So there was this one time that we literally tore everything out of our master bathroom because of a little mold.
I know. We’ve told the story around fifty times now. But it’s such a good story.
At one point, it looked like this. And by my lose usage of the words ‘one point’, I mean maybe 8 weeks or more. We thought it may actually feel like that forever.
Then it {finally} looked like this.
And then we installed all the awesome goodness so it would look like this
and this…
But the in between was full of adventure and sharing a (tiny hallway) bathroom with a 8, 6 and 4 year old. It’s a real character building experience, and nice dose of perspective that should be had by all. WHEE!
As we neared completion of the space, the tile was installed, tub was up and running and vanity was in. We were oh so close! It looked like this {minus those planks on the wall}.
We had no idea the amount of space it could give us to bring down the wall to wall mirrors and L-shaped vanity. It seems counter intuitive but it was oh so worth it in terms of opened space.
We knew we wanted custom mirrors, without the custom price. We had some leftover wood from another project, and mirrors that had been sitting in our garage forever when Ashley snatched them up as a steal at a local flea market, years ago.
So we decided there was no need to buy anything, when we could craft it ourselves.
Total unrelated side note: As I write the word “craft” I realize I’ve been listening to our kids play minecraft too much. Make it stop.
This project is super simple and can be done without an major tools. {Bonus!}
So here are the supplies you will need for a 3 x 2 mirror.
• liquid nails for mirrors • (2) 1 x 4 x 8 • wood glue • (2) 2 x 3 foot mirrors • miter box or miter saw • scrap wood • screws • level • painters tape
First, you’ll want to mark where you want the right, left, and bottom edge of your mirror(s) to be. Next, you’ll use a place holder as a total cheat tool: take a scrap piece of wood and screw it through the center on the bottom marking, making sure it is centered between left and right marking. Then, use your level to level this piece of wood, and screw through each end to hold it in place.
Next, lay your mirror face down and clean the back throughly. Once it’s dry, run beads of glue all over the back.
Place the bottom edge of the mirror on the wood screwed to the wall, and center the edges on your right and left markings. Then, push the mirror to the wall. Hold it in place while a friend/significant other/random person with another pair of hands you found in your yard places painters tape along the top edge to secure it in place. After a couple of minutes of making sure it’s secure, you can let go.
You will want to wait the recommended time for your glue product to cure before doing anything else on the mirror. So we let ours sit for a bit. This could be 24 to 48 hours.
While it’s drying, you can begin prepping your wood frame.
You’ll want to decide if you are placing the frame around, on top, or on top with an overlap of the mirror based on the size and design that you want.
We choose to let ours be half and half.
Once you decide, you will take that measurement and add the width of your 1 x 4’s twice. So if your measurement is 24 inches, you will want to use the longest length of your 31 inches. (24 + 3.5 + 3.5 = 31) If the 3.5 is throwing you off, remember that a 1 x 4 is 4 inches wide before milling, and roughly 3.5 inches after milling.
Once you have marked this measurement, you will want to cut a 45 degree angle on the board, cutting form the 31 inch mark, in.
Repeat this for each side.
You will then want to stain or paint it, depending on what you prefer. We love using the variety of options that come from Cabot’s line.
Back to the mirrors: Once the 48 hour cure time is up and the stain is dry, it’s time to add the frames!
Simply start with the bottom piece and use your mirror glue. Helpful hint: use a dab of hot glue as well, to hold it in place until the mirror glue dries.
Then simply move around the mirror, placing the two sides and the top in the same way.
Tada! We loved the rustic look to contrast with that crisp white. We probably scored these two for about 25 dollars each. Depending on your area, you could easily get some mirrors cut to size, and go from there!
It really is that easy. As always, let us know if you try it, and have an inspired day!
Jenna says
Adore that fun contrast- so fantastic! And I don’t use that word lightly. Thank you for the how to. We may try this this weekend
Rach says
Looks great!
Minecraft…if I have to hear my son talk about it one more time…
; )
Abby @ Just a Girl and Her Blog says
Love that this was a DIY! I totally would have guessed custom! Wonderful job, you two! Thanks for the tutorial!
~Abby =)