How to Create a Rustic Mirror Frame Using Reclaimed Wood

How to Create a Rustic Mirror Frame Using Reclaimed Wood

Before you throw away your old mirror, consider transforming it with reclaimed wood to add some rustic flair to your home. Read the guide below, and stop in to Tri State Building Center today for more advice to get started on your new project!

Tools and Materials:

• Mirror
• Reclaimed wood
• Measuring tape
• Permanent marker
• Saw
• Wood glue
• Plywood
• Clamps
• Drill and screws (optional)
• Sandpaper (optional)
• Paint (optional)

Designing Your Frame

Before starting your mirror frame, it’s important to plan out how you want the finished product to look. The first step is to choose your mirror and measure it. Now, decide how wide you want your frame to be. These steps ensure you have enough wood to complete the frame.

Next, decide if you want the edges of your mirror frame to connect on a diagonal for even sides, or if you’d like to have two longer sides and two shorter sides. As it’s simpler to have two shorter sides and two longer sides, that will be the method used in this guide.

To get the dimensions of the planks framing the two longer sides of your mirror, take the length of your mirror, and add your desired frame width. For example, if your mirror is twelve inches long and you would like your frame to be two inches wide, the dimensions of the long sides of your frame will be 14”x 2”.

For the short sides, the length of the planks will be the same as the short sides of the mirror. For example, if your mirror is eight inches long and you want your frame to be two inches wide, the dimensions of these two planks would be 8”x 2”.

When purchasing your wood, it’s important to plan for mistakes or imperfect measurements and get extra wood to accommodate.

Now that you know how big you want your frame, you can choose how you would like to decorate it. Decide if you prefer the natural wood look, or if you would like to sand down and paint your mirror frame. You can also get creative and add embellishments or other decorations.

Constructing Your Mirror Frame

Now that you have a plan for your mirror frame, you can start building it. The first step is to measure out the planks from your wood using the dimensions from your plan. Use your marker to identify where you need to cut. Then, cut out the planks with a saw.

Once you have all four wood planks cut out, lay them out framing your mirror to ensure that they all fit together properly and you are content with the size and shape. You can now make any sizing adjustments to your wood pieces if needed.

Once you are happy with the outline of your frame, glue the pieces together. Be sure to remove the mirror from the frame before gluing. Choose one long plank and one short plank and use the wood glue to adhere them into an L shape. Clamp it together and wait until it is dry, ensuring it is level. Repeat with the remaining two planks to create two L shapes. Once both pieces are dry, glue them together to form your frame. Clamp together and wait until all pieces are dry.

If you want to paint or decorate your frame, you can do so now. If you’re painting your mirror, be sure to wait until the paint is dry before moving on to the next step. 

Next, measure the dimensions of your mirror frame onto your plywood and cut out the shape to be the backing to your mirror. Flip the frame face down and lay the mirror face down onto the back of the frame. Now, glue the backing onto your frame, ensuring your mirror is secure between the frame and the backing. Clamp it all together and wait for it to dry completely. 

Finally, if your mirror is heavy, drill in screws through the frame and backing for extra support. 

Your reclaimed wood mirror frame is ready to be displayed in your home! For inspiration to help get you started on your mirror frame, talk to the team at Tri State Building Center!