If you are ready to update your dated bathroom but don’t have the money for a full renovation, an easy to make stick on mirror frame can add the character you’re looking for without breaking the bank. Paint it all one color for a sleek look, or distress it for a rustic style. In this tutorial I will be showing you two easy ways to create a diy mirror frame with minimal effort and no power tools.
We built our house in 1999 and all of our bathrooms are pretty dated. While replacing the mirrors in a dated bathroom is a fun option, it can be pricey. I have now added a DIY mirror wood frame to both bathrooms. Framing a mirror with wood isn’t as hard as you might think. In a couple of hours or less your husnabd will be thanking you because you will now be able to live with your dated bathroom a little longer. This tutorial will show you how to frame a mirror. It’s the best way to dress up a builder grade mirror.
Hall Bathroom
Framing the existing bathroom mirror means you don’t have to go through the trouble of removing it and the expense to replace it. It really is quick and easy face lift for your bathroom.
As you can see, the hall bathroom had a smaller frame while the mirror in the master bathroom was quite a bit larger. I made stick-on frames for both. But, there are some differences in how I chose to assemble them.
Master Bathroom
How to Make a Wooden Frame for a Mirror
Let me show you how I made each mirror, then you can decide which way you like best! Both ways are very easy. There is no easier way than this. Trust me. It’s literally a custom mirror frame for a fraction of the price. And don’t worry, there are no glue or nails involved. You can take it down easily if you don’t like it, or if you get tired of it.
First, I took my mirror measurements to Lowe’s and picked out 2 straight 1x4x8 white wood boards. I had them cut to size right in the store, so all I had to do was put them together when I got home. See the grey box below to come up with the right cuts for your mirror frame.
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DIY Stick-on Mirror FrameMaterialsHere’s what you will need: Horizontal pieces: 2- 1×4 boards cut to match the width of your mirror, plus one half (1/2) inch. Vertical pieces: 2- 1×4 boards cut to match the height of your mirror, minus 2x the width of your board (this should be approximately 7″ if you use 1x4s). Staple Gun L Brackets (for option 2) Finish of choice |
(for option 1)Option 1:
Stick On Mirror Frame- The Staple Gun Method
Ok before we go over the steps for how to make frame for your bathroom mirror, let me show you my bathrooms.
Behold my 90’s hall bathroom
Here are my wood pieces all cut to size by the nice guy at Lowe’s
I put the pieces together with wood glue. I did not miter the corners, which makes this project even easier. It’s looking like a frame now!
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Once the frame was put together, I taped the joints (you can use clamps if you have them!), let it dry for about an hour, then pulled the tape off and reinforced with my cheap staple gun. Easy, right?
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Glue and staples hold the frame together really well! This is the same method my sister Beverly used to frame her floor mirror and it worked like a charm!
Once the frame was built I gave it a quick sanding and applied stain. I used a weathered grey color.
Tip #1 Whichever finish you choose, make sure you paint BOTH sides of the frame, because the under side will reflect in the mirror!
Now for the Stick-on part
I put command strips
all around the mirror and placed the frame on! Yep it’s that simple!
Tip #2. Make sure you let the command strips sit on the mirror overnight before you put the frame on. I learned this the hard way. The “wall side” of the command strip should face the mirror. Once you are ready to stick the frame on, remove the red sticker and put the frame in place. Press the frame on to the mirror for 30-45 seconds to make sure it’s on well.
Viola! Instant update for about $15!
Option 2:
Stick On Mirror Frame: Build on-site method!
Once I was ready to tackle my larger master bath mirror, I decided to put it together on site.
Behold my 90’s master bath
Putting the board pieces on site is convenient and you don’t need a staple gun. Prior to framing this mirror, I updated the light fixture (for about $5!) and painted the vanity black. What a difference!
Before I even started working on the frame, I stuck the command strips around the mirror. I’d learned my lesson 🙂
For this project, I cut the pieces to size and stained them first. Then I simply stuck each board one at a time, beginning with the bottom piece. I followed with the side pieces using wood glue at the seams. Then added the top.
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Before I knew it, my stick on mirror frame was done!
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DIY Peel and Stick Planks
The L Brackets
To dress it up a bit, I used these brackets in each corner.I spray painted them black first. Adding the brackets to your DIY mirror is optionaland is absolutely not needed for attaching the wood to the glass. They’re just a fun accessory.
I played with the placement of the brackets (which really means I eye-balled it) and stuck them on with tape to keep them in place, then screwed them in. The package I got came with screws. If yours doesn’t, make sure you use nothing longer than 3/4″. I was going to paint the screws black too, but finally opted not to because I liked the contrast.
Friends, this is SO easy. Seriously! Now you know how to make a frame for a bathroom mirror. I love the character it added, for so little money!
If you like my little DIY make-up organizer box I made with no power tools (see it sitting pretty on the vanity top?) you can find the tutorial for it here! And the light fixture makeover project is right here! The vanity makeover is here!
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How can u get mirror down if you had to cover clips with frame?
Hi Connie,
I’m not sure I understand your question, but the frame can simply be pulled off in one piece since the black brackets are holding all 4 pieces together.
I had the same question. Because you have to pull on the 3M tabs to get them to release, but if they are completely covered, how do you do that? I could see this working more effectively with the velcro 3M that has two sides.
Hey Nicole, are you talking about releasing once I want to take the frame down? To remove it I plan to just pull the frame off. I actually did it once to add more command strips to the first frame because I was stingy and it began to come off from one side. I can’t speak about the Velcro ones because I haven’t tried them. I’d just make sure to add as many as you need to support the weight. Good luck!
What color was the stain on the rustic looking bathroom? That looks nice.
never mind. I finally scrolled down and saw your other comments 🙂 This is genius by the way!
Thanks Brian! It’s still up!
Hi Connie! What you have to do is adhere the mirror to the wall using construction adhesive. This is a two person job. One person holds mirror while second removes clips. Gently tilt or remove mirror from track. Apply adhesive, than generally put mirror in track and adhere to wall. Replace clips and let the adhesive cure. Than clips can be removed. And you can install your frame.
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Love.the bathroom re do, especially the mirror. I have a double sink with large mirror over it. Would you suggest I use wider bozrds, maybe 1 x 6″ , so it would be more substantial
Thanks Shirley! A thicker frame would look nice, if you don’t mind losing some mirror space. I’d worry about the weight, so If you go that route, make sure you get the bigger command strips that hold more weight and put plenty of them all the way around the mirror. Also make sure your boards are straight. And get someone to help you put it up 🙂
Thank you so much ! Will let you know how it turns out. Love your ideas!
Can’t wait to see it!
So my large mirror is fastened to the wall will those clips. How do you make the frame flush??
Hey Lisa! My mirrors are glued on, so no clips. But if I had them, I would probably try to chisle a little wood out of the boards, enough for the clips to fit in and make the board flush. I haven’t tried this though, so I can’t say it would work. Sorry, it took me so long to reply 🙁 Somehow I’m not getting notified of these comments.
What color stain did you use for the wood?! Love it!
Hi! I used weathered grey on the first mirror. One the second one I used a dark stain (walnut I think!) But it turned out too dark so I went over it with a white wash to lighten it up a bit. Thanks for stopping by!
What finish did you use on the second mirror. It looks like you stationed it but it also has some weathered grey undertones as well. Thanks!
Hi Christa!
I used a dark stain first (walnut I think!) But it turned out too dark so I went over it with a white wash (very diluted white paint) to lighten it up a bit. I hope this helps. Thanks for stopping by!
What a great idea. I was concerned about the clips on the mirror. Do they have to be replaced with something else or will the frame fit over them. Can,t wait to try this. Thank you.
Thank you Fran! Lucky for me, Neither of the mirrors I framed had clips. They were glued on. The only way to know how it will look with the clips is to try. Fortunately, if you end up not liking it, it’s totally removable.
Mine had clips, which I did not account for when putting this up. I tried to take them off but the mirror wouldn’t hold. I added glue behind mirror and kept the clips up. My board on top just does not sit flush because it leans against the clips. I may try to cut out a place for them to slip in but for now it looks fine and you can’t tell.
Bummer! Yeah this tutorial works best for glued on mirrors without clips. Let us know if you do something that works to get it flush.
Hi there! This is just what I was looking for, only easier! I want to know for the second mirror what assembling it on site refers to. Is it possible to attach a piece to the mirror and then apply the glue? Thanks!
Hi Laura!
Build on site means that you attach each board one at a time, rather than assembling the whole frame first and then put it up.
As far as attaching it, i did exactly what you’re saying. I used command strips to attach each board then added glue at the seams before attaching the next board. Does that make sense?
So…did the frame stay up? The command stickers really hold it?!
Yep! Still on 🙂
Wow….would you do anything differently now?
Hi Zane! Not really. Both frames are still up and going strong! If anything I’d say use a few more command strips than you think you need. I had to
Add a couple more in the first frame after 2-3 months.
How did these hold up? Have they fallen down yet?
They’re still up!! No issues 🙂
My large master bath mirror has a bracket\brace\clip to hold the mirror to the wall. So the clip wraps around the Mirror. Only about 1/4” of the clip shows on the front of the mirror so the wooden frame would not be flush to the mirror. What would you recommend for this.
Hi Holly!
An option could be to use a chisel and remove some of the wood from the back of the board, right where the clips are (without chipping the front) to make space for the clips and still have the frame sit flush on the mirror. Another thing you could do is remove the clips and glue the mirror, wait a few days then frame it. I haven’t tried either of these options, though! Just thinking of what I would try if it were me 🙂 Would love to know what you end up doing! 🙂
Good luck!
Replace the clip with a flat metal washer- use the same screw, just remove the clip and the washer will hold mirror, but be flat. It’s covered. It’s covered by the frame.
thanks. I’ll try that
Thanks for the post!! Did mine this weekend!
Yay! How did it turn out? If you care to share I’d love to see it! If not, totally OK! ??
Hi there! Any tips to help getting wood to stick? I followed steps of the 2nd mirror but wood isn’t adhering to command strips 🙁
Hey Aubrey! For my project I used a lot of command strips, so make sure you have plenty. It may also help to put duct tape on to keep it in place until it adheres well.
I’m doing this project this weekend. I bought my 1 x 4’s . Does yours hang over the backsplash area a tad? Mine does and it bothers me. I think I need something less than an inch thick and can’t find anything.
Hi Leigh! Yes, mine sticks out a tiny bit. It doesn’t bother me. If you want something thinner you could get 1/2 inch baseboard.
Hi there,
This is probably a foolish question, but why do you add a 1/2 inch to horizontal measurement of mirror (?) and I understand why you subtract the width of the board to get proper measurement for vertical boards… But wouldn’t that be 8 inches off, not seven since boards are 4 inches wide? I’m sure I missed something
But great idea ??
Hi Samsmom! Good questions! The half inch is simply to allow a bit of an overhang and avoid seeing the mirror edge. This is optional. As for the width of the boards, if you actually measure a 1×4 it’s never 4” wide. I know…so dumb. These boards actual width is actually 3 1/2. Sometimes 3 5/8. So, it’s actually best to measure the actual thickness of your board first. I hope this helps! 🙂
Do the command strips come off the mirror easily? We rent an apartment, and I want something cute, but removable for when we move.
Danielle, yes! This would be the perfect project for a rental.
Is there a place on your site to print out the instructions for your projects?
Hi Shirley!
I have a few plans available as pdf for free when you subscribe, but not this post currently. I like the idea though!
Hi. I miss read the color of stain you did. So we bought weathered gray and had a mahogany stain working on another project that we used with weather gray. Looks great. My question is did you use any polyurethane on after stain?
Did you use a polyurethane after stain ?
Hi Melissa,
On the first mirror I used weathered grey. On the second I used walnut first, then thought it was too dark so I went over it with a white wash. I did NOT use polyurethane on either mirror. I hope this helps!! Good luck with your project!
I didn’t! But it would be pretty easy to add the spray-on poly if you wanted 🙂
What size ate your brackets?
Hi Amanda! I used the 2.5” x 2.5” size. Good luck with your project! 🙂
Was there a space between the mirror and the frame once it was installed? I have the boards cut and ready to be put on the mirror but there is space between the mirror and boards. Thanks!
Hi Amber! I just went and checked my frames and there is no space on either one. If the boards are fairly straight, there shouldn’t be space in between. If you look from the side, you’ll see the edge of the mirror under the board, but no space, as long as you put plenty of command strips on. I hope this helps 🙂
Thank you for the super easy tutorial! I’m not very handy and this was super easy! My whole bathroom reno only cost cost $36!!
Heck yeah, Kate!! Way to go. I wasn’t very handy a few years ago. You gotta start somewhere. Be careful, it’s highly addictive!!:D
Hi! I’ve kept this page bookmarked for a long time and finally ready to do it! Yay! I’ve been looking into the stick and peel boards rather than staining some wood myself. How would I go about making sure the back of them aren’t noticeable (like you painted both sides of your boards). I hope that makes sense!
Hi Ashley! Glad you’re finally ready to tackle the project. Yes, I painted both sides first, then added the command strips. Part of the back will always be noticeable which is why you need to paint both sides. But the command don’t show at all if that’s what you’re asking 🙂
Hello,
Love the mirror frame. Can I ask what kind of paint did you use for the white wash?
Hey Cecille!
It was just some regular latex paint I had on hand. I mixed a little bit with water until it was super thinned out then I applied it over the brown stain with a clean rag. I wiped most of it off as I went because I wanted just a hint of white. Thanks for stopping by!
Have you known anyone who has used the velcro command strips instead of the sticky on two sides command strips? Hope this makes sense 🙂
Hi Katie! I have not, wanna be first?:-) it won’t hurt to try!
I ended up using the velcro strips!! I think that it worked great!! I have the metal clips holding up my mirror so the tiny bit of space that the velcro takes up lifted the wood off the mirror just enough to clear the wood from the clips. Does that make sense? Thanks for the idea to do this!! I LOVE how it looks. I spent $12 on wood and the mirror now looks like it cost me a small fortune!
That’s awesome Katie! Way to go! Glad to hear it worked.
What stain did you use for the master bath?
Hi Alicia! I started out with dark walnut which I thought turned out too dark, so after it dried I put a coat of white wash on it.
Where did you find the light shade replacements that fit the same light fixture? That’s genius!
Hi Tammy! I found those at a thrift store. Super lucky that they fit!
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I didn’t want to use 1x4s because of the weight9Just a little worrysome) I went to Lowes and in the lumber dept they use thin strips of wood between the unfinished wood to separate the planks. They are maybe 1/4 by 2 inches. they are free because they just throw them away. They were perfect and the price was right. One of my mirrors had clips , we just removed the mirror and clips and glued glued glued the mirror to the wall. there is a special glue for mirrors and that was what we used. Came from Wal-Mart.
Thanks for sharing this Linda! And way to score some free wood! 🙂
Hello, I love what you did and plan on doing this asap. I was wondering I was looking for large command strips non Velcro but the only ones that come up are Velcro for picture frames.
Did you use replacement command strips you put on back of hooks? I’m having a hard time finding the proper information as the link you shared is Velcro command strips.
Thank you!
Thank you
Hey Chantelle! I’m glad you liked the project! I did NOT use the Velcro kind. Amazon must’ve changed the product. I used the large picture hanging kind similar to what you use with hooks.
Below is an affiliate link for the ones I used.
I recommend you buy enough to put two rows around the perimeter of the mirror.
Good luck!
https://amzn.to/3FAclnX
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What an amazing transformation! This mirror turned out so beautiful. I am setting a goal to do a couple home improvement projects this year. I think we are going to start out with some kitchen cabinet refinishing. Thanks again for sharing your beautiful ideas! You are so inspiring!
Awesome, good luck!
<3
I have a problem, I did this but with adhesive. The adhesive did not dry clear so it is very noticeable. Any suggestions on how to hide it?
Bummer! Unfortunately I don’t have any ideas, other than to remove the board and start over- however that would risk breaking the mirror. Maybe another reader can chime in!