Interior Design Guide · 2026 · 7 min read · Elysium Home

Nothing shapes a first impression like the entry, and nothing transforms an entry as quickly as the right mirror. An entryway mirror does three jobs at once: it bounces light into an often dark space, gives you a last look before you leave, and sets the design tone for the whole home. This guide draws on the heritage of Deknudt Mirrors, crafted in Belgium since 1946 and exclusively available in Australia at Elysium Home, Sydney's premier destination for designer mirrors.

Why the Entry Sets the Tone

The entry is the handshake of a home, it is the first space a guest reads and the last one you pass through on the way out. Because it is usually compact and often short on natural light, it benefits more than any other room from a well chosen mirror. A mirror here instantly makes the space feel larger and brighter, and because it is the first designed moment a visitor encounters, it signals the level of care that runs through the rest of the home.

That is why an entryway mirror is worth treating as a statement rather than an afterthought. A beautiful frame in this position does a disproportionate amount of work for how little wall it occupies.

Sizing a Mirror Over a Console

The console and mirror pairing is the foundation of entry styling, and getting the proportions right is what makes it look professional. As a guide, the mirror should span roughly half to two-thirds the width of the console beneath it, wide enough to relate to the furniture, but not so wide it overpowers it. Hang it so the centre sits a little above eye level, leaving a comfortable gap of around 15 to 25 centimetres between the top of the console (or any styling on it) and the base of the mirror.

A piece like the Haussmann mirror or a clean rectangle from our rectangle mirrors collection anchors a console beautifully. For the full method, see our guide to choosing the right size mirror for any room. And because a console pairs so naturally with a mirror, it is the ideal place to complete the look as a single, considered composition.

Shapes for Narrow Halls

Long, narrow hallways call for a different approach. Here, a tall rectangle or an arch draws the eye upward and adds a sense of height, while a round mirror softens a corridor that can otherwise feel like a tunnel. An arched piece such as the Gallery mirror brings architectural elegance to a hall, and a series of smaller mirrors spaced along a wall can lead the eye down a longer passage. If your hall is dim, a round mirror opposite a light source is a reliable way to brighten it, as we cover in our guide to mirror shapes.

Finishes That Brighten a Dark Entry

Finish does real work in an entry. Warm metals such as gold and bronze lift a dark space and add a note of welcome, while a black frame makes a crisper, more modern statement against a pale wall. If the entry has little natural light, lean towards a reflective or warm-metal finish to make the most of what light there is. To match the frame to your door hardware and lighting, see our guide to choosing a mirror finish. Browse options across the full designer mirror collection.

The Practical Layer

For all its design value, an entry mirror also earns its place practically. It is the spot for a final check before you head out the door, and positioned opposite a window it pulls daylight deeper into the home and makes a tight footprint feel generous. The best entry mirrors do both jobs at once, they are beautiful enough to set the tone, useful enough to earn daily use. Every Elysium mirror is delivered insured and fully protected, so your statement piece arrives in perfect condition.

Leaning Floor Mirrors in an Entry

If your entry is wide enough, a large leaning floor mirror is one of the most relaxed and luxurious looks you can create. Propped against the wall rather than hung, an oversized mirror brings a full-length reflection, invaluable by the door and a gallery-like sense of scale that makes even a modest foyer feel grand. The effect works because the height draws the eye up and the generous proportion signals confidence.

The single non-negotiable with a leaning mirror is safety. A large piece must be secured to the wall with an anti-tip fixing so it cannot be pulled or knocked over, this is essential in any home and especially with children or pets. Lean it at a slight angle so it sits stably and reflects the ceiling and light rather than the floor. For statement proportions, look to our XL statement mirrors; for a tailored over-console look instead, our rectangle mirrors are the natural choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big should an entryway mirror be?

Over a console, aim for roughly half to two-thirds the width of the furniture, hung with its centre a little above eye level and a 15–25cm gap above the console top. The mirror should relate to the console without overpowering it.

What shape mirror suits a narrow hallway?

A tall rectangle or an arch adds height and draws the eye along a corridor, while a round mirror softens a tunnel-like hall. In dark halls, place a mirror opposite a light source to brighten the space.

What finish works best in a dark entry?

Warm metals like gold and bronze lift a dim space and add welcome, while black makes a sharp, modern statement against a pale wall. Favour a reflective or warm finish where natural light is limited.

Should I lean or hang an entry mirror?

Hang it over a console for a tailored, space-saving look. A large leaning mirror suits wider entries and adds a relaxed, gallery feel to your space, just secure it safely to the wall to prevent tipping.

Make a first impression that lasts. Discover the Haussmann mirror, explore our rectangle mirrors for consoles, or browse the complete designer mirror collection → Visit our Sydney showroom (open by appointment) to find the perfect entry piece. Get in touch to book a visit →