Last Updated on December 7, 2023 by lindseymahoney
Bathroom renovations can be costly, so I was very excited to save some money by framing our bathroom mirror with this easy DIY!
This is a quick and easy project that we knocked out in a weekend and spent less than $50. The design for our new master bathroom included pale green walls with gray accents for a spa-like feel. I chose distressed wood to build the mirror frame and it was the perfect rustic touch!
Here is what the mirror looked like before:
This DIY frame project for the mirror was the last item on our list to complete the master bathroom makeover!
How to Build a Wood Frame for a Builder-Grade Mirror
For a complete list of materials used, scroll to the bottom of the post. This post includes affiliate links – thanks for supporting Building Bluebird!
1 | Measure the Mirror
Using a measuring tape, measure the length and width of the mirror. Local hardware stores typically have the largest selection with 8’0″ wooden boards.
If the length or width of your mirror is less than 8’0” then you are golden. If it is longer, you may have to special order the type of wood you want if it is not available.
2 | Purchase Materials
Chris found 4 pieces of distressed wood (similar) at our local Home Depot. The weathered finish was exactly what I wanted to offset all of the brand new finishes in the bathroom.
3 | Cut a Groove for Mirror Clips
The mirror is attached to the wall with mirror clips which prevents the wood from lying flat against the mirror. We borrowed our friend’s Dado blade set to cut a large groove on one side of each plank.
We cut a groove about 3/4 the size of the board, which was achieved by cutting multiple grooves next to each other. You can cut any groove size as long as it covers the mirror clip. The larger the gap, the more that the frame will cover the mirror.
4 | Measure and Cut Wood for Fram
Place one board against the side of the mirror until the edge of the groove hits the edge of the mirror. Use a marker and trace a line at the top and bottom of where the wood hits the mirror.
Move that same board to the bottom of the mirror and mark a line on both edges of the mirror. Repeat this process on the other sides of the mirror.
This will create the corners where the inside angle of the wood frame will sit. Measure the length from each inside corner to determine the length of each board at the inside 45 degree angle. Mark the inside corners of each board and cut a 45 degree angle using a table saw.
5 | Attach Wood Mirror Frame to the Wall
We attached the boards individually to the wall using a pin nailer.
When attaching each board, be sure to place the nail at the outside edge of the board to avoid hitting the mirror. We easily attached all four boards to create a rustic frame and it completely changed the look of our dated mirror!
DIY Mirror Frame Reveal
I love how this rustic frame elevated the look of the original builder-grade mirror! This beginner DIY is easy, affordable, and eco-friendly since we were able to reuse the original mirror.
Materials Used
- 4 wood boards (similar)
- Measuring tape
- Marker
- Dado blade set
- Table saw
- Pin nailer
- Air compressor
There are so many inspiring DIYs to frame a basic mirror and create a custom look. Here are a few of my favorite framed mirror DIYs that caught my eye!
More Inspiring DIY Framed Mirror Ideas
DIY Checkered Mirror
This checkered mirror DIY was a fun weekend project using an old mirror and leftover paint samples!
Broken China Mosaic Mirror Frame
I could not find a DIY tutorial for creating this mosaic mirror frame, but I think it could easily be done on a larger scale.
I love the blue and white china mosaic frame and could totally picture this on the wall at a lakehouse! I’m sure you could find china plates fairly easily at thrift stores and estate sales for an affordable price.
DIY Wood Mirror Frame
Living Letter Home created this great tutorial for building a rustic mirror frame that does not require the dado blade I used in our tutorial. Check it out if you are looking for another way to attach the mirror frame and want that cute detailed edge.
Atoll Mirror Dupe
This framed mirror DIY by At Home with Ashley is impressive! I am always amazed by her creativity and the beautiful art she creates.
Anthropologie Gold Mirror Dupe DIY
This Anthropologie mirror dupe by Jessica Sara Morris is so fun! This is an inexpensive DIY that will look great anywhere from a bathroom to a living room!
Framed Mirror DIY using Egg Cartons
If you are looking for a really affordable way to update a basic mirror, check out this egg carton framed mirror! This would be a great craft project to do with kiddos too.
Driftwood Mirror DIY
I am totally picturing this driftwood mirror DIY at a beautiful beach house or cozy cottage by the water.