1.18.2012

DIY Large Beadboard Molding Mirror

After my stencil wall was completed, I knew I needed to beef up my mirror.  Solution for a bigger mirror?...a larger frame behind the original.  Best part: FREE!  

You might be surprised what supplies I used to create this big ol' chunky mirror:


Let's back it up real quick...my generous twinner, Kristi, gave me this cute, simple creamy mirror when I first moved into my new home 7 months ago [warning: cruddy cell phone pic]



Love the mirror, but it needed to be BIGGER on that big, busy wall.  I originally planned on 3 crown molding 5' shelves for the wall but after I stenciled it, I knew the knick knacks on the shelf would be too cluttery.

An after shot:


Here's what I did, and what you can do too!!


1. Start with a standard mirror, 1/8" MDF, bead-board wallpaper, trim [wallpaper+trim were leftover goods]
2. Cut MDF 8" larger than your mirror so it has a nice, chunky base.
3. Apply wallpaper to edges of MDF. This is nice because you can save your wallpaper and are virtually using scraps. Score.
4. Center + liquid nail original frame onto newly bead-boarded MDF.
5. Liquid nail trim. Secure with screws behind [optional].
6. Caulk, paint, glaze. [In the last picture you can see how thin the whole frame is from the side which is nice because it's lighter.]

Here it is next to my 7 year old son for comparison:

Side view and Accessorized:

My sis-in-law/neighbor walked in after I completed the room and said "I don't get the wreath?"  Haha!-do you agree or disagree??  I didn't put the mirror up to look at myself while I cook, I put it up for decor only.  What do you think?!

And one last shot:

Okay okay, I swear, the last one (:

Pin It

Original mirror size: 29" tall x 41" long.
My chunky frame mirror: 46" tall x 58" long.

Cost Breakdown:
  • Mirror [free]
  • MDF [$6: used Home Depot gift card], usable amount leftover
  • Beadboard Wallpaper [free: leftover from here]
  • 2" Trim [free: leftover from here]

PS: Enter the giveaway for the cute wall stencil HERE :)

21 comments:

  1. GREAT idea! I never thought of that. I may have to use this idea for a couple of framed photos instead of a mirror that need to be beefed up. I get the wreath. I like that look. Room looks great!

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  2. That is EXACTLY what the mirror needed, Kel! So awesome...and I think the wreath is PERFECT! I, too, use my mirrors for light and deco - not to look at myself...we are both so awesome...;) Your dining room is absolutely wonderful...love.

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  3. How cool! I love that you did this so cheap instead of going out and buying a whole new mirror. BTW...a family that we know refers to their teenage twin boys a twin & twinner. Who knows, maybe that is a common thing but it made me smile when you said it.

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  4. This turned out SO awesome! Love your dining room, so bright and cheery! :)

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  5. Oh my gosh Kelli, I LOVE this! Totally putting on my to-do list! :)

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  6. This looks much better than your old mirror. I love it!

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  7. how fantastic! I lurrve the chunky new addition & anything with beadboard sucks me right in!

    xo

    www.northerncottage.blogspot.com

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  8. I think the whole thing rocks! Just beautiful!

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  9. What size MDF (in thickness) did you use?

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  10. Beyond fabulous. Seriously! I adore this project! And I love the price tag. ;) Fabulous idea!!! And I kind of like the wreath.

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  11. So much better than the first view! LOVE IT!

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  12. I kind of have to agree with trace. I feel like the mirror is to make the room feel larger and the wreath blocks that. Its a cute wreath but Just my opinion. (like I ever have one right)

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  13. I completely support the use of the wreath. LOVE.

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  14. BTW, I am showing this off in my Friday Finds post. :) If you like to grab featured buttons I would love for you to hop over and get one.

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  15. Okay Kelli my dear it's time you knew...if I were stuck on a crafting island and could only choose ONE person to be stuck with it would be YOU! (ok technically speaking I would take two because we couldn't leave out Kristi!) Are you kidding me?? That mirror is Ah-MAZE-ing!!!! I'm in smitten adoration of the chunkiness and I love how the wreath ties in the brown in the room-it just totally completes the look! You are my idol mmmkay?!

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  16. I LOVE IT!! But, I love you MORE! :)

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  17. No way....that's beadboard wallpaper? Incredible! What a wonderful project! Turned out beautifully!

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  18. Don't listen to Traci (no offense Trace ;) I think the whole project turned out perfect! And leave the whole staring at yourself while cooking dinner AND doing a cheer or two in the mirror to me ;)

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  19. I love this project it loks fantastic and I totally get the wreath! Love it all! Great job!

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  20. Love this project because it looks fabulous and it is totally do-able! Awesome job and great tutorial. I am pinning this because my head is spinning with the possibilities of what i can do with this new knowledge. :)
    Sorry-I think that the wreath needs to go. Just my big fat ol' opinion.
    :)

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{Thanks for your question/comment/opinion! xoxo}