Ideas to Frame Your Mirror

Finding the perfect mirror frame can elevate the look of any room. But with so many options to choose from, deciding on a style can be overwhelming. Keep reading for framing ideas to spark your creativity.

When embarking on a mirror framing project, first consider the room and your own personal style. Do you want something bold and funky or classic and subdued? Establishing this upfront will help guide your frame choice.

Choosing the Right Mirror Frame Style

The style of your frame makes a major visual impact. For a traditional vibe, choose carved wood frames with ornate details. Painted wood frames offer a casual, beachy look in light tones. Distressed wood has an antique, timeworn appearance for vintage charm. Wrought iron and metal frames provide an industrial modern aesthetic.

Look to your existing room decor for style inspiration. For example, opt for a rustic reclaimed barnwood frame for a farmhouse or cabin. Or pick lacquered brass frames to match other contemporary metallic accents. Complementary styles create a pulled-together look.

Simple vs Ornate Frame Designs

Simpler frames keep focus on the mirror itself. Opt for thin yet visually interesting profiles, like rounded or scalloped cuts. Adding grooves or ridges also boosts texture and dimension.

For ornate options with built-in wow-factor, look for carved floral or filigree details. Rococo-style mirror frames have opulent shapes with curved, asymmetric sides. Check antique stores for true vintage finds or buy new frames with a distressed look.

Modern, Rustic and Vintage Frame Aesthetics

Modern frames feature sleek, geometric profiles in materials like acrylic, aluminum and stainless steel. Their streamlined aesthetic pairs well with contemporary spaces.

For farmhouse, cabin or cottage spaces, rustic frames use unpainted, unstained wood. Opt for wider planks with visible wood grain. Twigs, vines or antlers also accent this cozy look.

Vintage frame styles bridge classic and modern. Use painted wood with chips to mimic age or go for a restored antique frame for patina. An ornate vintage frame showcases beautiful old-world craftsmanship.

Getting the Correct Mirror Frame Dimensions

Carefully measuring your existing mirror ensures proper frame sizing. Note both the height and width and choose a frame slightly larger to account for the extra border space.

Measuring Existing Mirror Size

Use a soft cloth tape measure, gently pressing it across the glass. For circular mirrors, wrap the tape measure around the outermost edge, overlapping the ends to find the full diameter. Repeat for oval shapes using the longest and shortest outer edges.

Allowing for Frame Overhang Space

Standard frames extend 1 to 3 inches beyond the mirror on all sides. Overhang space depends on frame proportions and personal preference. Small ornate frames may only overhang 1 inch while rustic barnwood could extend 3 inches or more all around.

If planning artwork above, scale frame size to appropriate wall space. Check that corners safely clear other decor too. For a floating mirror wall display, allow extra overhang space on the sides for visible glass reflection.

DIY Mirror Framing Techniques and Ideas

Craft your own custom mirror frame using materials you love. DIY options range from beginner to advanced but yield frames full of personal flair you won't find in stores.

Painted Wood Frame

This easy DIY uses inexpensive wood boards, primer and paint. Cut boards to measured dimensions mitering corners at 45 degrees. Assemble into a box, prime, then paint your chosen color. Excellent for beginners or quick frame projects.

Fabric Covered Frame

Stretch beautiful fabrics like velvet over basic wood frames ordered online or at craft stores. Use printed cotton, embroidered patterns or lace for a soft feminine vibe. Upholstery tacks keep fabric pulled taut.

Repurposed Frame Materials

Give old materials inventive new life as mirror frames. Use salvaged barnwood, leftover tongue-in-groove flooring or slats from shipping crates. Cut any wood to size, sand and seal for rustic appeal. Or thread beads, buttons or seashells together for coastal charm.

Purchasing Prefabricated Mirror Frames

Skip the DIY work with convenient pre-made mirror frame options. Find these at hardware stores, home goods retailers or online in standard shapes and sizes.

Standard Sizes Available

Common prefab sizes work for most home mirrors: 5x7, 8x10, 16x20 and 20x28 inches plus popular round diameters. Measure carefully to ensure proper mirror coverage allowing for listed frame overhang.

Custom Frame Sizing Options

Some retailers offer custom-cut frames to your exact specifications for an extra charge. Provide detailed size requirements and material requests to receive frames tailor-made to flawlessly fit your mirror.

Framing Around Oddly Shaped Mirrors

Unique mirror shapes like circles, ovals and even abstract freeform cuts need special frames that follow their irregular outlines. But with smart planning and attention to detail, you can frame them beautifully.

Circles, Ovals, Irregular Outlines

Purchase ready-made frames for basic circles and ovals needing no precision cutting. For uncommon shapes, create a template by tracing the mirror onto cardboard then mark and cut wood accordingly. Use decorative corner splints or carefully mitered seams to finish edges.

Cutting Frames to Fit Unique Mirrors

Some oddly shaped antique mirrors have distinctive carved edges that frames must accommodate. Make a cutting template first before custom sizing wider frame pieces. Smooth any rough edges and use wood fillers if needed to prep for finishing.

Accentuating Mirror Frames with Lighting

Strategic lighting transforms plain mirrors into radiant focal points. Illumination also amplifies frame details for added nighttime drama. Consider lighting setups both surrounding and integrated into frames.

Surround Lighting

Spotlights aim down atop mirrors to literally highlight frames and cast a gentle glow. Wall sconces or changeable LED strips with dimming abilities mounted vertically frame the mirror with soft ambient lighting. Strategically placed ceiling fixtures also indirectly light mirrors from above.

Lighting Installed Into Frame

Integrate lighting right into custom wood frames using battery-powered LED strips around the inside perimeter or wiring individual bulbs. Waterproof LED rope lights work for bath mirrors. Touch-sensitive switches provide convenient on/off access without need to reach awkward plug locations.

Mirror Frame Placement Considerations

Ideal mirror hanging height depends on mirror size, function and viewing position (seated versus standing). Exact location also matters - entryways need different angles than vanities. Follow these basic guidelines for optimal use.

Height and Location Guidance

Hang entryway mirrors near eye level to conveniently check appearance on the way out. Full length mirrors should match your height when standing barefoot. For seated vanities, place top of glass near forehead level.

Angles for Optimal Use

Directly face larger mirrors to see full reflection head to toe. For styling, shaving or makeup, position at slight forward leaning angles for better line of sight. Turn glass outward in corners to reflect more of the room versus just the wall itself.

From glass cutting to Mod Podge or woodworking to mosaics, this list features 20 project options to inspire DIYers looking to learn new skills while creating unique mirror frames.

Gather materials and take time to complete these more advanced projects, particularly for beginners. But the end results make wonderful handmade mirrors full of personal flair.