- TargetCenter = EyeHeight + CenterOffset
- Bottom = TargetCenter − (MirrorHeight ÷ 2)
- Top = TargetCenter + (MirrorHeight ÷ 2)
- Bottom constraint: Bottom ≥ MinBottom (and Bottom ≥ BenchHeight + Clearance if over a bench).
- Light constraint (optional): Top ≤ LightHeight − ClearanceBelowLight.
- Estimated hook height: HookHeight = Top − HardwareDrop.
- Pick your scenario: wall-mounted or over a potting bench.
- Measure your eye height from the finished floor.
- Enter the mirror height (visible glass is best).
- If you have a bench, add its height and desired clearance.
- If a light is above, enter light height and clearance.
- Press Calculate placement and mount using the hook height.
| Scenario | Eye Height | Mirror Height | Bench Height | Bottom Clearance | Recommended Center | Bottom | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall (shed) | 63 in | 36 in | — | 12 in | 63 in | 45 in | 81 in |
| Over bench | 64 in | 30 in | 36 in | 6 in above bench | 64 in | 49 in | 79 in |
| Over bench | 160 cm | 80 cm | 90 cm | 15 cm above bench | 160 cm | 120 cm | 200 cm |
| Wall (greenhouse) | 62 in | 24 in | — | 18 in | 62 in | 50 in | 74 in |
| Wall (studio) | 165 cm | 90 cm | — | 30 cm | 165 cm | 120 cm | 210 cm |
Ergonomic viewing in work zones
Mirrors in garden rooms are often used for quick checks, not grooming. Centering the glass near your eye height reduces neck flexion during frequent passes. A slightly higher centerline also helps when you lean over trays or seedling flats. When multiple users share a shed, a small center offset can bias the placement upward for taller users while staying workable for shorter users.
Clearances around benches and sinks
Over a potting bench, the mirror bottom must clear faucets, caddies, and tool racks. The calculator treats bench height plus your chosen clearance as a firm minimum, then rebuilds the mirror position from that bottom edge. This keeps the glass functional even when storage changes seasonally. If you wear aprons or carry watering cans, add a little extra clearance for safer movement.
Managing lights, glare, and heat
Task lights above mirrors can cause glare and hotspots on the top frame. By limiting the mirror top to a safe distance below the fixture, the placement avoids harsh reflections and reduces the chance of heat stress on backing materials. If the light constraint conflicts with bottom clearance, a shorter mirror or a relocated fixture usually resolves it. Use diffusers.
Hardware points and hanging stability
Most framed mirrors hang from a wire or keyhole that sits below the top edge. The hardware drop input estimates the wall hook height, helping you transfer layout marks to fasteners without repeated test fitting. For humid greenhouses, use corrosion resistant anchors, seal drilled holes, and recheck level after temperature swings. A second fixing point can prevent rotation on thin wall panels.
Practical checks before drilling
Tape a paper rectangle to the wall at the recommended heights and stand where you work. Confirm sightlines while holding common tools, and verify doors and shelving will not strike the frame. Check that electrical outlets and irrigation lines remain accessible. If you store hoses or bins below, increase minimum bottom clearance to protect the mirror and simplify cleaning.
1) What height should the mirror center be?
Start near your eye height from the finished floor. The calculator sets the center there, then shifts it if bottom clearance, bench clearance, or light clearance requires an adjustment.
2) How do I measure eye height accurately?
Stand where you normally work, wearing your usual shoes. Measure from the finished floor to the center of your eyes using a tape and a helper, or mark the wall and measure to the mark.
3) Should I enter frame height or glass height?
Use the visible glass height when possible. Frames vary, and the viewing area matters most. If you only know overall height, enter that and add a small center offset to fine tune.
4) What if the top hits the light clearance limit?
The tool lowers the mirror to maintain the clearance below the fixture. If the bottom then violates your minimum, choose a shorter mirror, raise the fixture, or relocate the mirror to a wall without the light.
5) How is hook height calculated?
Hook height equals the recommended top edge minus the hardware drop you enter. Measure your mirror’s wire apex or keyhole location from the top edge to set this value for accurate mounting marks.
6) Does humidity affect installation?
Yes. In greenhouses, use stainless or coated fasteners and suitable anchors. Seal drilled holes and avoid placing the mirror where condensation pools. Recheck level after a few days of temperature and moisture cycling.