If you’re tired of a boring floating mirror, it’s time to spice it up. Designing a DIY mirror frame can add some personal style to your room. A plain mirror is predictable and unimpressive, but a custom frame can enhance aesthetic value. With the help of some supplies and creativity, your mirror can be transformed into a unique piece that reflects your personality.
DIY to your mirror
Builder grade mirrors, also known as builder’s basic mirrors, are commonly found in bathrooms and lack any kind of frame. These mirrors can easily be upgraded by framing them, which can give your bathroom a stylish and unique look. It’s an opportunity to add some personality and design to an otherwise basic feature in your home. So why not give your bathroom mirror a makeover and frame it?
- Grab your tool kit and let’s start: To frame a mirror, prepare by gathering the necessary supplies and materials including wood trim, a saw, measuring tape, power drill, screws, adhesive, sandpaper, paint, brushes, and a level. With your toolkit, measure the mirror and cut the wood trim according to the desired size. Sand the edges and attach the trim to the mirror using adhesive and screws. Finally, paint the frame to match your decor. By framing your mirror, you’ll have a stylish and polished look in your bathroom or any other room.
- Measure it up: To measure your mirror for a frame, place a tape measure along the edge of the mirror. Take note of any mirror clips and how they will affect the frame. If you plan to hang the frame over the clips, measure all the way to the top of the clip. Make sure to measure the dimensions of the mirror accurately to ensure a snug fit for the frame.
- Cut out the baseboard: To cut boards at a perfect 45-degree angle, use a miter saw or purchase pre-mitered trim from home improvement stores. If you don’t have a saw, some stores provide equipment to use in-store. Once you’ve cut your boards, ensure they are kept in four pieces to prepare for installation. Home Depot and Lowe’s are ideal for obtaining the equipment and materials you need. You can lay them out flat to ensure proper alignment before hanging the mirror frame. Alternatively, you can opt to use non-mitered boards as an alternative method.
- Colour your heart out the baseboard: To frame a bathroom mirror, the next step after cutting baseboards to size is to paint them in a color of your choice, coordinated with your vanity if preferred. Using a roller and brush, paint all sides of the boards before attaching them to the wall around your mirror. When painting boards that will serve as mirrors, remember to paint the back as well to avoid unsightly reflections. You may also choose to apply a second coat if necessary and let the paint dry for at least two hours before use.
- Brush it off with the sand paper: To prepare the baseboards for a DIY project, lightly sand them with an extra fine sanding pad and wipe them clean with a tack cloth. If you are creating a bathroom mirror, it is advisable to apply a topcoat or sealer to prevent water damage. A polyurethane coat is a good option to consider.
- Frame a mirror: After allowing the paint to dry, the mirror frame can be installed. Start it from the the bottom piece by applying the liquid nails to its back. Avoid the edge nearest to the mirror. Press it onto the wall or mirror and use a level to ensure it’s straight. Secure it with painter’s tape to prevent movement. Repeat the process for the next frame pieces, ensuring that each is straight and level as well. Once all pieces are installed and secure, remove the painter’s tape and admire your new framed mirror.
- Give it a touch up: Once the mirror frame is dry, remove the painter’s tape and fix any uneven corners with caulk. Apply silicone caulk to any gaps or joints using a caulk gun, and then smooth it with a wet finger. Once the caulk has dried, touch up the frame with paint to complete the project. It is essential to wait for around 24 hours before removing the painter’s tape for the frame to dry completely.
Customize your bathroom mirror as you want
While MDF baseboards are commonly used to frame wall mirrors, there are alternative materials that can create unique pieces. DIY mirror frame ideas include using reclaimed wood for a rustic appearance or painting a wooden frame in eye-catching colors. These options allow for creativity and personalization when updating mirrors in a room. Use reclaimed wood boards or bright paint colors to give wooden frames a fresh look. Try painting a specific design or adding texture for added interest. Consider incorporating a string of lights for an extra touch of style. Coordinate with your wall color or wallpaper for a cohesive look.
