Tools and Materials

Note

Items may be Special Order in some stores. Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market. Paint colors may vary slightly from those shown. Availability varies by market for lumber species and sizes.

What Type of Wood is Good for Mirror Frames?

There are no rules when it comes to the type of wood you can use to build a mirror frame for the bathroom, but your style will probably dictate what's selected. If you prefer the natural texture of wood, use a stain to enhance the appearance. Oak, ash, cedar, hickory and chestnut look great with stains. Maple, poplar and other solid hardwoods take paint well making them perfect for modern or contemporary décor. Use knotty pine or hickory for rustic or modern farmhouse spaces.

How to Add a Frame to a Hanging Bathroom Mirror

Give a lackluster or dated mirror a new look with a DIY mirror frame. This project is easy and inexpensive. Follow these steps to trim your existing hanging mirror without needing to take it off the wall.

Measure the mirror and the area around the mirror to decide on the width of the moulding or common board. Add the width of the moulding or board you choose to the length and width of the mirror. Cut the moulding or board with 45-degree miters on both ends using your miter saw, so the outside edge of the mirror matches the inside edge of the frame. If you don’t own a miter saw, you can get a rental at Lowe’s. Use painter's tape to hold the corners together and assemble the frame without glue on a flat surface to check for gaps.

A person staining wood with a foam brush.

Use a fine grit sandpaper to smooth and even out the wood surface. If you are using primed moulding, you can skip this step. For a natural wood look, prep the wood with a pre-stain wood conditioner. This helps the wood absorb the stain evenly. Once it dries, apply a stain of your choice using a foam paint brush. Once the stain has dried, finish and seal the boards with a clear top coat.

If you want to paint the wood frame, fill any miter gaps or nail holes with wood filler, wipe away the excess and let it dry. Then sand the areas smooth. Prime (if the wood isn’t pre-primed) and paint the frame. Apply two coats of paint for consistent coverage.

Using a clean cloth, wipe down the frame and mirror to ensure they're free of dust.

Next, you'll need to use construction adhesive that'll adhere to wood and glass. Working at least 1 inch in from the outside edges around the back of the frame, apply two parallel 1/4 inch beads of construction adhesive. Gently press and hold the frame on the mirror to leave a 1 inch overhang on all four sides.

Immediately check the frame with a level and make adjustments as needed. Use painters tape to hold the frame to the mirror while the adhesive sets. Most construction adhesives will take about 24 hours to fully dry, but check the instructions for your product.

Allow construction adhesive to dry and then remove any excess with a scraper. You can also use alcohol and a clean cloth.

Tip

Moisture and humidity can cause mirrors to corrode over time. To prevent this, use a bath fan or open doors and windows to allow moisture to escape. You can also spray a hardware lubricant around the edges of the mirror to prevent rust.

How to Build a New Wood Frame for a Mirror

If you have a mirror that needs a fresh new frame, complete steps 1, 2 and 3 from above. For this project we are using a 24 inch x 20 inch beveled wall mirror. Next, follow the steps below to build a DIY wood framed mirror.

In order to keep the mirror in place, stiles and rails are needed to reinforce the frame and create a pocket for the mirror.

Mark a rectangle on the back of the frame 2-1/2 inches from the sides of the inside opening for the stiles, and 1-1/2 inches from the top and bottom of the opening for the rails. Lay the mirror on the back between the marks to check that it fits. Accordingly, cut rails and stiles from the leftover wood.

Install a screw eye into both stiles, 3 inches down from the top rail. Cut a 36-inch length of picture-hanging wire and thread it through the screw eyes. Center the wire, wrap it around the eyes, and then back on itself several times. Now, hang the DIY mirror in the preferred space and enjoy your handiwork.

For an easy DIY project, try mirror frame kits. These framing kits for mirrors are available in an array of styles and finishes.

Shop Mirror Frame Kits Shop Framed Bathroom Mirrors Shop Mirrors & Mirror Accessories

How to Frame a Bathroom Mirror

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

What Type of Wood is Good for Mirror Frames?

How to Add a Frame to a Hanging Bathroom Mirror

How to Build a New Wood Frame for a Mirror

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