Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Mirror Frame Tutorial


Just like I promised here is the tutorial on how to make a custom looking frame around your bigger then life mirror your builder put up in the bathroom.

Are you ready for probably a more detailed tutorial then you ever thought you would need and more pictures then you care to see? 

Well here goes.

Now we are not professional...by any means. I have never used a miter box nor have I even sawed anything myself before this weekend. So if my mom and I can do this in a weekend. You can do it too.

After you have measured your mirror to know how much trim you will need go to home depot or lowes or where ever your little heart desires to get your trim.

Pick out the trim that you think would make the best frame for you.


Mom wanted a fairly thick frame since it is such a big mirror so the mirror wouldn't swallow the frame.

So she picked out two trims to pair together.  The thicker one is usually used for a chair rail and the smaller one is usually used for details with making wainscoting. 



You can piece together a bunch of different trims to your liking.

There really is an endless amount of combinations you could make.

The pieces come in 16 feet long pieces (at least at Home Depot they do). So you can cut down the piece to the length you need at the store.
 


Be a little generous with yourself on the length in case make a boo boo.

If you are so blessed to have a big and long car to put the Loooooong pieces of wood in then that will be perfect.

If you are not so lucky. Your car will look like this.



Then say a little prayer that noone runs in the back of you.

The nice people at home depot helped us put the wood in securely. 

I just need to say that mom and I were all dressed up from going to a bridesmaids luncheon and sportin’ our high heels in the trim section of Home Depot. 

See... told you we weren't professional.

We also got some Caulk, spray paint, liquid nails and pro caulk helpers (I don't know what you are suppose to call them but they help you put the caulk on smoothly).


Then Home Depot worker said that he likes the spray paint above better then the 2 coat one by rustoleum. I personally like the one that says 2 coat on it.

Once you are home measure the length of the frame again.

I have always heard that you measure twice and cut once. 

Then measure the wood that you will want to be your outer piece.

Mark the wood measurement on the outer edge of the wood. This will be the longest part of the wood.

Then cut a 45 degree angle cut using the miter board and saw. 
 
Use the mark you made as the outer part of the cut then cut inward.





Cut the 45 degree cut going the other direction at the other end.

Continue measuring and cutting all four sides.
  
Take to mirror to make sure it fits together.



Do NOT Worry if it doesn’t fit perfectly. Caulk is a wonderful tool that makes you look like you are a professional woodworker.

After cutting all the wood we spray painted it in the garage. This is a personal preference. If you want to paint the frame go on and get ready to glue it to the mirror.

To glue it onto the mirror we used Liquid Nails that is for mirrors.


Keep the glue in the middle of the wood. For when you place it on the mirror you don’t want to see the glue in the reflection of the mirror after all your hard work.



Once we glued the outside piece of trim we moved onto the inside piece of trim.

Measure the wood and then cut the pieces like you did the other.

Once the wood is cut and you are ready to paint, paint the back of the trim too. You will see a little of the back from the reflection of the mirror. Just like the glue.

Put your wood up on the mirror.

Then get your caulk out. We bought paintable caulk. 



This is the best stuff ever invented. It can completely covers up your mistakes.



After the caulk dried we painted it.



Then we stood back look at our master piece, declared it was good and then did the happy dance.


 Here is the before again.



And the after!





It is really easy. I know there are a lot of steps, but I got a lot of comments and emails from people wanting to know exactly how to do it.

I hope that helps, if you have anymore questions let me know.

Thanks

I am linking to these parties. 

Visit thecsiproject.com

120 comments:

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Kendra @ Domestic Princess in Training said...

Such a big difference! I need to do this in my master bath room. Just need to get the courage to tackle the wall paper in there first.

Kendra “Domestic Princess in Training “

Melissa from Puddin Pop Designs said...

I love it! Great job~ and I am sooooo doing this!!!

Emily {Frilly Details} said...

Oh wow!! What an amazing difference! It looks great.

paige said...

What a clever girl you are! I really do love this. I need this, too!

Tanya said...

Awesome, thanks!

Leah said...

It looks great, I like how you pieced multiple pieces to get your desired effect (I did that in my dining room).

gail@My Repurposed Life said...

wow! great tutorial! Ya'll did a fabulous job on this frame! I love caulk too!
the bathroom looks totally different!
gail

liz said...

You guys might as well be professionals!

Room to Inspire said...

Thanks for showing us the great details! It really looks fabulous. I am so glad you linked this up to Be Inspired today!

Chelsea

elizabeth said...

Fantabulous! I want to try this!

Unknown said...

Looks awesome. Now when can you come and help me with mine?

Kenzie said...

Thank you for the tutorial, I was looking at a website where it was going to be $200 + to do the mirror in the master bathroom! Miter Saw here I come, I borrowed (stole) my Dad's!

Extra! Extra! Blog All About It said...

I cannot wait to get started on our larger than life mirrors. Yours look FABULOUS!

XO,
Kimberly

Heather said...

Looks awesome, and I lOVE the name of your blog!

Tausha said...

found you from just a girl-this is fabulous!! Absoulately fabulous! I have a big old ugly mirror in my master bath (that term is used very loosely to describe that room) the step by step tutorial is fabulous!! Thanks so much! I too love your blog name!!

Unknown said...

Hey, that looks great!!

We just did our kid's bathroom mirror and I did a tute, too. :)

I learned how to use a mitre saw and boy was it Empowering! It's so cool how a little paint, trim and caulk can make such a huge difference. Great job!!

Miss Mustard Seed said...

Wow! That looks so great. I love how you built up the molding to make it look chunky and the black makes quite a statement. It's such a simple project, but makes such a difference. Well done!

Cindy said...

Wow, what a difference it makes! It looks wonderful. Hugs, Cindy S

Mag said...

this looks so nice.... my and my husband love it... thanks for sharing your idea

Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking said...

Love the chunkiness of the mirror frame. I've been wanting to bulk mine up too... thanks for reminding me how great it will look. Thanks so much for sharing with us at the POPP.

Leslie {Goodbye, house. Hello, home!} said...

I'm here from Flaunt it Friday.
This is Gorgeous!
Thank you SO MUCH for the tutorial- I learn visually, so I love/needed all the pictures!
I have 2 mirrors in my home that NEED this.
It has been on my TO DO list.
Your mom's bath is much more cozy now!
Blessings to you as you make your home!
~Leslie
PS. It's nice to meet another sister in Christ!
I am your new friend :)

Atticmag said...

Glad to see how that was done. Jane F

Andy Porter said...

I'm gonna have to do this! It makes such a huge difference!

TidyMom said...

I LOVE it!! we have the ugly medicine cabinet mirror, year ago I saw that someone glued the trim onto one, I may have to give it a try!!

Thanks for sharing and linking up to I'm Lovin' It! Have a FABULOUS weekend!!

Debbiedoos said...

Huge difference! I love the sleek black paint too, looks great with your accessories...thanks for the inspiration!

Sweet Bee Cottage said...

Looks fantastic! Great tip about the caulk. Have you ever done a medicine cabinet mirror? I want to do this but we have three moving panels in our "large" bathroom mirror. Thanks!

EllensCreativePassage said...

Now that frame transforms the whole look of the bathroom! Thanks for sharing!

Laura said...

What a great transformation and a super tutorial. Thanks for linking up to Saturday is Crafty Day!

Rhianna said...

Thanks for posting this tutorial, I have always hated those large bland mirrors. Nice to know there is a fix for them without having to tear the bathroom apart.

Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming said...

Your mirror looks fabulous - what a wonderful transformation. Your tutorial is wonderful...great job! {You must be so proud!} Thanks so much for stopping by and joining the Sunday Showcase Party! I greatly appreciate it! Hope you have a great week! ~ Stephanie Lynn

olive and love said...

This is next on my big project list. Thanks for the step by step. I have three piece of mirror all touching and covering the entire wall left to right in my bathroom (not to ceiling). I"m thinking of doing two black frames and one wider green frame in the middle. What do you think?

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

Great job! It makes such a difference!

Thanks for linking it up!

XOXO
jen

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row said...

Fabulous - did your mirror have those clips? Mine does and I'm not sure what to do about it!

Sharon@thisthriftyhouse said...

It looks amazing! Just a question--you showed that you were using SPRAY PAINT--but then you were brushing on paint at the end--did you use a different paint--or just touch up using spray paint and a brush? Thanks for your help--my frame is half done--just waiting on the paint! :0) www.thisthriftyhouse.blogspot.com

Diane at Perfectly Imperfect Life said...

Thanks for that tutorial! I have been wanting to do that in my bathrooms for ages, but I haven't gotten to it yet. You make me want to do it today!

Rhiannon said...

WOW! What a difference it makes! I always wanted to do it and didnt know how easy it was. Ok now you leave me no reason not to do it!
Thanks for sharing!

Rhiannon said...

WOW! What a difference it makes! I always wanted to do it and didnt know how easy it was. Ok now you leave me no reason not to do it!
Thanks for sharing!

Infarrantly Creative said...

Wow that is awesome. I just got one from Mirror mate that I love but this is beautiful as well.

Lisa said...

This is a great idea. I so want to do this in our bathroom - the mirror is so big and just ugly - this would really pretty it up!! Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Love it! I've heard so much about liquid nails; I've gotta get me some!

Tina said...

I want to say thanks for the directions. I think this is going to be my husbands weekend project. My husband would like to say "yeah, thanks a lot!" lol

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

I am definitely going to try this -thanks so much!

Megan Gunyan said...

Oh my goodness, I am doing this right now! No joke! AUGH! Wish me luck!

Rhiannon said...

I finally did my project like this! Thanks to your inspiration and tutorial. check it out I linked back to you!
Thanks!

Sheila Conkling said...

Oh I so love this!!! I'm a Realtor and this would be so great to share with buyers/sellers who want to update their bathrooms.

Julie said...

Did the previous mirror have clips holding it to the wall? My have those plastic clips and I'm not sure what to do about them when I attach the frame. Any idea?
Julie

Katie said...

I get this question a lot. But no my mom's mirror didn't have those clips to hold it up. But if it did, what I would do. Is to just take the clips off and the liquid nail the mirror straight to the wall. Hope that helps!

Michelle said...

Thanks for such detailed instructions! Can't wait to do this! :)

Lisa Porter said...

Well I think your tutorial is just great! Wish I had seen it a year ago when I just winged it on my own! Your excellent points that I missed were applying the liquid nails for mirror (only in the middle) and painting the back!
What I learned from my experience was....
1. Do NOT use Gorilla Glue!!!!! It expaaaaaands, hello!

2. Make sure large trim clears existing light fixture. I had to move my light which turned into an unexpected project that the MR. did not really appreciate.

3. I love buying trim from Home Depot because they let you cut and buy what you need!

Great tutorial girls and your mirror looks great!
Lisa

tay said...

What could you do instead of liquid nail if you live in an apartment? I HATE my bathroom because it's so bland and would love to do something like this, but it can't be permanent....any ideas, anyone?

Gwen said...

This is fantastic!!!! Hoping you see my comment ... I'd love to see a photo with the lights above the frame. Just want to see how that looks. I'm LOVING this idea, and wonder if my husband would go for it ...

Sarah said...

So did you just line the the outside edge with the edge of the mirror or did you make the trim slightly lower?

Jenna said...

Thank you so much for the tutorial!! I followed your tute & this is what I came up with:

http://simplyjenna.blogspot.com/2011/09/my-new-bathroom.html

I swear it makes my mirror look bigger!! Thanks for the tute!!

Michele T said...

I really think that I can handle something like this too! My daughter has a full length mirror with an ugly gold plastic frame... I'll bet that I can spruce it up with your method!

Lauri R. Preston said...

this is BEAUTIFUL! and so much cheaper than that mirror-framing company...thanks for all the steps. this is definitely for a rainy afternoon. AWESOME!

jojo said...

What a huge difference! Great job. I need to do this in my master bath and if it turns out well then I will tackle the other two bathrooms. Thanks for sharing.

kristi said...

Thank you for a GREAT, detailed tutorial!! I have been wanting to do this but didn't have a clue where to start :) Super job!!

Anonymous said...

Great Idea! Just one question...my mirror is in the middle of wall so it is open on all sides (not up against a side wall) I saw that you had both a side against wall and then it looks like one without. Did you put the molding on top of mirror and if yes, how did you hide the side of the mirror from showing.

Katie said...

@Ang-I put the molding right on top of the mirror on the side that does not butt up again the wall and you honestly do not notice it. The mirror reflexs the color of the frame on the side so it looks like it all goes together. Good Luck!

Ali Foley Shenk said...

I'm still confused about how you could do this with clips. My mirror has the old-school metal clips that are attached directly to the wall. I'm pretty sure i can't take them off without taking off hunks of drywall, too. Anyway to do this project with those kinds of clips?

Jill @ Bluegrass Belle said...

This looks great! It's the 2nd tutorial of it's type that I've found on Pinterest. Our mirror has the lights ON it instead of above it (like yours), so I don't know if we could make it work. Hmm...

Nina said...

I am determined to do this in my bathrooms at home. I love how simple you made it since I've never done this before. I'm glad I came across your project. It looks great!

Anonymous said...

my mirror has clips that attaches them to the wall. did your mirror have that?

Anonymous said...

Totally doing this. Thanks for the detailed tutorial!

Jami said...

Great details! Thanks for the information and advice. I can't wait to try this!

Jami said...

Great details! Thanks for the information and advice. I can't wait to try this!

Candi said...

Thanks for giving such a detailed tutorial. We are doing this in our master and maybe in the hall bath since that mirror fell off and shattered. So right now, we only have 6 glue dots on that wall.

Unknown said...

Thanks for this! I have a 70's house myself with my master bathroom mirror like this. I have plans to renovate my bathroom soon and planned on doing this. You and your mother are awesome :o)

K said...

Thanks for this! My husband and I have been wanting to do this to our builder-grade mirror for some time, but, not being professionals either, were a little worried that we'd goof it up. Your tutorial is the best and clearest I've seen and may finally give me the courage to go get the trim and tools to get 'er done! I've pinned this on Pinterest; let me know if you'd rather I remove the link. Thanks from the bottom of my heart!

Flame Crazy (Cherine Perrin) said...

Wow, this is amazing. I am gonna have to try this for sure. Thanks so much!

Flame Crazy (Cherine Perrin) said...

Wow, this is amazing. I am gonna have to try this for sure. Thanks so much!

Rosanna said...

fantastic idea! I have 3 washrooms with plain mirrors, I'll start with one first this summer. Good job, Ladies!

Unknown said...

This is probably the best interpretation of diy mirror frames ever. Thanks so easy and neat!

Anonymous said...

Great tutorial thanks! Our mirrors that we want to do have the clips holding it on the wall. How did you deal with those or is your mirror glued to the wall like Ive seen in other tutorials?

Priscilla said...

I have a question. On the part of the mirror that is near the door, is there another trim piece on the outer edge to conceal the edge of the mirror??

Candice said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...

How can I hang this mirror after framing it?

Lisa Richardson said...

Thanks for sharing I was just trying to think of what I could do with my mirror like this today and stumbled upon this.

Anonymous said...

Ok. I love this and have a stupid question. I want to do this with our mirrors, but my mirror has those little clips that hold it on the wall. Did yours? If not, then how does the mirror stay on the wall? If it does have clips, then how does this trim/frame thing work? Because those clips would make the trim pieces not fit up against the mirror. Please help!

Love to scrapbook... said...

Woohoo! I did it too. It was so easy with your instructions. Thank you! Thank you! For positing this. To the person above this post: I had the clips too. Know I fixed it is I took the clips off and then glued, with the mirror glue, to the wall.

ref_kt said...

For those people that have those little clips on the mirror - this blog had the same problem and this explains how they fixed it without removing the clips - useful if they are firmly attached to the wall.

I am in no way affiliated with them, just figured it would answer the question.

http://www.younghouselove.com/2012/12/who-framed-roger-rabbit/

Unknown said...

This is so great! I'm going to do it without my husbands help! He's usually the one who does this stuff after I ask. Not this time. I can do this in one day, while the kids are at school and I can't wait!

The Real Yums said...

This is beautiful. My counter is exactly like yours and I am wondering how you did the side close to the outlet? Did you have enough room or did you have to cut the mirror. I am worried about the outlet being so close (mine is really close)

Anonymous said...

I plan on completing this project this weekend so I'm thrilled I found your post! Now, my husband won't even have to help and he'll be amazed at my home improvement skills! ;). I'm thinking for the edge that is open to the room (not next to the wall ) I could just run a line of the paintable caulk to make it look seamless and professional as opposed to having the edge of the mirror with the molding on top show. Is that what you did? I may have missed it in the tutorial. Thanks so much!!!

Artemis88 said...

Is there a picture of what the frame looks like against the wall?

tchr said...

I notice that in your before picture one side of the mirror looks like it is right in the corner of the wall. My mirror is the same way and I'm wondering how you fit a frame around that side. Your after pictures don't seem to show that side. Any help/tips on how to do that tricky corner?

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...

Beautiful and classy.

Unknown said...

I was looking at different framed mirrors but this one is the best. Great article as well.

William | Framed Mirrors Cincinnati

Unknown said...

TV support frames likewise help quite a lot for making it feel like disguised. Exceptional course of action to cover the TV. Make adore it! I'm hoping that may I'm able to find out more about TV Frame ideas in addition to other important material in your soul then site.

Unknown said...

I would like to make a custom mirrors in Manhattan Beach CA for my wife's birthday. What type of framing should I use?

Columbia Sandie said...

I love this, and think I can remove the metal clips. One thing I must have missed, though: It looks like the mirror glue was applied to the back of the larger moulding and it wasn't painted on that side. Does the larger moulding go on the mirror and just not show due to the smaller one? or was it painted, then glued? Just want to be sure as I am trying to surprise my husband by a weekend re-do of our bath. Thanks!

Columbia Sandie said...

Any ideas on the above comment?

Unknown said...

I think that custom mirrors are one of the best ways to really class up a room.

Unknown said...

Does anyone know where I can buy custom mirrors in Manhattan Beach, CA? I have been looking for a while but I haven't found anything I like.

Unknown said...

This is really helpful to read about! We think a round mirror would fit our living room so well! Thanks for sharing.
Celine | http://www.careflections.com

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for sharing this! Now I can make all kinds of custom mirrors in Elkridge MD! I'm going to get started tonight!

Unknown said...

You really did a great job! You inspire me to frame my tv. Thanks for this.

Unknown said...

So you actually put the frame on the mirror itself? That is such an interesting idea. It definitely makes a difference to the feel of the bathroom. I like the idea of using floor edging or trim as a frame.

Elisa Jed | http://www.aarivalglass.com.au/products

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing this tutorial. I would also like to recommend a website http://www.kingdavidgallery.com there one can get more ideas about Custom mirrors.

Locution said...

YOU GUYS ROCK! This is very nice and I'm thankful for your detailed instructions. Our bathroom mirror is exactly like yours (large). We are near completion of the bathroom makeover and will start on the mirror, following your directions!

Many thanks!

Unknown said...

Good post . thanks for sharing with us .

We understand that mirror and glass work enhances the beauty of your desired place. So it is very much essential to select the right company for your mirror and glass works need.
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Unknown said...

I am looking for the Bathroom DIY Projects with mirrors. The step by step Discussion are really helpful to build my diy framed bathroom mirror.

Unknown said...

Informative Tutorial you have done so far. I also love to create my own tutorial with mirror for home decorating. Here is my latest post using Home decor mirrors.

Unknown said...

This article would be helpful to when you installing the mirrors. http://librosautografiados.jimdo.com

Unknown said...

Nowadays, Home decoration And enhancements has quality to those that wants to live an rich life, ample people area unit asking but how frame bathroom Mirror ? But it’s easy when you have got the right ideas.

Unknown said...

I just finished your content of Gold Mirror Makeovers. Here is another diy Idea with custom mirror. Keep enjoying this content diy Idea with custom mirror.

Unknown said...

I found another great post written about hanging a custom made mirrors :
http://dansons.tumblr.com/post/110168868898/how-to-hang-a-custom-made-mirror

Thank you..

Unknown said...

I Love your framing mirror diy. Exactly this the the content what i am looking for last few days to write new ideas about hanging a frame in bathroom. here is my last conctept -Need to Know about your Bathroom Mirrors and url is : http://homethoughts.livejournal.com/1058.html.
Thank you

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

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Here is my Concept: http://www.homezweethome.info/2015/02/precautions-to-take-during-mirror.html

Penny said...

Just discovered your awesome tutorial. My builder mirror has a silver metal strip at the bottom. Did yours (I couldn't tell) and if so did you just glue the frame over it?

Rose Maria said...

These base materials must be coated to make a mirror. Metallic coatings are the most common. A variety of metals, such as silver, gold, and chrome, are appropriate for this application. Silver was the most popular mirror backing one hundred years ago, leading to the coinage of the term "silvering."
Laser Mirror

John Forguson said...

Good info, thanks for sharing.

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Penny said...

Not talking about the coating on the back of the glass to make the mirror. The silver strip is holding the mirror to the wall and I suppose the builders in my area thought it was a nice touch - all homes built in my area at this time had the silver strip at the bottom edge of the mirror. Hope some one can tell me if I can remove it or I was thinking I would have to route out the back of the molding to accommodate it.

Marry James said...

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Showers Auckland - Superior Glass Ltd.

Master Framing said...

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Spiffy Spools said...

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