Sometimes projects come about out of necessity. That is the case with this framed full length mirror.
Cheap Full Length Mirror Project
Because it was fragile, I had a hard time finding a place to store it. It would reside on my table saw unless I needed to use the saw. Then I would haul it out to the driveway and lay it down – then it was back to the table saw again.
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Use plywood for the backing of the full length mirror
I recently helped a friend make a couple of cornices for her living room. She picked up two pieces of this plywood and I ended up only using one. She said I could have the second piece. It was a little too long, so I cut it to size with my circular saw. It is small, but mighty!
Thrift store picture frame molding encases full length mirror
I used some of that inexpensive picture frame molding I bought recently at Vendors’ Village. I mitered the corners on the compound miter saw and secured it in place with Gorilla Wood Glue and my nail gun.
Frame the mirror with scrap rustic wood
To frame the mirror, I ripped a fence board on the table saw, and mitered the corners to fit snug around the outside of the full length mirror. To blend the colors and make everything match, I used a cheap chip brush and Minwax Hickory Gel Stain.
Gel stain does a really good job on already finished and raw surfaces. You can see I measured where the mirror would rest so I knew where to stain the plywood.
Stain mirror frame
After applying the gel stain, I wiped it back with a small cloth. I allowed the stain to dry.
Mirror Adhesive
I picked up this mirror adhesive at The Home Depot. You need special adhesive when affixing mirrors. The stain wasn’t quite dry, but the adhesive said to let it cure for 48 hours, so I decided they could both set up at the same time.
Weight Mirror Down
I chose to use some scrap wood and a couple of paint cans to hold the full length mirror in place.
How to move a work table
I got tired of dragging my work table around, it’s just one of those plastic buffet tables. So, I have these Tri-Dolly wheels that I bought on Amazon to help me move furniture pieces. Two of them on one end of the table allow me to pick up the other end and easily wheel it around to wherever I need to put the table.
Rustic Full Length Mirror
The next morning, I used Gorilla Wood Glue and my brad nail gun to add the small fence mitered pieces in place.
It’s very difficult to take a picture of a mirror without getting yourself in the reflection. I really LOVE how this rustic full length mirror turned out. It was a very inexpensive makeover. The overall dimensions of this rustic framed mirror are approximately 26"x 63".
- Mirror FREE
- Picture Frame Molding less than $3
- Fence pieces for mirror frame FREE
- Stain, Wood Glue, Nails (all on hand)
The new full length mirror frame can lean against the wall, and someone may even like to hang it vertically to use in their closet or bedroom, or horizontally over a large sofa. Lots of possibilities!
If only I needed a mirror. 🙂 How would you use this rustic full length mirror?
gail
Related Content: Picture Frame Ideas For Home Decor and More
Ellie
I love your mirror!!! It is beautiful! I am trying to replicate it myself and wondered what the size of the edges around the mirror are (the edges on the plywood)? It looks like it might be around 3-4inches, but love the look of yours and want it the same! Also, is there more of an edge on the top and bottom, or is it all the same dimensions all the way around? I have an antique beveled mirror and sadly two of the corners are chipped but I think it will look okay, especially if the chipped edges are on the bottom.
Thanks so much! Again, love, love, love it!!!
Ellie 🙂
Gail Wilson
Thank you Ellie! I'll help as much as I can, but the mirror has been rehomed. From the edge of the outside molding to the mirror was about 4.5 - 5 inches. Many times I use what I have so I don't need to cut lumber to size. Best I can remember it is the same width all the way around.
It sounds like this is a perfect way to repurpose your chipped beveled mirror. 🙂
Please let me know how your project goes. I'm here if I can help in any way.
gail
Kathy A
You did a wonderful job upcycling the mirror. I love mirrors to help reflect light in my house surrounded by trees. I have a skinny one in my front hall to check myself on the way out the door. Your wheeled table is so clever; I hate moving furniture' chronic low back pain is a PAIN!
JaneEllen
Mirror too big for our house but it is a jewel since you made new frame for it. You are so talented Gail. Seem to have idea what to do with whatever you get your hands on. Wish I had you around to help me as Mr. won't make things anymore, says he's on strike, phooey.
Thar mirror turned out so incredible, happy weekend
Gail Wilson
DIY is always more fun with friends ! I wish I had friends around that like doing what I do.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and leave a sweet comment, it means a lot to me.
gail
GirlfromWva
Mirror is wonderful! Love it. I put my "leaner" mirror on a small wall in the living room in my "entryway" area. Helps when u need to check things over before heading out the door.
Bonnie Hipps
Oh my gosh how beautiful. You do such good work it always makes me want to go out and build something lol.
Laurel Stephens
I love how this project turned out, Gail. Great tutorial! (And how cool are those tri-dolly wheels?!)
Gail Wilson
Laurel,
Those wheels! I use them for everything. Working alone, I couldn't do what I do without my special helpers which include small furniture dollies. Thanks for stopping by!
gail
Sandy
Really like this! Good job, as always!
Dottie
That mirror turned out amazing! Love it!