If you’re looking for a simple and inexpensive way to update your bathroom, adding a frame to your mirror can make a big difference. Framing a mirror can hide the worn edges, enhance the style, and create a focal point in your space. Plus, it’s a fun and easy DIY project that you can do in a weekend.
We’ll show you how to make a DIY bathroom mirror frame with basic tools and materials. You’ll learn how to measure, cut, assemble, and attach the frame to your mirror, as well as how to paint or stain it to match your decor. You’ll also get some tips and ideas on how to customize your frame with different designs and finishes.
What You’ll Need
To make a DIY bathroom mirror frame, you’ll need the following tools and materials:
- A tape measure
- A miter saw or a hand saw with a miter box
- A drill with a pocket hole jig and screws
- Wood glue
- Wood filler or spackle
- Sandpaper
- Paint or stain of your choice
- A paintbrush or a foam roller
- Painter’s tape
- Liquid nails or construction adhesive
- Four mirror clips
- A level
You’ll also need some wood for the frame. You can use any type of wood you like, such as pine, poplar, oak, or cedar. The size of the wood will depend on how wide you want your frame to be and how thick your mirror is.
For example, if you want a 3-inch wide frame and your mirror is 1/4 inch thick, you can use 1×4 boards (which are actually 3/4 inch thick and 3 1/2 inch wide).
How to Make a DIY Bathroom Mirror Frame
Follow these steps to make your own DIY bathroom mirror frame:
Step 1: Measure Your Mirror
The first step is to measure the dimensions of your mirror and add 2 inches to the length and width. This will give you the outside measurements of your frame, which will overlap the mirror by 1 inch on each side.
For example, if your mirror is 20 inches by 30 inches, your frame measurements will be 22 inches by 32 inches.
Step 2: Cut Your Wood
Next, cut your wood pieces according to your measurements. You’ll need four pieces: two for the top and bottom (the rails) and two for the sides (the stiles). Cut them at a 45-degree angle on both ends using a miter saw or a hand saw with a miter box.
Make sure to cut the wood so that the rails cap the stiles, not the other way around. This will make the frame look better and hide the end grain of the wood.
For example, if your frame measurements are 22 inches by 32 inches, you’ll need to cut two pieces of wood that are 22 inches long (the rails) and two pieces that are 28 1/2 inches long (the stiles). The extra length of the stiles accounts for the width of the rails.
Step 3: Drill Pocket Holes
To join the frame pieces together, you’ll need to drill pocket holes on the ends of the stiles using a pocket hole jig and a drill. A pocket hole jig is a tool that helps you create angled holes in wood that allow you to join them with screws.
To use a pocket hole jig, clamp it to the end of the wood piece and align it with the edge. Then, drill through the holes in the jig using a special drill bit that comes with it. Repeat this process for all four ends of the stiles.
Step 4: Assemble the Frame
Now it’s time to assemble the frame using wood glue and screws. Apply some wood glue on the mitered edges of the wood pieces and clamp them together at a right angle. Then, drive screws through the pocket holes into the adjoining piece using a drill. Repeat this process for all four corners of the frame.
Wipe off any excess glue with a damp cloth and let the frame dry completely.
Step 5: Fill and Sand
Once the frame is dry, fill any gaps or holes with wood filler or spackle using a putty knife. Let it dry and then sand it smooth with sandpaper. You can also sand the edges of the frame to make them smoother and rounder.
Step 6: Paint or Stain
Now you can paint or stain your frame to match your bathroom decor. You can use any type of paint or stain you like, such as latex, acrylic, oil-based, or water-based. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and apply it evenly with a paintbrush or a foam roller.
If you want to add some texture or design to your frame, you can use painter’s tape to create stripes, chevrons, or other patterns. Just tape off the areas you don’t want to paint and then remove the tape after the paint dries.
Step 7: Attach the Frame to the Mirror
The final step is to attach the frame to the mirror using liquid nails or construction adhesive. This is a strong glue that can bond wood to glass and other surfaces.
Before you glue the frame, you’ll need to remove or loosen the existing mirror clips that hold the mirror to the wall. You can either take them off completely or just unscrew them a bit to create some space behind the mirror.
Then, apply a generous amount of glue on the back of the frame, especially on the corners and edges. Carefully position the frame over the mirror and press it firmly. Use a level to make sure the frame is straight and even.
To secure the frame while the glue dries, you can use some new mirror clips that are thinner and less visible than the old ones. You can also use some painter’s tape to hold the frame in place temporarily.
Let the glue dry for at least 24 hours before removing the tape or clips.
Congratulations!
You’ve just made your own DIY bathroom mirror frame! You’ve transformed your boring mirror into a stylish and custom-made piece that adds character and charm to your bathroom.
We hope you enjoyed this tutorial and learned something new. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And if you liked this post, please share it with your friends and family who might be interested in DIY projects.