Easy Mirror Makeovers

Decorating with mirrors is my favorite way to add style to a room. But they can be expensive, unless you find them at the curb or at yard sales.

Here are a few easy mirror makeover ideas to transform those trash finds into treasure for any room in your cottage.


You may have heard that there are a lot of crazy renovations going on around here.

Simultaneously.

That means each room, or project, is getting completed in pieces. One day I'm trying to find fabric to make pillows for my new basement sectional.

The next, I'm picking out a fence or new pool liner.

So it's been a little hard to concentrate and complete any one project in a timely manner.

The hallway has been especially vexing.

It's an area that's connected to so many others that I kind of have to wait until they're all complete until I can get a hold on how to accessorize it.

For example, I bought rugs for the hall right after it was painted. Then the family room wallpaper arrived and suddenly I knew the rugs weren't going to go.

They just didn't feel right. The newly painted floors looked much better without them, so I sold them at my yard sale.


I actually contemplated buying braided ones instead, but then I thought, hold up sister. I need to wait until the family room gets settled before I make anymore impulsive decisions.

However.

The one thing I knew would look good in the hallway was a collection of mirrors. 

Mirrors have a wonderful way of creating magic in a room and adding some sparkle. And they're such neutral decor, the go with anything.

I had several in hanging in the hallway before the renovation and they made that narrow, dark, windowless area feel so much lighter and brighter.

Rather than buying new, I put my thrifty decorating hat on and painted the mirrors I had in there before.

Perhaps you've already seen the one I transformed with a little Mud and a floral stencil.


I just love its new look. It's hanging in the same place it was before, but it's so much more charming now.

I also painted a gold leaf mirror.

That one hung vertically over a table in the front area of the hall. In the new design, it hangs horizontally in the middle, reflecting a collection of milk glass my sister gave me.

I think a console table would look fabulous underneath it. I'm on the hunt for the perfect one. Or one that I could make perfect.

That's more likely.

Of course, that left the wall it used to hang on empty. And the only mirrors I had left were a trio that weren't right.

I needed a really big mirror for the space.

A show stopping focal point.

So I started looking online, but large, charming, cottage style white mirrors are not easy to find. 

Or cheap.

I was just about to give up when my daughter and husband came home from the beach with a beautiful one in hand. A curbside find and, for me, it was love at first sight.


It was your basic brown, heavy wooden framed mirror that was most likely mounted above a dresser.

You know the type.

First, I taped off all the glass and painted it with a mineral paint since I didn't want to sand or prime.

It didn't really cover well though, so halfway through I switched to a traditional latex, semi gloss.

When I was finally satisfied with the makeover, three very tedious coats later, I sealed it and hung it up.


The detailed applique looked fantastic in white.

As if those tiny cottage roses were made to order.

The scale was just right, too, it fit the space well.

Plus, it was free.

I think that might be my favorite part.

Well, that and the fact it's a rescue. It has a history and it was a gift.

I have a shelf in the basement that I think would complete the look, but I haven't gotten around to painting that yet.

Like I said, everything is getting done in pieces lately.

Including these tales of my renovation.

So stay tuned.

😉

Ps- Speaking of piecemeal renovations, there's been a little bit of new movement in the family room. The fabric to reupholster my window seat arrived. So last week I dropped that cushion off at Calico Corners for its redo. 

That means my wallpaper DIY is on the horizon. Yay!!