How to Build a DIY Mirror Frame

By
Kamron Sanders
Kamron Sanders
Kamron Sanders
Kamron Sanders is a home improvement expert and writer with over 15 years of hands-on construction, remodeling, woodworking, home repair, and landscaping experience. He has also written for HGTV. Kamron's expertise ranges from troubleshooting saws and lawnmowers to painting kitchen cabinets.
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Updated on 01/16/24
Reviewed by
Deane Biermeier
Deane Biermeier
Reviewed by Deane Biermeier
Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. He is a certified lead carpenter and also holds a certification from the EPA. Deane is a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board.
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Fact checked by
Jessica Wrubel
Jessica Wrubel
Fact checked by Jessica Wrubel
Jessica Wrubel has an accomplished background as a writer and copy editor, working for various publications, newspapers and in public libraries assisting with reference, research and special projects. In addition to her journalism experience, she has been educating on health and wellness topics for over 15 years in and outside of the classroom.
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DIY framed mirror hanging on a wall

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 1 - 2 hrs
  • Total Time: 1 - 3 days
  • Yield: One mirror frame
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $20 to $40

Unframed, builder-grade mirrors may get the job done, but they certainly leave something to be desired visually speaking. Framing out a wall-mounted mirror is an easy and extremely budget-friendly way to decorate with mirrors and alter your space's aesthetic to whatever vision you can dream up.

By using a heavy-duty adhesive that bonds to glass, this project requires no nails, screws, or other fasteners to frame the mirror. Simply cut the boards to length, glue them in place, then finish to your liking. Give it a rustic edge, some coastal charm, or keep it polished to perfection. With this DIY mirror frame, the choice is yours!

Before You Begin

Before you run out and buy supplies, determine what kind of look you're after and buy materials accordingly. If you want a more rustic look, choose something like knotty pine. Like the airy, coastal look of a whitewashed frame? Choose natural wood with not so many knots. For a picture-perfect, traditional finish, look no further than primed MDF trim pieces. You can buy very detailed millwork, flat boards, or anything in between, depending on your desired look.

What Is MDF?

MDF stands for medium-density fiberboard. It's an engineered building material that is composed of wood fibers combined with a binder to create a strong, wood-like material.

Follow these steps to frame your wall-mounted frameless mirror and adjust them accordingly to suit your space and desired look.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Miter saw or miter box and saw
  • Caulking gun
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Finishing supplies
  • Sanding block

Materials

  • Trim boards (adjust dimensions and style accordingly)
  • Adhesive rated for glass
  • Paintable caulk (if painting)
  • Preferred finishing supplies
  • Rag
  • Painter's tape

Instructions

Materials needed for a DIY mirror frame

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

  1. Measure Mirror

    Measure your mirror using a tape measure, then use these numbers to calculate how much trim to buy. The inside dimensions of the frame should be slightly smaller than the mirror to provide a gluing surface on the frame.

    Measuring the mirror to frame

    The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

  2. Buy Trim Boards

    Choose your trim according to your preferred look, sticking with boards around 2 to 4 inches wide for best results. Trim is sold in a variety of lengths, so factor in your cuts to minimize waste.

    Choosing trim boards for the mirror

    The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

  3. Cut Miters in Boards

    Cut 45-degree miters on each end facing opposite directions using a miter box and saw or miter saw. The long side of the top and bottom pieces should reflect the length of the mirror and the side pieces should reflect the height of the mirror. Once cut, use a sanding block to remove any splinters.

    Cutting miters in the mirror boards

    The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

  4. Glue Bottom Piece to Mirror

    Glue the boards to the mirror using a heavy-duty adhesive that can bond to glass. Start with the bottom piece and apply a generous bead of adhesive near the outside edge of the board. This will prevent the glue from reflecting in the mirror once the boards are installed. Firmly hold the board in place for the time specified in the adhesive's instructions, then use painter’s tape to tightly secure the board in place until it is fully dry.

    Tip

    Some heavy-duty adhesives can take a long time to fully cure, so be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully before moving forward.

    Testing the boards on the outside of the mirror

    The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

  5. Glue Sides and Top

    Glue the side pieces in the same fashion as the bottom, using the edges of the mirror as a guide. For added strength, you can opt to glue the mitered edges of the boards together as well, being sure to wipe away any excess adhesive. Finish the frame by gluing the top piece in place.

    Gluing down the sides and top of the framing boards to the mirror

    The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

  6. Fill Imperfections With Caulk

    Carefully remove the painter's tape once the glue has fully dried. Fill any loose miter joints with paintable caulk. Wipe clean and let dry. Skip this step if you are using natural wood that will not be painted.

    Wiping the mirror clean

    The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

  7. Finish Frame

    Finish the boards in your preferred method. For a rustic look, choose a weathered stain color. If you desire a whitewashed coastal look, water-down white latex paint and apply a thin layer with a rag rather than a paintbrush. For a clean painted look, simply paint with your desired color of latex paint.

    Tip

    For an even more custom look, enhance your mirrors with decorative hardware on the outside. Faux rustic nail heads and similar accents don't serve a structural purpose but can make a huge visual impact.

    Staining the mirror framing boards

    The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

FAQ
  • Is it hard to frame a mirror?

    Framing a mirror doesn’t require nails, screws, or other fasteners making it a DIY project excellent for beginners. Key supplies include: heavy-duty adhesive, trim boards, and a miter saw or miter box and saw. The most difficult part is prepping and cutting the trim boards. Otherwise, the trim boards are glued to the mirror, and the frame can then be painted, stained, or embellished.

  • How long does it take to frame a mirror?

    The hands-on time to frame a mirror is 1 to 2 hours, but the overall time is 1 to 3 days to allow for the adhesive to cure and any finishing time to paint, stain, or decorate the piece. Hands-on time includes measuring, cutting, and gluing the trim boards to the mirror.


  • What is the best material to frame a mirror?

    There’s a wide range of options for framing material to choose from depending on your desired style for the piece. Examples that would work well include knotty pine, natural wood, MDF, millwork, or flat boards. No matter what you choose, make sure the trim boards are around 2 to 4 inches wide for best results.

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