What to Look For in a Full-Length Mirror

Mirrors can do more than just show you if your shoes match your outfit—if you want them too. The right frame or shape can not only make a room look larger, it can also add warmth, coziness or glamour, depending on the style you choose. Here are some features to consider before buying.

Leaning mirrors are versatile because they can rest against the wall at a slight slant, or they can be mounted onto the wall. These can be purely decorative, as artfully positioned as a painting, or they can serve as space-enhancers to add the illusion of size to a smaller room.

If you want a mirror that can easily change locations within a room, you can opt for either a classic cheval (one that swivels from a frame) or a wall mirror with a standing holder. These come in a wider range of designs, and you can move them to whatever part of the room is most flatteringly lit at any given time of day.

Oval full-length mirrors are less common than rectangular ones and take up a bit more space, but they can give a neutral room a more dramatic, cozy and romantic look.