Everything you need to know to frame a bathroom mirror with scrap wood. A DIY wood frame mirror is easy to install and dramatically changes the look of a bathroom.
Framing a Bathroom Mirror with Scrap Wood
This was an easy way to take the bathroom up a notch with minimal cost and minimal work.
It doesn’t always have to be a massive reno project to add value to your home! It’s the simple detail that can make the difference sometimes.
We had scrap wood taking up space in our garage, so this was a simple way to use it up!
DIY Mirror Frame – Shopping Checklist
- Loctite
- Caulk Gun
- Wooster Angled Brush
- High density foam paint roller
- Painter’s tape
- Baseboard or other wood for frame
We also made the matching floating shelves above the toilet. These shelves are super easy and can be made from scrap wood too!
How to Cut the Wood Frame Mirror
I used a decorative mirror for the half bathroom that I had laying in my basement because the original mirror was oval.
The frame on the decorative mirror did not go with my half bathroom, so I removed the plastic frame and made a stick on frame for bathroom mirrors.
Then I measure the mirror and cut the pieces of wood to length instead of cutting the wood at a 45 degree angle.
I was going for a rustic look in this half bathroom, so I did not want it to look perfect.
Once I made all the cuts for this mirror, I stained this mirror with 2 different stains.
Notching the Mirror Frame
After your wood pieces are cut, you might run into the issue of the mounts holding the mirror up.
There will probably be 4 of them – 2 on the top and 2 on the bottom.
The first step is to hold the long frame pieces up to the mirror then draw an outline on the wood where the clips will align on the frame.
Definitely make the outline bigger because, it gives you some play so the frame actually aligns.
This was an easy way to take the bathroom up a notch with minimal cost and minimal work.
Cutting Around Mirror Clips
Now you’ll want to chisel out a gap in the frame where you traced your clips.
I used a multi tool to carefully make small etches in the wood, then made etches in the other direction so it was like a tiny checker board.
After that, I just “dug it out” with a chisel and hammer, again careful to not puncture the front side.
Then I had to make sure it was deep enough that the frame was flush against the mirror.
Make sure you dry fit your frame to make sure everything aligns before adhering it.
How to Paint or Stain a DIY Wood Frame Mirror
After the frame has been cut to size, give the frame a light sanding then wipe down to begin painting.
I recommend painting or staining the mirror frame after all of the cuts have been made.
After sanding the wood for the half bathroom, I stained the wood with a light gray stain.
Then I stained the wood again with a darker brown stain for a rustic finish.
By the way if you are looking to update your vanity here are tips and tricks to paint your vanity.
Stained Wood Mirror Frame
I stained the mirror frame a with one coat of weathered gray stain then let it dry before staining again with a dark stain.
The nice thing about doing multiple stains is that you don’t have to go to the store and buy another can of stain to achieve the color you are looking for.
If you don’t love how the first coat of stain came out, either add another coat of the same stain or use a different stain directly over top.
Attaching the Scrap Wood Mirror Frame
I used Loctite – Mirror, Marble, and Granite Adhesive to attach the scrap wood mirror over the existing bathroom mirror.
Simply Loctite to back of each wood frame piece in a wave pattern then firmly press the frame in place.
After the wood mirror frame has been correctly lined up, use painter’s tape to hold the mirror in place for about 48 hours.
Mirror Mate Stick on Mirror Frame
If you are feeling lazy and do not want to take on this diy project than here is a great place to buy a mirror frame.
These stick on mirror frames come with everything you need to simply just hang the frame directly onto your mirror.
The frames at Mirror Mate come in a ton of colors and styles to match your existing decor.
After Framing the Builder Grade Mirror
I love how to mirror frame came out and it didn’t even cost me anything because everything use was scrap.
If you are looking for other affordable ways to update your bathroom, here are some ideas!
Another way to dramatically change the look of your bathroom for less is to add an accent wall. A bathroom is a great space for a fun accent wall.
