10.07.2014

DIY Large Statement Mirror


I was planning something different for today's blog post, but I just finished this mirror and couldn't wait to show you! I love when a DIY project turns out the way you envisioned it, and this one did. It's super easy to make and cost only $43! The inspiration: Ballard Design large wooden mirror (I don't think they make this anymore, with a price tag of around $300). I love the look of a large statement piece above a fireplace and wanted something similar for our home. 
Here's how I made this large statement piece:
Neutral sitting area
source
Here's the original Ballard Design mirror. Mine is not an exact copy because I wanted a different style, but it would be easy to achieve this same look with the process I'll show you. 
Awesome DIY sunburst mirror project found via @sapphiretower from @thriftydecor I'm doing this one for sure!
Isn't it pretty? 
I bought cedar shingles at Home Depot. They are wider than wood shims and can give you the look of that Ballard Design mirror.
Once I got my boards home I rubbed on some stain with a rag, sanded it a bit, and put on lime wax with a rag. Just apply as much or as little as you want to get the perfect blend. The lime wax made all the difference to achieve the driftwood look I was going for. 
Here's all the products I used for the wood. The stains I had on hand and I liked using two different stains to give the boards variety. 
I first tried applying the lime wax to the bare shingles but it didn't make a huge difference. Applying stain first brought out the wood grain and the lime wax gave it a bleached look. I've never used lime wax before but now that I've seen what it can do, you'll definitely see it around on different projects. 
We made a backing using a scrap piece of 1/2 inch plywood which holds the shingles and mirror. An easy way to draw a big circle is to put a nail in the center of the board, tie a string around the nail, and tie a pencil at the radius you're looking for. I drew out the size of the mirror (14") and the length of the boards to get the round size I needed. 
Cut using a jigsaw.
Next, we made an inlay for the mirror using a router so the mirror would sit flush with the top of the plywood. This step isn't necessary, but I like the way the way the recessed mirror looks. You could just glue the mirror right on top of the plywood. 
Glue the mirror down using a tube of mirror adhesive and arrange the shingles in any way you like.
I tried different layouts. I like the layered look of this one too with shims and shingles, but decided to go for a simpler look. I did this project with my good friend Chelsea, who has such a knack for DIY and home design. We had so much fun working on this project together.. 
Arrange the shingles any way you like and then glue them down with wood glue or liquid nails. I put some heavy books on top for twenty-four hours while the glue dried. To hang the completed mirror, I used heavy-duty picture wire and wood screws. 
Here is mantle decorated for Fall:
There you have it. This simple, quick, and inexpensive project can add a beautiful statement piece to any home. Have you ever made a large mirror? Let me know if I can answer any of your questions. Thanks for stopping by.

Linking this post to:
Best of the Nest
Savvy Southern Style 

23 comments:

  1. Absolutely amazing knock-off Tracy!!!!Love it!

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    1. Thanks Cassie! I love how it turned out and think it will stay around for a long time.

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  3. Beautiful!! I love it, what a statement!

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  4. It's so beautiful and amazing!

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    1. Thanks Kris! This was such a fun DIY with a big impact. I'm hooked now to lime wax. My friend and I both made a mirror and we still have plenty of lime wax for more projects.

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  6. It looks great - I like the colors you ended up with after the stains and wax. Thanks for the line wax tip too!

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  7. Tracy- It turned out amazing. Such a big impact for such a small amount of $$. Way to go!

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    1. Thanks Jennifer! This mirror was fun to put together and so inexpensive compared to the Ballard Design mirror inspiration. I'm also in love with that lime wax, which I still have plenty to spare for more projects to come.

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  8. Tracy your mirror came out beautifully!!! Love it!!!!

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    1. Thanks for hosting another Best of the Nest! This mirror is now a favorite of mine because it makes for such a big impact for a small cost.

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  9. Just beautiful!!! Such a great bang for your buck! I saw your post over at "Shine Your Light's" blog party.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by. I love how this mirror turned out and it was easy to put together.

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  10. What an awesome idea and it looks beautiful!
    Shelley

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    1. Thanks Shelley! I'm so glad you stopped by. We love it too.

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  11. It's beautiful! Do you have a source for the lime wax?

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  12. Love this! It looks fantastic and love your skills!

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  13. The mirror is beautiful -- using the shingles is a great idea -- love your skills and the courage to try the project. One tip -- wear shoes in the garage. I cut and bruised my foot badly when working on a project -- cost me $75 for the emergency room.

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  14. I happened upon your site... again!☺ One round mirror fell from above my piano, the frame broke but rebuilt as you have perfectly demonstrated! I did actually paint mine metallic silver. Now when I look at it, I realize I want more texture. Do you have any suggestions how to add to what I already have? The mirror is 2' diameter, the wood border is 5" wide around.

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  15. I happened upon your site... again!☺ One round mirror fell from above my piano, the frame broke but rebuilt as you have perfectly demonstrated! I did actually paint mine metallic silver. Now when I look at it, I realize I want more texture. Do you have any suggestions how to add to what I already have? The mirror is 2' diameter, the wood border is 5" wide around.

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