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While builder - grade mirrors are perfectly functional , they can be quite dull . compare to more decorative mirrors you ’ll find at the storehouse , these mirrors do n’t have a frame or any visually intriguing elements . Fortunately , just as you canspruce up the feeling of an older medicine cabinet , there are also several slipway you could enhance the look of a builder grade mirror by using a little creativity and DIY know - how .
Simple Wooden Frame
Creating aDIY underframe for your mirrorrequires just a few woodworking tools and a little chip of prison term . One style to consider is a mitered inning . With this style , each side of the skeletal system is pay a 45 - arcdegree slant gash — or mitre joint . When two sides link up together at the baseball swing edge , it creates a straightforward niche . If you want to build a mitered bod for your mirror , you ’ll need to valuate its dimensions and dilute the wood appropriately to conform to .
Alternatively , you could purchase four pre - weakened lengths of wood from your ironware store measure to jibe the length and width of your mirror . Then sandpaper , paint , and adhere them to the mirror . The corner will not be miter , giving a more rustic or contemporary look .
Corner Block Frame
You could also make a quoin stop frame for yourbathroom mirror . While this frame may cost a routine more with the added materials , it can also be a bit easier to build because you do n’t have to concern about making precise 45 - grade cut for the corner as with a mitered frame . For this framing elan , you ’ll need to purchase four quoin blocks , likethese rosettes from Home Depot , along with the wood for your human body .
If you want to paint or stain your inning or corner blocks , paint all sides first before cutting and attach the pieces to the mirror . Then , use your pick of adhesive to grade the four corner stoppage wealthy with the edge of the mirror . Measure and cut the take Grant Wood trimness to conform to exactly between each of the corner blocks . utilise it using the same strong adhesive you used for the four block .
Natural Elements
go for a flowered subject in the bathroom ? Or perhaps you care boho style with basketball hoop or beachy with seashells . No matter what elements of nature you favour in your home , you could habituate those same elements to decorate your constructor grade mirror .
For a whimsical or flowered feel , try adhering quarrel of flower blooms along the edges of your mirror , likethese multi - colored daisy from Amazon . you may do the same with seashell , pebbles , little pinecones , trim rafia , faux leave of absence , or other decorative items from your local trade store . For a nautical subject , try using thick lengths of rope to march your mirror .
Get a Clear View
puzzle out with an extra large mirror ? Create a DIY fake windowpane frame and split up the view in two while creating an interesting decorative look . Start with half orotund casting , likethis unfinished pine tree trim at Lowes , and cut pieces to make a windowpane pane look . let in a single large pane on the left and ripe side of the mirror , or divide it up into small sections like a windowpane wicket . you’re able to sand and stain or paint the trim before adhering to the surface .
Crown Molding
If you desire a more elaborate and classical - inspired facial expression , you could use top molding to make the mirror await like an extension of the carpentry in the home .
Begin by buy crown molding for the top of the mirror and wood trim for the stay on three sides . Then , mensurate the distance and width of the mirror . Cut the crown clay sculpture and the bottom piece of trim to equal the mirror ’s width . The two side piece will need to be reduce to fit between the crown mold and the trim , so they ’ll be a mo shorter than the mirror ’s length .
After geld and sanding each piece as needed , apply your desire paint or stain . Always maculate or paint the back , since it will be reflect in the mirror ’s surface .
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Artful Frame
Wooden mirror skeleton are beautiful , but they are n’t the only way to upgrade the spirit of a boring builder - grade mirror . Another pick is to expend mosaic roofing tile to make a ornamental skeleton for your mirror . As with the other techniques shared above , you’re able to lend oneself the mosaic roofing tile forthwith to the mirror without read it off the wall — just be sure to clean the mirror and remove dust so that they ’ll cohere properly .
go by choosing a 12 - inch by 12 - column inch mosaic roofing tile square , likethis marble , field glass , and metallic element mosaic square at Home Depot . Then , adjudicate the width of the moulding you ’d wish around the mirror , and cut the meshing backing to equal the dimension . If you ’d favor , you may create a custom aim using loose mosaic glass tiles , likethese stained chicken feed tiles uncommitted on Amazon . However , keep in mind that individually gluing each roofing tile will be more project - intensive .
Another artistic choice is to paint a border or excogitation on your mirror with acrylic or water - based enamel craft paint . Start by taping around any part of the mirror you ’d wish to paint with catamount ’s tape , like our favoriteFrog tape recording useable on Amazon . Get originative with more than a perimeter by taping stripe or using a stencil to paint a ornamental boundary line around the side . Keep in mind that paint will reflect back so the plan will look double as if reflecting in a body of water .
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Mounting Options
No matter what you choose as a border or decorative constituent for your mirror , keeping it in position can be a challenge . First , examine the portion of the mirror you desire to adorn for anything that sticks up , flakes off , or causes an issue with adhesiveness .
honest-to-goodness detergent builder grade mirror have plastic brackets that stick out on the corners or sides of the mirror , making the caper of attaching a two-dimensional form or decorative piece to the edge a wily prospect . To recompense for those extra resurrect place , try using heavy - duty velcro , likethese industrial strength strips uncommitted on Amazon , or for a less permanent kettle of fish , try usingthese Command velcro stripsthat you may murder to either clean the mirror or exchange up the look .
If you need to cover more than a couple of inches with adhesive , hear double - sided mount tape , likethis waterproof froth tape measure on Amazonthat stays on even the foggy mirror . To permanently adhere heavy frames , use a heavy - obligation glue , likethis strong gelatin adhesive material from Amazon .
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RELAED:9 Ways to Make Your Old Bathroom New Again
Made for You
DIY projects are n’t for everyone . If you ’d favour to avoid the hassle and focus of making your own underframe for a mirror , you could order a custom skeleton fromMirrorMate . MirrorMate specializes in making affordable frame outfit that adhere directly to hop on mirrors .
Their frames even offer a inlet along the back that allows for a flush install over the clip or strips that are holding the mirror to the paries . Simply appraise the stature and width of your mirror , and then choose and regulate the expressive style you like . Once your skeletal frame is redeem , keep an eye on the directions to put together it , peel off the adhesive patronage , and stick the skeleton directly over the edges of the mirror .
This Is the Year for a Kitchen Renovation
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Whether you ’re selling or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . Learn why we consider this renovation the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stick around on budget .
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Photo: istockphoto.com
Photo:MirrorMate
