DIY Standing Mirror
Mirrors are often used by interior designers to make small rooms appear larger. In the bedroom, however, they can serve additional purposes. Standing mirrors not only reflect natural light creating the illusion of a larger space, but they can also serve as a decorative design element. In addition to these benefits, a standing mirror is preferable to hanging or counter-mounted mirrors because they afford you a complete view of yourself as you get ready for work or prepare for an evening out. Not only are standing mirrors an excellent addition to the bedroom, but they are easy and inexpensive to construct. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Mirror
- Lengths of 2-by-6-inch hardwood
- Wood glue
- Clamps
- Electric hand drill
- 1 1/2-inch wood screws
- Wood filler
- Sandpaper
- Plastic sheeting
- Paint or stain
- Soft brush
- Clean cloth
Instructions
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1
Purchase a mirror to use in constructing your free-standing mirror. Though you may choose whatever size you like, a standard 26-by-74-inch mirror is sufficient. If possible, use a mirror that is already mounted in a narrow wooden frame.
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2
Cut two pieces of 2-by-6-inch hardwood to the width of the mirror for the top and bottom of your standing mirror frame. Cut two pieces of 2-by-6-inch hardwood to the height of the mirror plus 12 inches to accommodate the added height of the top and bottom sections of the frame.
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3
Lay the mirror flat on the ground and apply a generous bead of wood glue to the top and bottom portions of the wooden mirror frame. Press the shorter 2-by-6-inch sections of hardwood into the glue, positioning them so the inside edge of the wood extends slightly into the mirror surface, covering the wooden frame completely. Clamp the pieces of wood in place while the glue sets.
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4
Apply a bead of wood glue to the vertical sections of the wood frame and position the longer pieces of 2-by-6-inch hardwood in place. The inside edges of the vertical pieces of 2-by-6-inch hardwood should be flush with the outside edges of the horizontal pieces. Clamp the pieces of wood in place and allow the glue to set.
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5
Use an electric hand drill to countersink 1 1/2-inch wood screws at an angle through the vertical sections of 2-by-6-inch hardwood into the horizontal sections. If you used a mirror with a wooden frame, you may also choose to insert screws through the flat surface of the 2-by-6-inch frame into the smaller frame underneath.
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6
Fill the seams between the sections of the 2-by-6-inch hardwood frame, as well as the screw holes, with wood filler. Allow the wood filler to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions then sand it down to create a smooth, flush surface.
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7
Cover the surface of the mirror by cutting a piece of plastic sheeting to size. Paint or stain the wooden frame as you desire. If you choose to paint the frame, apply a coat of primer first and then use interior-grade latex paint for the top coat. If staining the frame, apply thin coats of stain with a soft brush and wipe away the excess with a clean cloth until you reach the desired color.
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Stand the mirror upright in the desired location in your bedroom or walk-in closet. The mirror should be positioned at a slight angle to the wall and the weight of the frame, as well as the mirror itself, should prevent the mirror from moving once it is placed. If you desire, you may screw one side of a metal L bracket into the wall behind the mirror at each of the top corners and screw the other side of the bracket into the mirror frame for added stability.
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Tips & Warnings
Be creative when painting your standing mirror. Use stencils or pieces of wallpaper to decorate the frame to match your existing decor scheme or to turn it into an accent piece for your room.
References
- Photo Credit Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images
