DIY Easy Thrift Store Mirror Frame Makeover Project
Greetings, my creative and curious friends! Are you ready for a DIY project that’s both fun and practical? If so, you’re in luck. Because we’ve got an easy and affordable way to give your old thrift store mirror frame a fresh new look. So, grab your brushes, put on your favorite tunes, and let’s get to work!
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With just a little paint and a lot of imagination, you can transform a drab and dreary thrift store find. Soon it will be a stunning piece of home decor that’s sure to turn heads (and reflect light!).
This DIY thrift store mirror frame makeover project is a great way to unleash your inner artist and give new life to an old item, all while adding vintage charm to your home decor.
Tips for Thrifting a Thrift Store Mirror Frame
Very few things would be an absolute deal breaker for me if I found a mirror I loved. Unless of course it’s got multiple things checked on this list. Here are some tips for finding the best mirrors at your local thrift store:
How to Score the Best Mirror Frames at Your Local Thrift Store
By following these tips, you’ll increase your chances of finding a high-quality mirror at the thrift store. Hopefully, one you can easily repurpose and transform with a little DIY magic.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Transform Your Thrift Store Mirror Frame
Most every single thrift store makeover project I haul home from the thrift store is in an unfortunate state. But that’s actually why I get such great deals on them. But that’s actually the best place to start.
The best position to be in is purchasing something at its lowest price and most tragic state. But let’s talk about how to give am unassuming Thrift Store Mirror Frame a Makeover.
the first step
Clean & Prep
Before you begin your DIY mirror makeover, you need to clean and prep the mirror frame.
- If it’s an old mirror, then you may need to remove any old paint or varnish with sandpaper.
- Tape off the mirror with painter’s tape before using sandpaper to avoid scratching.
- Then, wipe the frame down with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust.
1. Turning Trash into Treasure: Chalk Paint Mirror Frame
This large mirror was actually painted bright pink when I started. In fact, it was a very offensively bad spray paint job. I’m not sure what it was originally, but I saw the beautiful carvings underneath.
“In every block of marble, I see a statue as plain as though it stood before me, shaped and perfect in attitude and in action. I have only to hew away the rough walls that imprison the lovely apparition to reveal it to the other eyes as mine see it.”
– Michelangelo
The real deal is when you can see something others cannot and take the $5 mirror and turn it into a work of art! However, the bonus of $5 thrift store mirrors is you don’t have much to lose except some time. And five dollars.
- Because this mirror is not wood and it had been spray painted a very bright pink. I opted to start my project off by giving it two solid coats of dark grey chalk paint.
- Still, it is never a bad idea to give a piece a good prime coat.
- Also, paint easily cleans off of mirrors using a razor blade.
One of the easiest and most popular DIY mirror makeovers is to paint the frame with chalk paint. Chalk paint comes in many different colors, so you can choose your favorite colors to match your decor.
After painting, use a dry brush to give the frame an aged look. To finish, apply a coat of clear wax to protect the paint. Or, you can move on to step 2 and get even more creative!
Key Tip #1: Try to look past the “ugly”. Most mirrors you find at the thrift store will in fact be ugly, maybe even hideous. That’s why they’re homeless. It’s up to you to see the potential.
2. Creative Juices Flowing: Layer On Details
Whether your thrift store mirror is more of a simple mirror or has beautifully carved details isn’t important. Because you can always get more creative. In fact, there are about a million different ways to add character to a thrift store mirror frame.
Here are some ideas to help your thrift store mirror frame live its best repurposed life:
- Wooden Appliques
- Rub On Transfers
- Gold Leaf
- Paint on Details
- Stencils
- Dry Brushing
I love a good craft project on thrift store items and this frame had way too many ornate details to just leave a solid color. With carved frames, you can choose to go a solid metallic, gold leaf, or even try distressing using dark wax on a lighter paint color.
But for my frame, I decided I wanted to draw attention to each detail.
- Start by defining the details.
- Then layer in the color.
Key Tip #1: A little bit of paint can do wondrous things. However, even in the painting phase, there will be moments you question yourself and your vision. Just trust the process.
3. Distressing with Metallic Accents
Don’t be afraid to adjust your strategy when you’re finding something is “off”. I started with the white, but as I got into it the white felt too stark of a contrast. So I took a chance and tried rose gold.
Remember, paint can be painted over. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your design. The rose gold worked beautifully as a distressing element as well. It made it feel very extravagant. Which is perfect for a princess mirror.
- Test your idea in a small spot first to see if it looks as good for real as in your mind.
- Then you can go large scale when you’re sure you love it.
What was once a thrift mirror is now a heritage piece that my kids will hopefully have for decades. Maybe even for future granddaughters to gaze upon themselves and say “Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?”
Maybe next time you see a scary mirror at the thrift store you’ll choose to pick it up, who knows?
Best Places to Purchase a Used Mirror
- Thrift Stores
- Garage Sales
- Antique Stores
- Flea Markets
- Facebook Marketplace
- Craigslist
Be sure to ask your friends and family if they’ve got any freebies lying around!
FAQ
In Conclusion
In conclusion, giving an old mirror a makeover is a fun and easy project that can add a unique touch to your home decor.
With a little creativity and some simple materials, you can transform a dull or outdated mirror into a stylish and eye-catching piece. So, get creative and enjoy the process of transforming your thrift store find into a one-of-a-kind treasure!
Thanks for stopping by!
Julie
Meet the Author
Hi, I’m Julie! Mother to five beautiful kids, Homeschool Educator, Writer, Handicraft & DIY Enthusiast, Photographer, Thrifter, and Furniture Restorer. Follow along for fun DIY projects creating a handmade home on a budget! Read more about me here→