DIY Mirror Frame
This DIY mirror frame is a simple build that will upgrade your bathroom to the next level!
More bathroom ideas: How to raise a vanity – How to install a pocket door – Installing a Penny Tile Backsplash + Floating Shelf
Tutorial: DIY Mirror Frame
The frame is installed using mirror adhesive and nails making it a simple build with huge impact!
Tools needed for DIY Mirror Frame
-
Miter Saw
-
Drill
-
Caulking Gun
Materials needed for DIY Mirror Frame
-
(1) 1x6x8’ MDF board
-
(2) 1x4x8’ MDF boards
-
(7’) 4-1/4 in. x 1/2 in. MDF Crown Molding
-
(1) Liquid Nails Mirror Adhesive
- Scrap wood or shims
-
(2) 3-light Vanity Light Fixtures
Building a DIY Mirror Frame
First, let’s take a look at the before picture:
The 8-light open-bulb horizontal light fixture and frameless large mirror flush with the vanity did get the job done, but definitely left room for improvement, right?!?
Let’s get to it!
DIY Mirror Frame, Step 1: Remove the light and adjust the placement of the mirror.
Cassity decided that she wanted the mirror to hang above the vanity, not rest on the backsplash. It was a good choice, but required us to remove the mirror and re-hang it. We used the same hardware that it was hanging on before and made sure to secure the mirror very well.
If your mirror doesn’t need adjusting, skip this part, but do make sure the hardware is installed well and the mirror is secure.
You can also see that we had started the process of raising the vanity height. Never just one project at a time for this #remodelaholic!
DIY Mirror Frame, Step 2: The bottom and sides
We wanted the mirror frame to hang over the mirror by about 2 inches, so we measured and cut our bottom piece accordingly. For the side pieces, we wanted them flush with the bottom piece and also flush with the top piece of the frame. This meant cutting the side pieces slightly shorter than the distance from the bottom piece to the top edge of the mirror (see installation pictures below for a visual).
If your mirror has hardware that wraps to the front of the mirror, you will have the same problem we did: you cannot glue the board flush to the mirror.
Using my multi-tool I was able to cut the notch perfectly! We planned it out so the frame sat level on the notch to help hold it in place while the glue dried.
Next, install scrap wood or shims that are the same depth as your mirror. (The shims aren’t complete in the photo below and one is already covered, but you get the idea.)
Then, using the mirror construction adhesive, glue the bottom (which is already done in the picture above) and two sides of the frame to the mirror. We also nailed the frame pieces to the wall through just the over hanging portion (not through the mirror!) to secure it.
Here is the bottom in place and the sides going up.
(Notice the side pieces are shorter than the top of the mirror, as mentioned earlier.)
DIY Mirror Frame, Step 3: The top
We set the top frame in place then screwed it to the wall near the top and where the new lights would go. We chose to screw it in, not glue it in place to allow us access to the original electrical box if needed in the future.
Next it was time to add the crown trim. Crown molding is like icing on the cake, don’t you think? It makes everything look complete.
DIY Mirror Frame, Step 4: Caulk and paint
After adding caulk and a couple coats of paint, here is our DIY mirror frame that makes the whole bathroom look better!
You can see here that, with the lights hanging down below the frame, we get twice the amount of light because of the reflection in the mirror. This is so much better than the light fixture that was there before!
And now the final picture with the mirror framed, new light fixtures installed, vanity raised and cabinets painted:
We love it!
How did yours turn out? Let us know! And you might enjoy seeing all of our Park House projects.
More Mirror Ideas:
- Modern “Sunrise” Floating Mirror and Shelf
- How to Remove (and Reuse) a Large Builder Grade Mirror
- DIY Faux Gold Mirror Makeover
- Master Bathroom Renovation with Sliding Mirror Over the Window
- How to make a floor mirror
- Build a Trumeau mirror
Please pin this for later!
This post originally published 11/28/2012 — Updated 05/14/2021
Brilliant! So glad I found your blog. Love it. I have no questions because I actually read all of everyone else’s and your replies. Cassity, not only are you talented but also have the patience of Job. Thanks for sharing this…going to try it. If I blog about the before and after, can I add a link to your site?
Chris, you sure can link to our site when you post about it. We are thrilled that you love our site. Happy remodeling!
I’m in the process of framing my bathroom following your instructions but noticed that the MDF board you listed as 6″ wide. The light fixture will sit on the board with a 5″ round mount, how did you find space to fit the crown molding and leave space on top and botton of the light mount? The top board looks twice the size of the 4″ bottom and sides… Thanks…
It has been a while, but the crown is only overlapping the board by about 1/2″. Just enough to nail it to the mdf. If you need to go a little wider, you night need to by a wider board. I hope this helps. I would love to see a picture of your final frame when it is done.
Whats the name of the paint color you used I love it!!
I also have an identical situation. My mirror has been glued in place. I am changing out the counter top on my cabinet and not raising my cabinet.
Do I have to remove the mirror to do the framing. In reading your comments it seems that the only reason that you did remove your mirror was because you raised your cabinet? Is that correct?
I didn’t think about putting the larger board at the top with crown. It just makes it more beautiful. I have 9′ ceilings, so I would prefer to install the light above the frame. do you think that would be too high? I will choose a similar lightfixture to yours.
I can’t believe how fortunate I was to see this post. Not even sure how this happened to pop up but it did.
What good DIYing fortune that this popped up when you needed it! Yes, if you’re not raising your vanity and your mirror is at the height you want it, there’s no need to remove the mirror to frame it. Thanks for the comment! We’d love to see pictures when you’re done!
Love this post! I have a question. In the original picture it looks like there is a small side mirror/vanity. Did you just remove that entirely? My bathroom is set up the same as your before with the large mirror and small mirror/vanity on the side wall. I would love to frame our mirror but don’t want to loose the storage from the side vanity.
Great Tutorial, thought many of your subscribers would love to know….
1#. WASHERS- re-attach mirror with washers & screws (not to reuse those plastic clippy mirror holders) this provides a flush, well almost barely flush & still have the security of screwing to the studs. This enables not really needing to Notch Out Hole in the Wood/Trim.
2#.(If weight is know of Mirror… add hooks (upside down v hooks) by gluing either with comm.grade. adhesive or EZ10OO. Then hang mirror using “MonkeyHooks”.
No Worries with the studs – for gals who don’t feel comfortable with stud finding…
3#. Hardware stores sell these long pieces of spacer, or square rods supper tiny pieces but long, easy to cut. Add to back sides of wood (your on &/or add caulking (printable caulking!!!) basically trimming out frame you made – this piece sits flush to mirror no gaps & everything can just be hung for easy removal. These extra tidbits allows for Easy Change Outs, with out annoying your hubbies – which always helps me since I never have the patience to wait for him…. we all get too excited & want to jump in & start (minding that electricity can hurt & even kill with those shocks, so shut light switches off & breakers too if necessary).
Long but all helpful will be returning for more great reads & tutorials! TEXASGALSTOO
Thanks for the tips!
All I can say is WOW!
Thanks, Lisa 🙂
I cannot tell, but did you replace the counter top & keep the cabinet, just adding paint to it? I love this idea for our master bathroom. Our’s looks just the same as in your BEFORE. I would save us a lot of money by just replacing the counter top & the fixtures.
Thank you,
Teri
Teri, the counter top was the same. We made the existing cabinet taller and painted it.
How did you wire 2 light fixtures from 1 junction box? I love the way you added two over the two sinks and that is my situation but I have one old hollywood light.
Kris, I ran the wire from the central junction box to each light. One on the right and one on the left. The best way might be to cut into the wall and run the wire to a new junction box behind each light. It’s more work but better.
Looks amazing, light and bright! I have been looking for a way to dress up that old bulky builders mirror in my bathroom. I would have added a strip of wood trim to make the mirror look like its sitting on the counter. That strip of paint just looks off in some way. Is it just me?
Thanks for the comment Heidi. We didn’t mind the strip of paint, but a bigger frame could have hid it a little better for sure.
I am glad I came across this tutorial. Was looking for ideas for my bathroom mirror. The finished look is so light, airy and Beautiful! Love the white Cabinets!
Thanks, Colette! It was a great bathroom update, especially since we are both tall!
Hello, thanks for posting this! I appreciate the step-by-step process, along with before and after photos. How did you prep your cabinets for repaint? Did you use special solution to remove the wood stain? Did you have to sand the cabinets? Or did you just prime and paint?
Thank you in advance!
We are big believers in doing the prep work so you only have to paint ONCE! So we typically sand lightly, then prime, then paint.
This blog post is a great resource for painting cabinets: https://www.remodelaholic.com/how-to-paint-cabinet-doors/