This method works for framing basic mirrors that don’t have any kind of rim or frames around them already. These types of mirrors are also known as floating mirrors or construction-ready mirrors. You can use this method to put a frame around a mirror that is already attached to a wall, or to frame a mirror before hanging it. The mirror needs to have straight edges to build a frame around it with baseboards.
Primed MDF baseboards are easy to paint so you can make them any color you want for the frame.
For example, if your mirror is 2 ft (0. 61 m) wide by 3 ft (0. 91 m) tall, then you need 2 baseboards that are 2 ft (0. 61 m) long and 2 that are 3 ft (0. 91 m) long.
This will make the frame fit nicely together in each corner.
It’s important to paint the backs the same color as well because they can reflect in the mirror.
Liquid nails are an adhesive form of caulking. Avoid placing the liquid nails too close to the inside edges of the baseboards, or it can squeeze out and get on the mirror when you stick the boards on.
Painter’s tape is the blue masking tape that painters use to cover things up that they don’t want to get paint on.
Liquid nails can take a full week to completely cure for maximum strength, but you will be able to safely touch the newly-framed mirror after 24 hours.
This applies only if you used MDF baseboards and painted them. If you used natural wood boards, you will need to do this part with wood filler instead.
If you can’t find a frame and mirror that fit together, then you can have a mirror custom cut to fit a frame you want to use. You can also have a frame custom built to fit a mirror that you already have.
You might be able to use the backing to secure the mirror in place, but you can recycle or save the glass for something else.
If the picture frame has a backing material, you could also attach the mirror to that instead and use it to secure the mirror inside the frame. Just make sure it all fits together in place before you start using silicone to attach the mirror to the backing. Once the mirror is secured to the frame, there are lots of ways you can decorate it, like by putting stencils on the glass of the mirror, or even gluing things like fabric or shells around the frame.
If the frame doesn’t already have a hanging mechanism, or the existing one isn’t strong enough, then you will have to hang it yourself.
Make sure to remove any old glass pieces from the door or window before you mount the mirror pieces.
You can go thrift shopping for cheap, vintage platters and dishes, then get a mirror custom-cut to fit perfectly.
You could even glue tiles around a mirror to make a mosaic frame.
