Fall Mantel Decorating: Mirror…Mirror On The Wall
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How to Reuse The Mirror From a Dresser or Chest of Drawers
I use to have an old Victorian mirror over my mantel in my dining room. It was something I picked up at a garage sale years ago, but I wanted change. I wanted something above my mantel that was simple and bold.
I wanted something new, but as you know I was on a tight budget so I decided to shop my house and see what I could come up with. I found a mirror that was hardly ever used, so I took it down to use in my dining room. It may not be brand new, but the mirror would be new to my dining room.
I took the mirror from my guest room. It was attached to a hand me down dresser. (I completely updated the dresser in this post)
I painted the mirror black and gold with some rust and verdigris detailing. I used Rust-Oleum Metallic Spray Paint in Gold and Rust-Oleum High Heat in Aged Copper.
I sprayed the mirror frame randomly with both of these colors and let it dry. I then brushed on black gloss latex I had. Once that was dry, I used a small paint brush and added light green paint in the crevices of the frame to look like verdigris.
When that was dry, I roughed up the edges with some sandpaper.
For a list of essential beginner and professional painting tips, visit my post here.
I hung it above the mantel, but I didn’t like it – it needed some beefing up. I thought about adding some molding, but didn’t have enough large pieces in my scrap pile.
So I went shopping in my house again for something else and found another mirror that I bought at HomeGoods, but it was too small. As I was figuring out what to do I put it on the mantel and leaned it against the larger mirror to get it out of the way and all of a sudden… I saw WOW – I loved it. One large mirror hanging on the wall, a second one leaning against it – 2 mirrors.
Mirror After:
Here it the smaller mirror – centered.
and here – off-centered. So many options.
Now that my Decorating Marathon is complete all I have to do is set the table, cook the turkey, and add family and friends to the room to celebrate Thanksgiving.
Your mirror turned out beautifully! I also love the 2nd leaning over the larger one; off center is my fave. The reflection of your dining table is gorgeous too! I’m looking for a table just like that… Happy decorating!
I like this idea!!! Thx for sharing all of your inspirations and great decorating ideas!!!!
I just visited your blog. I had that exact dresser and I took the mirror off and put it on my dining room wall, with a smaller mirror under it, centered over my buffet three years ago. I was amazed at our similar thoughts.
It looks great!! I love it when happy accidents like that happen!
Hi Kristin
Sometimes that is when the best ideas happen, right? – when we least expect them.
I love the mirrors! I like them to the one side the best…but they look great in every picture!! Happy Thanksgiving!
Love what you did! Clever taking the mirror off and love the look of a smaller mirror layered with it. May have to steal that idea! Thanks!
I’ve always loved the look of layered mirrors, and yours look great! I love it when things just accidentally come together like that and end up looking awesome.
Have a great Thanksgiving, Diane!
Looks great! Good job!
What a change. And I will echo everyone above – I love the layered mirrors.
loving the layered look! Great job!!
Looks great! What fun! Happy Thanksgiving.
Great idea. I have to try that somewhere. I linked over from Boardwalk Bragfest
What a great idea! And how beautiful. I would have never guessed that it came off of a dresser. Matter of fact, I just bought an old dresser for $30.00, it had a large mirror on it also. I know what I am doing with the mirror now. Teresa
Thank you for taking your time to link up this mirror layout. You KNOW I love it. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Very beautiful and creative!
I love these happy accidents, Diane! Amazing how the smaller one’s color goes so well with the one you painted, too. Meant to be in my book! I love it centered in that first picture ~ it really gives so much depth. Love it!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Diane!
Congratulations on meeting all of your before Thanksg. projects — with time to spare! I really like your layered mirror affect. I wish I could think of a place to pull this off…
WOW! It looks great, Diane! Amazing what imagination and spray paint can accomplish! Perfect! Diana
That is amazing Diane!!! I love it centered and off center, great job!
I love when the unexpected happens! I love the depth the two mirrors add. Great shopping! How fun is that?
It is gorgeous and I love the two mirrors layered like that (Oh I need a mantle!)
Now that is thinking outside the box. I rarely like mirrors on a mantel because they usually reflect the ceiling but your double mirrors are two different views and both are beautiful.
Thanks for sharing.
Traci
I love this look! Very original!
Wow that is so pretty! The floral arrangement helps make an impact in there as well. Don’t you love happy accidents???
Congratulations on finishing your big decorating project in time for the holiday! I love the two mirrors you came up with and I love that you used stuff you had around your house. You have such an eye for design!
What a beautiful display. Adding the additional heavily framed mirror was the perfect touch. Well done. Should you happen to need another place to link your project, please don’t forget about the Boardwalk Bragfest every Tuesday. In fact, the link is up now. We love to brag on such creativity. Thank you for the great idea and inspiration. Have a blessed Thanksgiving