Distressed and Paned… Mirror Makeover

I’ve been having fun helping my parents decorate their new home, and my most recent project was to makeover a very outdated mirror.

Step by step tutorial to turn a tired, outdated mirror into this gorgeous piece of art at maisondepax.com

Do you get it?!?! 😉  

My parents have a significant amount of natural wood furniture, so we decided that a fun color would balance the heavier, carved furniture. We had seen some gorgeous, old window-like mirrors, and the curved top of an old mirror they had reminded us of those, so we set off to give it the paned-window look.

Step by step tutorial to turn a tired, outdated mirror into this gorgeous piece of art at maisondepax.com

It was easy – one afternoon worth of work and a lot of fun (does that make me weird?!?!). You could also do this with a square or rectangular mirror, but I think the curved top gives it the perfect flavor.

Step by step tutorial to turn a tired, outdated mirror into this gorgeous piece of art at maisondepax.com

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Here are the necessary supplies:

And here’s your step-by-step tutorial:
 
Step 1: Tape off a grid to determine placement for molding.
 
Not pictured: Stain molding to match original mirror.
 
Step 2: Cut vertical pieces and measure spaces for horizontal pieces.
 
Step 3: Cut horizontal pieces to fit.
 
Step 4: Fit all molding (hint: measure frame and mark proper locations with tape to ensure even spacing.)
 
Step 5: Glue all molding to mirror (tip: Gorilla Glue is AWESOME, but it expands when it dries, so be sure not to use too much!) and weigh down with heavy objects until dry.
 
Step 6 (not pictured): Fill any gaps with wood filler.
 
Step 7 (not pictured): Paint with chalk paint (good because it will stick to your original mirror regardless of the finish… see more about homemade chalk paint here) and distress with sandpaper as desired.
 
Step 8 (not pictured): Wax with clear and dark wax to achieve desired, aged effect.
 
I love the way the distressed finish (with the stained wood showing through – new pieces matched to old frame, of course) gives a look of rustic age to balance so much natural wood furniture.
Step by step tutorial to turn a tired, outdated mirror into this gorgeous piece of art at maisondepax.com
And, even better, the turquoise beautifully complements the colors in the gallery wall I did for them a few months ago.
Step by step tutorial to turn a tired, outdated mirror into this gorgeous piece of art at maisondepax.com
What do you think? A worthwhile update?

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19 Comments

    1. Thanks, Kim! The mirror was one that belonged to my great grandparents years ago… My parents have had it since the 70’s, at least. Sorry I don’t have a lead for you!

    1. So glad you like it, Karen! I’m pretty sure it was a sample of Gulf Winds by Behr… but I also have Gray Morning (also Behr) that looks pretty close… Apparently I need to write these things down! 🙂

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  5. Fantastic. If I ever find a rounder top mirror, I will know just what I want to do with it. Your really accomplished making it look original and old. Thanks for the tutorial.
    Blessings,
    Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures

  6. Very worthwhile! I would never have guessed that is wasn’t paned to begin with, and such a great colour!

  7. LOVE this idea of adding the panes! I like the look but have only seen expensive new mirrors like this. Will now keep my eyes open for an inexpensive older mirror and add panes!

  8. Awesome tutorial, Rachel! I live in a VERY remote community which has zero chances of finding well loved pieces, so making them is the perfect solution! I can’t wait to give this a try – thanks!

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