I can’t get enough of round mirrors lately. With so many rectangles and right angles in a home — from windows and doors to beds, cribs, fireplaces, and exposed beams — a curved shape feels refreshing. An ornate round mirror breaks up the hard lines and brings a softer, more organic focal point into a room.
We found this one at Hobby Lobby during a sale: 50% off wall hangings. It rang up at $65 instead of $130, which felt like a steal for a 30-inch, ornate oil-rubbed bronze mirror. The frame has a vintage, slightly intricate feel that adds texture and personality to the wall without overwhelming the space.
At first glance it does look a little small against that large expanse of wall above the sofa, but we’re planning to hang the curtains high and wide on the big picture window, which should change the scale perception. Once the draperies are in place and we shift the mirror a touch, the composition should feel balanced. Adding sizable curtains will frame the window and pull the eye, making the mirror’s proportions work much better with the rest of the room.
We haven’t decided yet whether to keep the oil-rubbed bronze finish or repaint the frame. The room is still very much a work in progress, so we’re leaving our options open. Choosing matching oil-rubbed bronze curtain rods could create a cohesive look and make the current finish feel intentional. On the other hand, a fresh coat of paint could dramatically alter the mirror’s visual impact and help it tie into other accents in the space.
If we paint, I’m toying with a few color ideas. A deep plum could add a subtle, unexpected pop that reads elegant and modern at the same time. Alternatively, painting the frame white would harmonize with other white elements in the room and create a lighter, airier feel. We have some white picture frames above the television that work well with a crisp white finish, so matching the mirror to those frames is an appealing option if we want a unified palette.
Cost and style are both factors in this decision. The ornate shape of the frame is part of what attracted us, and I don’t want to lose the detailing by choosing the wrong paint or finish. If we go white, I’d use a paint that preserves the carved texture while giving the piece a modern, clean look. If we keep the oil-rubbed bronze, pairing it with other dark metal accents — like lighting fixtures or cabinet hardware — would create continuity and a layered, editorial style.
Beyond finish, placement and scale will determine the final effect. Mirrors are versatile: they can visually expand a room, reflect light into darker corners, and serve as an artful focal point. In our case, moving the mirror a few inches after installing the curtains should help it interact better with the window and seating area. Small adjustments often make a big difference in perceived balance.
For anyone considering a similar purchase: look for an ornate frame with a durable finish, check how it relates to surrounding architecture and furnishings, and don’t be afraid to try different paint colors if the original finish doesn’t quite fit your vision. A round mirror is a relatively affordable way to add curvature, texture, and personality to a room dominated by straight lines.
So for now, we’ll leave it in its oil-rubbed bronze state while we hang the curtains, then decide. The suspense is half the fun — whether it stays as-is or gets a daring new coat of paint, the mirror is already contributing something special to the space.