Another Easy to Build Frame for an Inexpensive Mirror
(Inspired by Pottery Barn)
I honestly love building frames for inexpensive mirrors also know as “dorm mirrors”… The mirrors are cheap and can be found anywhere, and it doesn’t take much to upgrade the frame to something fabulous! I previously mirror frame plans for one of these mirrors using 1×6 lumber for my daughter’s room. I wanted to try something different for framing these mirrors and came across the inspiration piece. The DIY furniture plans to build a Benchwright Grand Floor Mirror Frame are inspired by Pottery Barn but use a smaller mirror and narrower lumber.
The frame is easy adjusted for a wider or taller mirror and my thinking is this: the larger the mirror, the wider the lumber should be. So, in other words, The frame can easily be made from 1x3s, 1x4s, 1x6s or maybe even 2x4s or 2x6s. It’s easy to do – just adjust the length of the boards to fit the mirror and the recesses at the top and bottom will reflect the width of the lumber (see assembly steps below!).
Materials:
- 1-1/2″ screws
- 1-1/2″ brad nails
- Mirror adhesive (<– affiliate link)
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper (80, 150, 220 grits)
- Finishing supplies
Lumber:
- 2 – 1×2 at 8′
- 1 4′ x 8′ sheet of 1/4″ plywood, lauan, or underlayment
Cut List:
For a dorm size mirror measuring 12″ x 47-1/4″ without the frame
- 2 – 1×2 at 52-3/8″ – Longer Frame Pieces
- 2 – 1×2 at 12-1/8″ – Shorter Frame Pieces
- 1 – 1/4″ plywood at 13-5/8″ x 52-3/8″
Notes About the Project:
- The mirror frame can be resized to any mirror, and wider lumber can be used as desired.
- Finish the frame and back prior to adding the mirror.
- Plywood with the edges either exposed or covered with edge banding is another great option for this frame.
Step One
Cut the pieces for the frame. Since this frame is using 1×2 (1-1/2″ wide) lumber, the shorter top and bottom pieces are positioned 1-1/2″ down from the top and 1-1/2″ up from the bottom of the longer side pieces.
If using wider lumber, adjust the length of the side pieces accordingly, then position the top and bottom pieces at the same width. For example: if using 1×4 (3-1/2″ wide) lumber for the frame, measure the height of the mirror and add 2 x 3-1/2″ (for the width of the lumber) PLUS 3/4″ (for the thickness of the lumber for a total of 8-1/2″. The top and bottom pieces will be positioned 3-1/2″ down from the top and bottom of the length pieces.
Step Two
Cut the piece of 1/4″ plywood for the back. Secure the back in place using glue and 1-1/2″ brad nails.
Finish the frame as desired.
Step Three
Apply the mirror adhesive to the inside of the back of the frame, and insert the mirror pressing it in place. Once the adhesive dries, hangers can be attached to the back through the frame, if desired.
This is a really great project for any skill level, and the frame adds a modern twist (and a nicer look!) to cheap dorm mirrors. Have questions about the DIY furniture plans to build a Benchwright Grand Floor Mirror Frame inspired by Pottery Barn? Leave a comment below!
Originally posted 2020-04-29 08:00:18.
