DIY Full Length Mirror Frame

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A DIY full length mirror is cheap and easy to make and you can add your own design to make it truly unique!

Do you ever leave your house without checking your mirror and later regret it? 

Like, you’re walking down the sidewalk and you don’t see the plastic size sticker on your new jeans or shirt that you forgot to remove. 

Or maybe you missed a great moment to check your posture in front of the mirror and start your day off with confidence! 

Somewhere in your house, there’s a plain, underappreciated, full length mirror that is just waiting for its day to be noticed.

But if you are cheap like me, you will only buy the $6 one at Target. Sure, it gets the job done but it has no character or style. And it’s flimsy! My kids broke the last one we had by sitting on it. (Don’t worry, no one was hurt.)

DIY cheap mirror

But I was worried that it would happen again so I decided to DIY my full-length mirror. I wanted something stronger, larger, and fancier. 

And here is how it turned out:

DIY full length mirror frame

What do you think? A huge difference, right? And it’s still the same mirror, just better. 

Let me share with you how I gave my $6 mirror the ultimate makeover.

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DIY FULL-LENGTH MIRROR


MATERIALS:

TOOLS:

WOOD Cut List: (actual size of the wood)

  • (2) – 7-1/4″ x 21-1/4″ (top & bottom)
  • (2) – 7-1/4″ x 42-3/4″ (sides)
  • (2) – 3/4″ x 22-3/4″ (top & bottom outside trim)
  • (2) – 3/4″ x 57-1/4″ (outside side trim)
  • (2) – 1/2″ x 13″ (top & bottom inside trim)
  • (2) – 1/2″ x 48″ (inside side trim)

PREP THE MIRROR

First, I removed the mirror from the old frame. To do this, I placed the mirror face down on the floor and pulled away the paper backing. Then, I took my razor blade and cut right along the frame (between the mirror and frame).

removing the paper from the back of a cheap mirror

After removing the glue that was holding the mirror to the frame, the mirror came out easily. Then, I used my window razor to clean the glue off the mirror, being careful not to scratch or break the mirror.

mirror removed from cheap frame

CUT THE WOOD PIECES

I then cut all my wood pieces. 

For this project, I used a lot of wood I already had in storage so some of the pieces do not match. 

After cutting all of the wood, I created two Kreg Jig pockets on both ends of the sides (7-1/4″ x 42-3/4″).

Then, I sanded all the pieces using 220 grit sandpaper.

wood for DIY full frame mirror

BUILD THE FRAME

Now it’s time to start creating the frame. 

Taking all 4 of the 7-1/4″ boards, I placed them face down on the ground. Put the smaller board on the top & bottom, I sandwiched the long boards in between. I then screwed the boards together using the pockets I previously created.

building frame with pocket holes

Next, I added the trim around the outside. Using my nail gun with 1″ nails, I first attached the long side trim; then, I attached the top & bottom trim pieces. (If you do not have a nail gun, use the Kreg Jig K5 and create pockets all around the frame then attach trim with screws)

frame DIY full length mirror

Then, I attached the 1/2″ x 3/4″ trim. First, I nailed the 13″ board to one of the 48″ boards. Then, I nailed the other 48″ boards to the other side of the 13″ board. Finally, I attached the other 13″ board the same way, creating a rectangle with the trim.

adding shims around DIY full frame mirror

Then, I placed the 1/2″ trim onto the frame and centered it on the frame. The easiest way I found to center the trim was by placing 3 shims along all the sides (see photo below). Next I nailed the trim into place (you could use Liquid Nails instead).

add mirror to frame

ADD FRAME DECOR

Now it was time to add the shims to the frame to form a unique design. 

First, I took a handful of the shims to my miter saw and cut them at all different lengths. I also lightly sand the shims with 220 grit sandpaper. Then, I placed them around the frame randomly, making my own shim puzzle. Sometimes, I used my razor blade to trim down a few shims to the size I needed.

DIY shim mirror
DIY full length mirror with shims

After all my shims were in place and I was happy with the look, I then used Liquid Nails to glue them into place. I let the frame sit for 24 hours so the glue would dry.

attach wood shims with liquid nails

APPLY A STAIN

Next, I stained the frame with a mixed blend of Golden Pecan & Special Walnut. I did not let the stain sit for very long because I did not want the frame very dark.

applying stain to full frame mirror

To seal in the color I wanted, I applied one coat of Polycrylic.

wood frame for full length mirror

ATTACH THE MIRROR

After the Polycrylic dried, I added the mirror to the frame with Liquid Nails.

attach mirror to wood frame

And now we have a custom, full-length mirror!

DIY Full Length Mirror

What do you think? I am loving the results! I wanted to use shims to create a textured look for a long time and it was perfect for this project.

DIY Full Length Mirror frame

Now for the cost breakdown:

  • mirror – $6
  • 8″ board -$13 (mine were FREE)
  • 1″x2″ board – $4 (mine were FREE)
  • 1/2″x3/4″ trim – $7.10
  • liquid nails – $2.60
  • shims – $5
  • screws, stain, & poly – FREE (already had)

TOTAL = $37.70, my total = $20.70

DIY Full Length Mirror

Anyone else want to DIY a mirror? You could even do this for a picture frame.

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20 Comments

  1. Wow! The stained shims make the mirror look so elegant! Love this!

    1. Thanks! The shims are my favorite part too!

  2. I have one of those cheap and flimsy mirrors. I bought in until I get a better one; well the better one has never come. Might see if I can get my hubs to tackle this project. Thanks

    1. I hope he will make one for you. The cheap mirror is never fun and this mirror would give you the look of a better mirror!

  3. OMG, that is so clever and came out so well! I am super jealous! Y’all are talanted!
    I would love for you to stop by my blog and join our Something to Talk About link party!
    Have a great day!
    Karen

    1. Thanks so much Karen! I will check it out. You have a great day also!

    1. Thanks Paige!

  4. Love this! I have the same sad Target mirror. You’ve inspired me to spruce it up!

    1. Thanks Samantha! I really liked your fireplace update!

  5. The mirror looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing your crafty inspiration on this week’s Monday Funday Party!

    1. Thanks so much Stephanie!

  6. Stop the presses – this looks fabulous! I’m so inspired and may have to follow your DIY to make my own! Thanks for sharing at the Pretty Preppy Party! xx, b @ being-bianca.com

    1. Oh … and … I’d love to feature this project this week as one of the PPP features for the month. Could you do me a small favor and add our party to your link up list so it’s all official :). xx, b

      1. Thanks for all the sweet comments! I adding the link, sorry I thought I had it on there!

  7. This mirror is beautiful. It is so intricate and interesting, yet simple to make. What an awesome DIY!

    1. Thanks Crystal! I love the look of this mirror too, plus easy is always great! I want to create more artwork with shims, love the detail it creates…

  8. Your measurements on the wood requirements list are incorrect. The total length of the 1″x2″ board should be 13.3, not 10.5

    1. Thanks Effie for finding my mistake!!! I have adjusted the wood requirements and I hope this did not give you any issues.

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