How to Frame a Bathroom Mirror

How to Frame a Bathroom Mirror

Do you have a bathroom that needs sprucing up? You’ve already painted or wallpapered but something is still missing. Your mirror styling, or lack thereof, may be the problem. Give your bathroom the style you crave and the finished look you’ve dreamed about by framing it to your liking.

Adding polish and sophistication to your bathroom is easier than you thought it would be. Put a mirror in the perfect shabby-chic picture frame or surround your existing bathroom mirror with crown molding for a rich and classic look.

How to Frame a Mirror Already Affixed to the Wall

There are many options available in crown molding, and none of them are above your skill level. You don’t need to be a carpenter or own a piece of heavy equipment to pull this off. To start framing a mirror already affixed to the wall, begin by measuring every side of the mirror and follow these steps:

Purchase Crown Molding

There are many varieties of molding and squares available. Choose ones that will look best in your bathroom. Select ones already painted with prime to streamline the job.

Once you’ve picked your corner blocks, you need to subtract the size of each block from your mirror measurements. For example, if the mirror side is 64” and you’ve chosen a 4” crown molding block. Subtract 4” off each end to get the length of the board between them (56”).

Have your four molding trim pieces cut to those measurements. Most stores do it for free, but there may be a small ($.50) charge. Now you have 4 blocks and 4 trim pieces to frame your mirror.

Shop for the Rest of Your Supplies

You will need the following:

• Paint
• Paint brush
• Caulk (in matching color)
• Liquid nails

A caulk gun is optional. There are caulks available that don’t require a gun and are applied right out of the container.

Prepare Your Work Area

Be sure to clean the mirror and surrounding wall space where frame will be hung. Cover the area where you will be painting and gather supplies.

Paint

First paint the back of the molding near the top edge so the unfinished back won’t be reflected in the mirror. Once dry, paint the right sides, which will be the outer-facing parts of your wood trim pieces. Consider two coats.

Apply Liquid Nails

Start with the back of the bottom piece, and only put the glue on one piece at a time because it dries extremely fast and you won’t have much time to adjust it on the wall. Use a level if you don’t have a bathroom countertop to keep your frame straight. Once bottom pieces are in place, add side pieces and top pieces last.

If your seams don’t fit perfectly together, use caulk. Angle the caulk into the crack to finish off your custom frame. Wet your finger and smooth the caulk, so it blends into the seam perfectly. If needed, touch-up with paint after caulk is dry. Finished!

If you have the perfect frame for your bathroom but you need a mirror for it, that’s easy too.

How to Create a Bathroom Mirror From a Frame You Love

You’re going to cut your mirror to fit the frame. You don’t actually “cut” glass or mirrors; it’s actually breaking it in a controlled manner after scoring it with the glass cutter. Get a few extra mirror pieces and practice your scoring and breaking techniques to get it right.

In addition to your fabulous frame, you’ll need:

• Tape measure
• Glass cutter (get a steel-wheel cutter for a small job, carbide for large)
• Smooth, flat working surface
• Fine-point, felt-tip marker
• Non-slip ruler or straightedge tool
• Light household oil
• Smoothing stone
• Clear fingernail polish
• An uncut mirror

When purchasing the mirror, try single-strength glass because it’s easier to cut. It helps to draw a diagram of the shape you’ll be cutting and of the inside measurements of your frame.

Take the following steps to create a bathroom mirror from a frame you love:

1. Measure. With your already-painted frame in hand, measure the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the space the mirror will sit in. Reduce each measurement by 1/8” to get mirror’s finished size. Start with a piece of mirror that’s larger than what you need, but hopefully in the same general shape.

2. Mark. Lay mirror on flat surface, reflective side up. Mark your horizontal and vertical measurements of the frame opening to the mirror with felt-tip marker. If possible, plan to use one corner of your mirror as it is, so you only need to make two cuts.

3. Connect. Using your straightedge tool or ruler and the felt-tip pen, connect the measurement marks. You should have the outline of your mirror shape and size when cut.

4. Align. Place the ruler along the vertical line you’ve marked and align it so the wheel of your glass cutter bisects the line. Check alignment and measurements twice so you only cut once.

5. Score. Hold the ruler securely in place on the drawn line. Dip the wheel of the glass cutter in oil. Starting at the top, place the cutting wheel on the vertical line right at the edge of the mirror. Press down lightly on the cutter and pull it toward you to score the mirror. Use the ruler as your guide. Release pressure on the cutter just before it reaches the edge of the mirror closest to you.

6. Break. Pick up the mirror and hold in both hands – one on either side of the score line. Firmly bend the mirror to break it along the line. Repeat process with remaining side or sides.

7. Polish. Using a smoothing stone, polish freshly-cut edges. Be careful not to remove any silver off the back of the mirror.

8. Seal. Paint the smoothed edges with clear fingernail polish to seal. Allow polish to dry and then insert into frame. That’s it!

Now that you’ve learned how to frame a mirror, and cut and shape a mirror, you’ll want to put them everywhere!

BIO: Ali Lawrence is a tea-sipping blogger who focuses on healthy and sustainable living via her family blog Homey Improvements. She also writes about DIY projects, home tips and organic gardening. She is “Alaska Grown” and dabbles in Pilates and is a princess for hire for kid’s parties. Follow her on Twitter @DIYfolks.