Mirrored Walls

Using graph paper, map out the positions of the mirrors and moulding. We divided this wall to accommodate two rows of three mirrors each plus moulding frames beneath the chair rail. If the mirrors shown don't work for your grid, visit Lowes.com and search for "frameless mirror" to discover other sizes. Choose mirrors that:

• Allow you to leave equal margins between the mirrors and mouldings.
• Don't leave extra space between the mirrors or mouldings and the adjoining walls.
• Are large enough to create a "window" effect along the wall.
• Allow you to position the chair rail between 28-in and 36-in above the floor.

Repair and prime the walls. Then use a straightedge and level to pencil in the mirror and moulding locations.

Sand and prime each moulding, then lightly sand the primed wood before applying two coats of semigloss paint. Working from your layout, nail the vertical mouldings in place. Countersink the nails and fill the holes before touching up the paint.

Cut sections of horizontal pine mullion about 2 inches longer than the spaces between the vertical mouldings. Sand, prime, and paint these mouldings. Trim them to fit snug between the vertical mouldings and nail them in place. Putty the countersunk nails and touch up the paint as needed.

Use the same technique to cut, finish, and install any new or reused chair rail moulding between the vertical mouldings. Continue the chair rail around the rest of the room if you wish.

Using a level and pencil, mark the locations of the mirrors within each square bounded by mouldings. Temporarily nail a 1-in x 2-in scrap mirror rest to the wall with the top edge even with the bottom of the mirror position mark. Following the manufacturer's instructions, apply mirror mastic to the back of a mirror. Rest it on the scrap, press it against the wall and hold it in place with painter's tape. After the adhesive sets, remove the mirror rest and repeat for the remaining mirrors. Then patch the nail holes where you nailed the rest.

Apply two coats of flat paint to the walls, taking special care to cover any caulk around the mouldings without brushing any on the semigloss mouldings.

Use an electronic stud finder so you can nail into studs where possible. Center a ply cap moulding under one mirror, nail it in place, and set the nail heads beneath the surface. Add glue to the mitered edges and nail the sides and top place. Fill the nail holes with putty and touch up the paint over the nails and mitered ends.