DIY Floor Mirror

I wonder if you've been in the same shoes as me on this one - you've always wanted one of those gigantic floor mirrors you see in stores, but did not want to pay that gigantic price! ($499!) After all, it's a giant mirror in a very simple giant wood frame - can't be that hard right? Well guess what, it wasn't. It was easy. I did it in an afternoon, and my total cost was under $25.

Gather round friends, this is an afternoon project that anyone with a few basic tools can do. Before we start with my usual step-by-step in pictures, here's a collage that's pin-worthy, for all you Pinterest addicts out there (guilty as charged!):

Let's get this done.
Materials:

• Large Frameless Mirror - call glass shops, thrift stores, craigslist, anything - doesn't need a frame.
• 3 - 1 x 6 x 8 pieces of lumber (for a really rustic look use fence wood, it's 1/3rd the cost too!)
• Steel wool (fine grade)
• Vinegar
• Black Tea
• Mason Jar
• Paint Brush
• Sander & Sanding pads (or just sandpaper)
• 4 Flat L shaped brackets
• Wood Glue
• 1/2 inch screws (Home Depot, #6)
• Mirror hardware (clam shell + screw)
• Picture hanging kit (wire + eye hooks)
• Miter Saw, or any saw to cut wood.

First up - think about how big you want this baby.  The nicest part about the method I'm showing here, is our frame does NOT need to be the exact size of the mirror you have, which gives some flexibility.  We'll be attaching the mirror on the backside using standard mirror clips - only backwards. You'll see!

**Plan Ahead Notice! If you are going to do the aged wood process like me, start your steel wool vinegar mix a day early, so you don't have to wait! Scroll down for details**

I'd say, add 6 inches to both your height and width, this way the mirror will attach in the center of the boards.  Once you have your outside length, you can measure onto your board and set it up on your miter saw.

I like to clamp mine in place, since it's such a long piece.  If you're like me, you don't have the fancy saw table that holds a long board to the saw, I found that 4 remnants stacked made the perfect support:

Now cut!  Let's start with the two vertical sides.  You want to make your cuts inward from the marks you made, which were the frames outside measurement.  I chose 45 degree angles, but if you don't have a miter saw, you could easily do this with 90 degree angles. (straight cuts)

Bring your two sides to your mirror (I chose to lay mine on the carpet because I'm paranoid) and place them where you like them.

This step is kind of just a double check, but it's a good idea.  After placing your sides on the mirror, Measure the outside length for the top and bottom, and repeat the last few steps accordingly.  

Even if you have a little error in measuring, all the pieces will come together nicely as long as the sides all match in length.  The mirror itself will just center behind them. Try on your cuts!

Looks good! Make any adjustments you need to if they don't quite fit correctly.  I found a helper:

"My name?  ....Is Reuben.... and I'm helping."

 

So, I brought all my parts outside, laid them face DOWN (that's the front mmk?) and got to work.  You may think each it doesn't matter which side is the front, but I like to choose as many knots as I can to show.  I love how they look . I just do.

Break out your Flat L's, it's time to bring these pieces together. 

 

A little dab of wood glue is a great idea.  As far as joining them, I wanted to clamp them together and then put in my nails/screws. I don't have a corner clamp BIG enough to accommodate this situation,  so I improvised...

As you can see I used a square piece of wood, and clamped from two angles. Totally WORKED.  Anyway, time to attach your L's. I'm using a 1/2" screw, looks like it's #6..

Here's the finished product:

 Do that four times, then flip it over - and break out your sander. It's time to smooth the imperfections....

See how there can be little cracks and imperfections? Roll with it. This is a distressed floor mirror.... people pay hundreds for that. So just go with it, there aren't any rules.  I used my sander to smooth out any rough patches of the wood, and make my corners match up a little better, but not all the way.

Let's stain this beezy! I'm choosing to do the Aged Wood Stain I've talked about before, which, I'll RE talk about since it's been a while. Simplest thing ever. Get your Vinegar, Steel wool, a mason jar, paintbrushes, and a strong STRONG  batch of black tea brewin.

We, are going to make your wood, ANY wood, look old. Ancient. Fresh out of barnwood? Aren't we all... fear not - we'll handle that. Drop your steel wool (fine works best) into a jar, cover it with white vinegar, and close it up. Let the magic happen for 24 hours.  If you planned ahead then you're better than me, and you don't have to wait at all.  Kudos, you.

Plunk! Done. Now brew your tea:

Any tea will do, you're looking for something acidic. I've heard coffee works too. Brush that tea onto your frame, generously. Get every spot!

Ugh, isn't that brush gross? I ONLY use it for this project because the chemical reaction totally ruined it. Keep that in mind! After your tea is dry, it's time to brush on your steel wool & vinegar mix is ready, prepare and be amazed...

Instantly the tea-soaked wood starts to turn colors... check it out:

That's after like 15 minutes! No need to wash it off, just let it do it's thing and as it ages it gets even darker. It's fantastic.

Ugh! I can't get enough of this technique. It friggin kills me. Anyway, enough about that - let's move on. 

Lay your frame face down, and carefully bring your mirror to it. Center it face down, of course, and attach the mirror hardware as you would if you were putting it on a wall, only, you're in reverse. 

So the mirror hardware is BEHIND, on the BACK of the frame, I'm sure you get it - haha.. Then just install your hanging wire! 

I did two eye hooks and a ton of wire. I was too lazy to cut it because my wire cutters were dull (ugh!) so I just used it all, in the name of strength, not laziness. ha!

Ok that's it. Yep. You're done! Stand it up and be proud.

Ok, notice here you can see the CLEAN back of the frame in the mirror... if you don't like that look, be sure to give the back of your frame the same treatment, at least the first inch anyway. 

Now setting our mirror up in our guest room........heeeey........

Oops! Didn't make the bed... hehe...oh well, we're all friends here right?

I love it!  How'd you do? Was it worth saving $450? Sure it was.. just think of all the things you can do to this too. Paint it, color wash it, chalk paint it up, or give it some stripes.  At this price and ease, you can make one for every style you need.

Have fun, and if you make one, send me photos! Either post them on the facebook page or email them to me.  Thanks for reading, hope you liked it!

***UDATE: Guest room? Check.. See the full tour here***
 
     -Jesse

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