mirror, mirror, leaning on the wall – tutorial

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UPDATED:

It has been a long time since I first made this mirror and I wanted to share some updated photos of where it has lived over the past few years!

Currently it is in our breakfast room off the kitchen in our new house.

And prior, it was in the hallway of our rental when we first moved to Texas.
For such a big mirror, it really can go almost anywhere!  Ok, onto the tutorial 🙂
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If you guys checked out my guest post over at All Things Bright and Beautiful you may have seen a little (ok, a BIG) something something leaning against the wall behind the couch.

Yep, I finally got around to making the mirror I mentioned here!

And, I did a tutorial ;D
What you’ll need:
  • mirror (I used an old builder’s grade vanity mirror – I recently saw some at my local ReStore for $10)
  • 3/4 inch thick plywood (you could even use an old door from the ReStore, which I wish I would have thought of before buying the plywood)
  • notched moulding to trim around the mirror
  • any trim of your choice for the top and bottom of mirror
  • Liquid Nails for Mirrors and caulking gun
  • brad nailer and brads (or finishing nails and hammer)
  • miter saw (or miter box and hand saw)
  • tape measure and pencil
  • wood filler
  • sand paper
  • paint and roller/brush
  • polyurethane (optional)
  • protective eye gear and gloves – not optional people 😀
STEP ONE:  Measure out and mark where you want the mirror to sit on the plywood.
STEP TWO:  Using caulk gun, squeeze Liquid Nails onto the plywood where the mirror will sit and put mirror into place.  You’ll want to wear gloves and get help when moving the mirror – those mirrors are really heavy and can easily break.

STEP THREE:  Miter cut the notched trim for edges of mirror.
STEP FOUR:  Paint the inside part of the the trim.  Once attached to the mirror the inside will be reflected, and you don’t want the raw wood color to show.

STEP FIVE:  Attach trim to edges of mirror using brad nailer or finishing nails.  You’ll want to keep in mind where the edge of the mirror is so that you don’t nail into the mirror and crack it.  Only nail the part of the trim that meets up with the plywood.  Use protective eye gear peps!
STEP SIX:  Cut and add trim to top and bottom of mirror using brad nailer or finishing nails.  I topped of my crown moulding with left over pieces of wood.  If you decide to use crown molding and are having issues getting the angles to cut correctly, Google tutorials for cutting crown molding.  There are tons of great tutorials out there on this, and they do a FAR better job explaining it than I can.
STEP SEVEN:  Fill any gaps and nail holes with wood filler and let dry completely before sanding.
STEP EIGHT:  Paint mirror desired color and let dry.  I did two coats.
STEP NINE:  Lightly sand any rough areas (or heavily sand edges for a distressed look), add a coat of poly (if desired) and let dry.
STEP TEN:  Wipe or scrape off any paint/poly that got onto the mirror.  You could tape it off before hand and avoid this 🙂
STEP ELEVEN:  If you have small children (or are just plain accident prone like myself) you will want to anchor the top of the mirror to the wall so that it can’t be pulled over.  I used a heavy duty hanging system from Lowes and made sure it went into studs.  That way it has the look of leaning against the wall, but can’t be pulled away from it.

DONE!!!
Now get someone to help move that beast into place and enjoy!

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On a side note – can I just say how hard it is to get a good picture of a mirror without seeing your reflection.  Sheesh!  Maybe it wouldn’t have mattered that much I had been cleaned up 😀

I’ll be linking up to these fab parties!

Comments

Newest
  1. Brooke Avatar

    That is gorgeous! You make it look so simple, but I don't think I am brave enough 🙂

  2. aimee Avatar

    wow its gorgeous i would of never thought it was home made it looks really expensive i love it xxx

  3. Jen-CraftOManiac Avatar

    first of all- I ADORE YOUR DECORATING STYLE AND TASTE… SO ME! Second of all… come over and lets make me a leaning wall floor mirror. TOTALLY LOVE THE MIRROR AND YOUR SPACE. well done. Winks-jen

    sharing this on my COM-FB page.

  4. Orange it Lovely Avatar

    ooooh I LOVE IT!!! seriously really cool and wow you are talented girl!
    I have a large mirror on my wall.. but I bought it lol ikea ;0)
    Tana

  5. Maury Avatar

    This is seriously awesome! I've been wanting one of these for our bedroom!

  6. Jenny Avatar

    Love it!

  7. Hyphen Interiors Avatar

    Shelley! Another amazing diy project! That mirror rocks! Way to go. I'm in awe. Can't believe you made that.

  8. Jan Avatar

    Great job!

  9. Cheryl E. Avatar

    You made that?! AHMAZZZING! It is so pretty and you make it look so easy.

  10. ❀❀❀Ðαωᾔ❀❀❀ Avatar

    I just love it and have to make me one. Thanks for the tut!!

  11. Lisa - A Room with A View Avatar

    An amazing piece..such a great job and you made it look easy (which I am sure it is not).

  12. Katherine Avatar

    Looks great!!!

  13. Suzy www.savedbysuzy.blogspot.com Avatar

    You continue to wow me! That mirror is amazing…you have some mad skillz 🙂

  14. Latoya @ The Scott's Crib Avatar

    That is so darn amazing! It has never occurred to me to just build a floor mirror myself. Blogging is simply amazing!

  15. Comeca Jones Avatar

    Very nice!

  16. A Cottage Muse Avatar

    Thanks for the tutorial…you've made it look easy…so showing this to my husband. I want one!

  17. Lindy@Itsy Bitsy Paper Avatar

    Wow, this is beautiful and what an amazing room!
    http://www.itsybitsypaperblog.com

  18. Andrea Avatar

    Dang girl! You are quite the handyman. I am once again impressed.

  19. Lindsay Avatar

    Oh my! You are crazy talented! I love that you MADE it yourself. Amazing, really! I would love to make one for my bedroom, I've always wanted a big mirror like that! Thanks for adding Show & Share to your link list! I appreciate it!

  20. Aubrey {All Things Bright and Beautiful} Avatar

    Girl, is there anything you *can't* do??? Seriously, you would never have convinced me that you didn't buy that mirror that way without the tutorial pics…amazing! *insert whiny voice* I *want* one!!!

    P.S. I was *dying* over your comments about your story and your husband…they are so cute when they think we aren't going to post stuff about them, aren't they? (c:

  21. Ellie Avatar

    Wow, cool! I love it! Way to go!

  22. Becca Avatar

    That is one FABULOUS mirror! Wow, I'm amazed! You guys make it look so easy; however, you lost me at the word miter saw. LOL. This is the perfect addition to your space … still loving your gallery walls, too! And, thanks again for your sweet note about my Fall sitting room! xoxo

  23. Julia @ 551Eastdesign Avatar

    Holy cow I can't believe you made this! It's fantastic! Can I ask what the total cost was? I'm dying to try and make one. 🙂

  24. trophyw.blogspot.com Avatar

    I'm so impressed. There's no way I could pull that off. I tried to make toy boxes once and it took me all day.

  25. cheryl @ nefotlak. Avatar

    LOVE!! now to find a big mirror……………….
    love this tutorial.
    cheryl xox.

  26. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper Avatar

    LOVE it! so dramatic! i love the impact big mirrors add to a room- thanks for sharing!

  27. A Vintage Vine Avatar

    Great addition to the room! Thanks for the tutorial!

  28. Judy Avatar

    That looks amazing. I have an old builder's vanity mirror in the closet. Maybe I can convince the hubs to help me with this one. Thanks for sharing at my Sizzle into Summer party.

  29. Suzanne Avatar

    That's amazing! Your living room is gorgeous!

  30. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR Avatar

    Oh, what a great job!! The mirror is gorgeous! This may be a project for us to tackle soon! I am a newbie to blogging and your newest follower. I hope you will follow back! Have a great day!

  31. Shiloh Avatar

    I love it! I especially like the tips on where and exactly what to get. It turned out SOO nicely.:) I'm a new follower from Trophy Wife linky.:)

  32. Wanting What I Have Avatar

    Ahhh! This is awesome!!! LOVE IT!

  33. Meredith Resnick Avatar

    This is very beautiful. I am so impressed. You did an amazing job!

    ~ Meredith From A Mother Seeking Come Find me on my blog, A Mother Seeking…

  34. ape Avatar

    Ok you are ridiculously talented!!!! I want one too but have no talent time or tools. How bout I buy one from ya! Lol

  35. Mandi@TidbitsfromtheTremaynes Avatar

    That is beautiful!!

  36. Jacqueline Avatar

    What a gorgeous mirror! I need more of these in my dark home.

  37. Decor & Harmony @ 4290 Avatar

    Wow! I want one, I love the little birds on top too. Thanks for sharing it was very generous of you to share your time this way, tutorials take a lot of time to do, I'm sure your readers appreciate it I DO!!

  38. A Lived in Home Avatar

    Great room! I am liking all of the fabrics you used in the room. I'm your newest follower. come follow me back at http://www.alivedinhome.blogspot.com

  39. Tara {The Silver Lining} Avatar

    Stunning!! It turned out amazing. Definitely one I'm going to keep in the file to do one day. It makes such a big statement.

  40. Jordan McCollum Avatar

    Wow! I'm definitely pinning this.

  41. Megan Avatar

    I stumbled upon you at Remodelaholic and I just love what you've got going on here. Your blog design/layout is gorgeous. I love the mirror! Everything looks fantastic.

  42. Jessica Avatar

    I have to say that mirror is gorgeous…. Awesome job!!!!!!

  43. Patricia Torres Avatar

    *shocked*… You made that!! wow!! really!! *Still amazed*… That is absolutely gorgeous.. stunning!! You've done a beyond awesome job.. and I cant image putting something like that together.. 🙂 Thank you for linking in to Colours Dekor.. Im following you now.. Totally love your blog. and am hoping to see you at mine again.. 🙂

  44. Jen-CraftOManiac Avatar

    HELLO THERE- YOU HAVE BEEN FEATURED ON COM for Super Saturday Spotlight Talent Show. WA-HOO! well done. winks-jen

  45. Rosemary@villabarnes Avatar

    It looks fantastic. Great tutorial. Love your style. Just became a follower.

  46. Nancy @ dream it ... build it...style it! Avatar

    Fantastic! Looks so grand and you saved tons of $ compared to buying a similar mirror.

    New Follower:)

  47. At The Picket Fence Avatar

    AMAZING!!! That looks super gorgeous and I'm so impressed! Thanks so much for sharing it with us at Inspiration Friday this weekend!
    Vanessa

  48. Marilyn Avatar

    WOW – so creative and beautiful.. Love it..Hi there, I found ya via blog hop and had to stop in and say hello, LOVE all your creativity and space here.. Excited to get to share in more blog fun reads and inspiration from ya.. I'm officially following ya with smiles…. Hope you can swing in and say hello sometime :)) I'm Marilyn via http://theartsygirlconnection.blogspot.com

  49. Kassi @ Truly Lovely Avatar

    You're whole living area looks great! And this mirror adds a whole other level of dimension! Love it! Thanks for sharing on Fancy This Fridays!!!

  50. Mindie Hilton Avatar

    The entire room is stunning and the mirror is fab. I am going to feature you on Thursday afternoon at Bacon Time. Thanks for linking up.

  51. Gwen@theboldabode Avatar

    Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. I've been wanting a floor length mirror for our living room just like this. Thanks for posting the tutorial!

  52. Marie Avatar

    This is beautiful! Great tutorial…I've been wanting a floor mirror in my master bedroom. Thanks for the inspiration! I'm featuring you on my blog. Come grab a button!

    Marie
    mylilpinkpocket.blogspot.com

  53. Nelda Avatar

    That's a great mirror! Thanks for the tutorial. You have me wanting to shop at the Restore.

  54. Katie Avatar

    I absolutely ADORE this mirror, and your decorating taste is impecable! Wish I had an eye for design like you do! All my stuff is so matchy-matchy!

    I wanted to let you know that I featured this project today on Sew Woodsy! Come on over and grab a sparkling new featured button!

  55. Judy Avatar

    So great. I will be featuring it tonight at my Fall into Fall party (formerly Sizzle into Summer) that opens at 8pm EST. Please stop by and pick up an I've Been Featured button. Thanks so much.

  56. Andrea @ Decorating Cents Avatar

    Love your living room. I'm your newest follower.

  57. Jess@Balancing The Dream Avatar

    this is absolutely stunning!! it adds so much to your space! great job!

  58. - Brittany Avatar

    Wow, this is a great tutorial! I never would have thought to do that. Thanks for sharing.

    Brittany aka Pretty Handy Girl

  59. SHERRY HART Avatar

    Holy smokes….that is awesome!!!

  60. Tricia @ SweeterThanSweets Avatar

    Wow–this is awesome! I SO want to do this and you've totally inspired me. I'm sure you saved a couple hundred dollars and it looks store-bought. Just Pinned this!

  61. Rachel@oneprettything.com Avatar

    WOW! That looks fantastic! I never would have guess that was a diy- and you make it look so easy! I just came across this on Apartment Therapy and I would love to link to your tutorial if you didn’t mind.

  62. brad nailer Avatar

    It’s in point of fact a nice and useful piece of information. I’m happy that you simply shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

  63. Janice Avatar
    Janice

    Love it!! But, really love your curtains! Can you tell me where you got them? I have been looking for modern black and white ones.

    1. Shelley {Crazy Wonderful} Avatar

      Thank you Janice! The fabric is the black and white chipper print from Premierprintsfabric.com. They have some great black and white modern prints 🙂

  64. campclem.com Avatar

    Gah! This is what I've wanted to do for YEARS with the builder-grade mirror in our master bath: rip that thing right off the wall and turn it on its end (trimmed out like you've done) to put in our dining room. But I'm afraid there might be all kinds of industrial adhesive keeping it in place and it will shatter if I remove it… This might be just the push I need to GO FOR IT! Thanks!

  65. Kate Henry Avatar

    Nice concept of your article . Great job , how I wish I can have that in my Hide TV
    . More power to your blog :))

  66. Jim Stout Avatar

    Very interesting read. What are your thoughts on fiberglass doors? I personally think they would be a really good way to go.

  67. Veronica Pargas Avatar

    Even it's in plain place, it's still looks clean and peaceful. I will enjoy watching movie there.

  68. Richard M. Diaz Avatar

    Wow job Shelley!!! Actually it’s really hard job to make the diy with the mirror but I have seen your tutorial & ideas that’s really great. I am looking for discount coupons for the Christmas to my best framing mirrors for my house. I just get a coupon up to 50% discount on selling mirrors. Thanks for the best tutorial.

  69. Tristan Towns Avatar

    This is a really good read for me, Must admit that you are one of the best bloggers I ever saw.Thanks for posting this informative article. I really like the fresh perceptive you did on the issue. I will be back soon to check up on new posts! Thank you!
    Wandspiegel

Meet Shelley

Hi, I’m Shelley! My belief is that with a little creativity and elbow grease, you can make your home look like a million bucks without spending it.

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