Mirrors are a bit of interior design trickery. Placed well, they can help you change the entire look of a room. Accent mirrors can make small rooms feel more expansive and dark spaces feel brighter and airier. Hang one above a fireplace to add more height, in a narrow hallway to make it feel less claustrophobic, or opposite a window to bounce sunlight around. I have a mirror in just about every room of my home and love the effect they have.

Mirrors also can be very expensive. This is why you want to shop carefully and make sure your mirror is properly installed to avoid any costly accidents. Follow these five steps to find your ideal looking glass:

1. Determine the function.

Mirrors can serve two main purposes. They can be functional—used to apply makeup or give yourself one last check before stepping out the door—or they can serve a purely decorative purpose. Before looking at mirror options, identify the main use of the mirror in the space.

2. Size up the location.

Examine the location you plan to put the mirror in, just like you would when adding any piece of wall art. Consider the function of the room (dining, lounging, etc.), the placement of any windows and where the major pieces of furniture live/will live. This will help you determine the best size and shape of the mirror.

3. Take some measurements.

First, measure the space you want the mirror to occupy. If you want to use the mirror to make your space feel larger or as a main design element of the space, go up in scale. Smaller ones will also cast light around the room and can be more easily combined with other art or even installed in a group. Then, once you have found some options you like, check their measurements (either online or in person). You can use tape to get an idea of what each mirror will look like in the space and play around further with placement before committing.

4. Check the weight.

Weight is a very important factor when selecting a mirror, no matter how you plan to display it. If it’s going to be hung, you need to make sure you have the correct hardware on hand for the type of wall. If it will lean, you also need a way to keep it from tipping over or slipping, which can be dangerous, and anything too heavy could also damage the surface it’s resting on. Always check the product specs for the weight before purchasing.

5. Choose your style.

When it comes to what the mirror looks like, the main thing to consider is how much you want it to stand out in the space. I saved this point for last because like anything design-related, picking the best style of mirror is subjective. No matter if you like traditional, industrial or modern, it should complement the rest of your decor. I have black accents around our living and dining area, which act as a neutral to balance out all of our louder art pieces, so the mirror above our fireplace has a black frame. The mirror we have in our entrance hall, however, has an elaborate gold frame because it’s the main design element in the space.

Want more tips? Learn how to shop for the perfect white t-shirt here.

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