Frame a Mirror

Framing a mirror is a fun and relatively inexpensive way to dress up a wall. There are a few different ways you can frame your mirror: putting a frame together with molding, using a picture frame, or crafting a more unique frame out of ribbon or stencils. Read on to find a method that suits you, and follow the steps to complete your framing project.

Steps

Framing Mirrors with Molding

1. Select the mirror. It can be any size, since you can cut the molding to whatever length you need. The mirror does need to have straight edges, like a rectangle or square shape, as opposed to a round one.
2. Purchase and cut the molding. You can find molding at a lumberyard or a home supply store, usually for just a few dollars a foot.
   • Choose a style of molding: There are traditional, unfinished styles and more decorative ones that come with rosette corners and different patterns.
   • To determine how long each piece of molding should be, measure the length and width of your mirror, then add {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}. Use a miter saw to cut the four pieces, and cut 45-degree miters on both ends of each piece.
   • Check the opposite parts' lengths by holding them against each other to make sure they're equal.
   • Assemble the frame on a flat surface: Paint the inside of the corners with construction adhesive or wood glue, and then use painters' tape to hold the pieces together temporarily.
   • After the adhesive dries, fill in any gaps in the miters with Spackle or wood putty.
   • After the spackle dries, paint the frame, if you wish.
3. Center the mirror on the backboard. Your backboard should be a piece of plywood that is also two inches longer and wider than the mirror. If your mirror is already on the wall, you don't need a backboard, and you can skip this step.
4. Glue the lattice pieces around the mirror. Your lattice pieces should be two inches wide; two of the pieces should be the length of the mirror, and two should be two inches longer, so that they frame the entire perimeter of the square. This is another step you can skip if your mirror is already on the wall.
   • Use wood adhesive to attach the lattice pieces to the backboard. Make sure the mirror is fitted snugly inside the lattice pieces.
   • Secure the lattice pieces with spring clamps, and let the adhesive dry for about 24 hours.
5. Lay the molding pieces on top of the lattice pieces. Line them up so that they extend just slightly over the lattice edges onto the mirror. Glue the molding to the lattice pieces.
   • Be careful not to get any glue on the mirror.
   • If you are using rosettes, glue them into each corner.
   • Weight the mirror with a piece of plywood, and let the glue set for about 24 hours.
   • Cover the molding with towels to protect the wood while the glue dries.
6. If you are framing a mirror that's already hung on a wall, apply your adhesive to the back of the molding, and press the frame against the mirror, leaving a one-inch overhang on all four sides of the mirror.
   • Immediately check the frame with a level, and then make any adjustments before the glue dries.
   • Use painters' tape to hold the frame to the wall while the glue dries.
7. Secure the molding to the backboard. Turn your molded mirror over, and use an electric screwdriver to screw a one-inch screw into the center of each rosette. Insert two evenly spaced screws into each horizontal piece and one into each vertical piece, about a third of the way from the bottom.
8. Attach a hanging picture wire using two D-rings. Insert one into each vertical side, about a third of the way down.
   • Cut the wire long enough to run between the two rings, with enough for the peak of the wire to hit three inches below the top of the frame.
   • Twist the wire into each D-ring.
   • Attach vinyl picture bumpers to each corner, to prevent the mirror from scratching the wall.
9. Add finishing touches, and then hang the mirror. Finish the mirror by sanding the edges of the frame, if they are rough, using a sanding sponge or sandpaper. You can also opt to paint the frame with a glossy finish.

Framing Mirrors with Picture Frames

1. Find a mirror and frame that match. Your frame should be a {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} longer and wider than the mirror's measurements. Make sure your mirror is thin enough or your frame is deep enough to hold it.
2. Remove the frame glass. You won't want a glass in front of a reflective mirror.
3. Secure the mirror onto the frame backing. Then fit the frame over the mirror.
4. Test the weight. A mirror is heavier than a picture, so make sure the hanging mechanism - the wire or the hooks - are strong enough to support the weight before you hang it to a wall.

Framing Mirrors in Unconventional Ways

1. Create a decorative frame with ribbon. You'll need a wooden frame that can fit around the mirror and ribbon that's slightly wider than that frame.
   • Cut out a paper template of one side of the frame, including the mitered corners.
   • Paint the frame's inner and outer edges to a color that's similar to the ribbon's.
   • Cut the ribbon slightly longer than the paper template.
   • Iron on strips of fusing to the back of each piece of ribbon.
   • Use a pencil to trace the template onto the fusing. Cut the shape out of the ribbon. Repeat with three other pieces.
   • Press each ribbon piece, fusing side down, onto the frame. Place a towel over the ribbon and iron on a low setting to adhere.
2. Use a platter for a frame. Repurpose an antique platter or plate by using its border as a decorative frame for a mirror.
   • If the platter is broken, use ceramic epoxy to glue the pieces together.
   • Measure the perimeter of the platter's central well.
   • Draw the measured shape on a piece of paper; then cut out the shape to make a template.
   • Find a mirror that matches the template shape, or get a professional glass cutter to cut a mirror to the measurements of your template.
   • Create a braided trim by gluing pillow piping around the perimeter of the mirror.
   • Use ceramic epoxy to glue the mirror to the center of the platter. For a more temporary adhesive, use mounting tape.
   • Hang the platter mirror with a plate hanger.
3. Embellish the mirror with a stenciled overlay frame. Use stencil patterns to decorate your mirror.
   • Find a stencil pattern that you like on paper. Trace the pattern onto a piece adhesive shelf liner.
   • Cut the pattern out of the adhesive liner with a utility knife.
   • Peel the border of the liner back and adhere it onto the mirror.
   • Use a bristle brush to apply enamel paint over the stencil. Let the paint dry overnight, and then strip it off.
4. Create a frame out of stones or shells. Use a hot glue gun to attach a border of them around your mirror.

Things You'll Need

• Mirror

For molding:

• Molding
• Miter saw
• Construction adhesive or wood glue
• Painters' tape
• Spackle or wood putty
• Plywood backboard
• 4 lattice pieces
• Electric screwdriver
• 10 one-inch screws
• Picture wire
• 2 D-rings
• 4 vinyl picture bumpers

For others:

• Ribbon
• Paper
• Fusing strips
• Iron
• Platter or plate
• Pillow piping
• Ceramic epoxy
• Measuring tape
• Plate hanger
• Stencils
• Adhesive shelf liner
• Utility knife
• Enamel paint
• Stones or shells
• Hot glue gun

Related Articles

• Hang a Heavy Mirror
• Hang a Wall Mirror
• Buy a Bathroom Mirror
• Make a Garden Mirror

Sources and Citations

See also

• Frame Images from Calendars
• Frame a Canvas
• Replace Broken Glass in a Picture Frame
• Turn a Book Into a Picture Frame
• Make a Photo Frame
• Frame a Picture
• Make an Origami Photo Frame
• Make an Asian Food Style Picture Frame
• Make a Picture Frame from a CD Case
• Decorate a Picture Frame with Dimensional Fabric Paint

What links here

• Measure Your Bra Size
• Make an Infinity Mirror