How to Make Borders for Wall Mirrors

A homemade border gives your mirror one-of-a-kind "attitude."

With a little imagination and the right glue, a plain mirror can quickly become a room’s focal point. Lightweight craft items, recycled scraps or bits of nature add a personal touch and turn a basic mirror into artsy decor. Use your mind’s-eye to design a whimsical or beautiful border that fits with your home’s style.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Border material
• Clear, fast-drying epoxy suitable for your border material
• Painter’s tape

Instructions

1. 

   A border collage of thrift-shop costume jewels adds chic inspiration.

   Envision your mirror’s lightweight border with the room’s function and style in mind. You could jazz up a large living room mirror with a natural element; explore the idea of curly willow branches, a tangle of driftwood sticks or soft Spanish moss as framing embellishments. For a bathroom vanity, recycle small leftover glass tiles, broken bits of colorful pottery or thin scrap metal. A vivid hodgepodge of tiny toys, such as dice, dominoes and magnetic letters and numbers, adds frivolous fun to a child’s bedroom mirror.

2. Measure the perimeter of the mirror. Buy or collect enough border items to extend around the entire edge.

3. Remove the mirror from the wall and place it face-up on a work table. Arrange the framing objects along the mirror’s edge until you are satisfied with the border design. Keep the outline intact as you slide the pieces off the mirror and place them on the table. If you feel confident in the border’s outcome without pre-arranging the items, leave the mirror on the wall while you glue the objects into place.

4. Mix or use the epoxy as directed on the label. Working in small sections, apply the glue sparingly to the glass where needed. Put the border material back into place, adding a little adhesive to the attachments, if necessary.

5. Secure the border items gently in place with painter's tape. Carefully remove the tape after the glue’s recommended drying time is up. If you are working with an ultra light material, such as moss, silk flowers or feathers, do not use tape, as the removal process will likely damage the arrangement.

Tips & Warnings

• Use an old or inexpensive small mirror to test the adhesion of your border material before beginning your project. If better adhesion is required, sand the mirror's edge before applying the glue.

• If you are crafting a basic wood border, achieve a nicely finished project by purchasing mitered trim with a fitted rabbet backing that neatly hides the mirror’s edge.

• Work in a well-ventilated space when using glue.

• Cover your work surface with newspaper to protect it from any spilled epoxy.

References

• Disney Family Fun: Mirror Mosaics
• Ask the Builder; Dress Up a Plain Mirror; Tim Carter; 2011