant on the other side, creating visual interest.

You can also use tall mirrors or a large round mirror to create the illusion of height. Taller mirrors should hang around 2 feet (30 cm) from the floor.

Round mirrors should be centered on the wall and at a height where you can see yourself without bending.

3. Mirrors in Spaces With High or Low Ceilings

Consider a large standing or wall-leaning mirror if you have a high ceiling. You can hang a large mirror if you have the studs to do it. You want to ensure it hangs on the wall about 2 feet (30 cm) off the floor.

If you have low ceilings, hang or lean a large mirror on the entryway wall. The mirror will reflect the ceiling and create the illusion of a taller room. It will also reflect the light, making the space brighter.

4. Pairing Mirrors and Entryway Furniture

When pairing a mirror with another piece of furniture in the entryway, the two pieces should compliment each other in size, style, and color.

The table or bench might also have a fake or live plant to help draw the outdoors in and ease the transition to the home.

Center a single mirror on the wall above the furniture, approximately 6 to 8 inches (15.24 to 20.32 cm) above it.

Consider hanging multiple or decorative mirrors off-center and balancing them with other decor items.

5. Which Direction To Hang the Mirror

A rectangular mirror can be hung vertically or horizontally, depending on your available space and design preferences.

If you want to make the foyer seem longer, then you should hang the mirror horizontally. Hang the mirror vertically if you need to add height to a low-ceilinged room.

Final Thoughts

Mirrors provide an easy way to bring light into your entryway and ease the transition from the outdoors to the home.

They can make a space feel larger and more welcoming. A mirror can highlight features of your home that you love. Entryway mirrors can also be a defining piece of decor.