Putting up the molding around two existing mirrors in my bathroom has been the hardest part of this makeover so far – the reason – Crown Molding !!! Love the look of it – hate how hard it is to figure out how to cut the corners correctly. A few words not in my own style came out of my mouth; fortunately I only had to trim the top of two mirrors with it , #4%&*@!!!! The project is not complete and I will create one post that will include all the projects I have done in this makeover when they are all totally complete. Here is a sneak peak of what I have gotten done this week.
Before
Plain mirrors hanging on the wall with clips – functional, but not very pretty. I removed the clips and remounted the mirrors with Mirror Mastic. They sell it at Lowes. You need a caulk gun to apply it to the back of the mirror. It is like Liquid Nails, but is made especially for mirrors as the adhesive will not bleed through the finish of your mirror and ruin it.
With the help of my friend Karen’s Craftsman 10-Inch Miter Saw along with repeated viewings of a This Old House video on how to cut the corners of crown molding, I had success. As always Karen – thanks for letting me borrow your saw. One of these days I will get one of my very own. I am getting used to this one, but I know there are so many other brands that are just as good.
The easy part was framing the mirrors with Mdf boards that I got at Lowes. Each mirror required 4 boards. Top, bottom, left side, right side. I cut 2 –5 1/2” wide Mdf boards(Top and Bottom – Horizontal) to the width I needed and 2 – 3 1/2” wide boards to the height ( left and right sides) I needed. These were all just straight cuts. I then painted the back edges of each of the cut boards the same color that the front will be – white – so that when they are mounted around the mirror the mirror doesn’t reflect unfinished wood. Sand the edges and attach around the mirror with Liquid Nails. Use a bubble level to make sure all the boards are straight and level.
I chose to place the boards right on the mirror to hide a chip in one of them. This raises the frame away from the wall a bit. You also could just butt the boards right around the mirrors’ edges.
Now here is the part that I always have to think through – lots of left brain/right brain thinking necessary to cut the corners of crown molding. I am using Bed Molding – just a tad bit smaller than crown.
Check this video and tute out from This Old House.
It was all I needed to set me on the right course. I am such a visual learner and this made it so clear to me. There are also written directions for those of you who prefer reading directions.
I used Liquid Nails to attach it to the top of the mirror frame.
I first positioned the front piece and taped it securely in place until dry. I used a bubble level to make sure it was level.
Then I added the side pieces in the same way. Lots of tape to hold it up while it dries.
Once the glue is dry I will paint the frames in a semi gloss white and caulk to hide all the imperfections. Caulk is a DIY’ers best friend when they are installing crown molding and want it to look good. Once that is done the mirror frames will be done.
Since the mirrors are not quite finished and I don’t have a pretty AFTER photo for you, I thought I would end this post with something pretty. I found this Waverly fabric at my favorite fabric place on Wed – the day I took off. I had a fun day, by the way. Thanks for all the b-day wishes you sent me. The fabric was only 4.99 a yard. It is called “Sweet Spot” I am not sure quite how I am going to use it – but it is for the bathroom.
I also wanted to tell you that the Linky Tools I have for The Daily DIY page are not working – so I could not add anything this week. I will be posting the ideas in a different format from now on, but here is one that I think you will enjoy.
I included it in a round-up of 4th of July ideas for my weekly post over at Momtastic.com. Here is my favorite from Suzy over at Better Decorating Bible. Ice cream sprinkles in a whole new way.
I hope you have a Happy 4th of July – Enjoy!
Decor says
I love the sprinkles idea. Now I know what to do with the old sprinkles I have in the kitchen. I hated to just throw them out since they are so pretty
Nancy says
Bathroom is coming along great. Door knobs…perfect.
Have been going to do something to the mirrors in my Sons bathroom.
Was thinking of a more rustic wood since it’s a Guy’s bath.
Or maybe he will move out and I can do as I wish.
Elizabeth Verderosa says
I just received my first issue of This Old House magazine and was thrilled to see your article on the bathroom redo. Congratulations!
Diane Henkler says
Thanks Elizabeth – I love This Old House Magazine. I have not gotten my copy yet. No mail service here today, because of Hurricane Sandy. Hopefully it will come tomorrow.
JaneEllen Jones says
Every project of yours I look at is so awesome. I love the color in that bathroom. So clean and cheery. I like and need alot of light also. Think my brain is hardwired somewhat like yours. Isn’t it fun to look at something and be able to see it in a different better way? I love that, so fun and satisfying.
You are a pretty handy gal. Good for you.
lucille hughes says
I love all these ideas!!!!
Katharine says
The mirrors are looking great. Now I know what everyone means by liquid nails. lol
I love the sprinkles idea. Now I know what to do with the old sprinkles I have in the kitchen. I hated to just throw them out since they are so pretty. I know I know! Get rid of extra junk. Well now I know what I’ll do with this junk. :)
debbie says
your mirrors are looking great.
Suzy Q says
Hey Diane!
Thanks for linking to me and great work on that mirror! It really gives it a French country feel and looks like a great update to your home!
P.S – Happy July 4th!
XOXO,
Suzy Q
http://www.BetterDecoratingBible.com
Roeshel says
Beautiful job, Diane! Wow!
Thanks for sharing and thanks for the vote! ;)
Love the sprinkles in hurricanes too!
Have a happy 4th!
funky junk interiors says
Wow, I’m really loving what you’re creating here! Love the tops! Really old world yet new at the same time. Beautiful work, Diane!
Donna
Suzy @ Worthing Court says
Great job! This is exactly what I hope to do to my bathroom mirrors.
Erin @ Out on A Limb... says
Quite a transformation. Really impressive. Can’t wait to see the finished product.
Have a great Fourth!
Linh @ La-La Linh says
Great job on the DIY project! It’s amazing what small details can do for a room. I also love how changing out a mirror or adding a little something transforms a bathroom.
xoxo
-linh
http://la-lalinh.blogspot.com
HollyG says
Great update Diane – the mirrors have such a clean look to them now. And can you reveal your favorite fabric spot to me? I’d love to find a great spot – especially if they have a good selection – and by that great find it seems like they do. I LOVE that fabric! The green in the fabric reminds me of the color of my daughter’s room. Happy 4th!
Diane says
HI Holly –
I got the fabric at JoMAr in Norristown. It is right across the street from the Impact store in the 1700 block of Markley Street. It was towards the back of the store in the piled up rolls. There was quite a bit on the roll last Wednesday.
Dianne says
Great job!!!! I did something like this to my bathroom mirrors years ago and love it!!!!http://www.theinspiredhousewife.com/2011/03/whats-my-decorating-style/?
[email protected] Stroll thru Life says
The frames look fabulous. I so need to do something with ours. This is a wonderful answer. Hugs, marty
Ugagirl says
Love the way the mirrors are turning out! They look great! And what a score with the fabric!