I’m Cat, a 20-something creative associate currently based in Florida.
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Ah, the classic, frameless, builder grade mirror. It’s one of your biggest bathroom features, and also one of the least special. Here’s the good news. If you have one of these very common mirrors, there are tons of ways you can upgrade them on a budget.
The quintessential budget way is to frame what you already have, using either wooden boards or inexpensive molding, depending on the look you want. Young House Love demonstrates how to frame around a clip-on mirror for roughly $14 using basic pine. You can also use molding strips in the same fashion, for a more intricate border.
Once the basic frame is up, you can go a step further with paint. Above, Lauren of a Blesser House dry brushed black mineral paint to give her formerly white mirror a little contrast, which added a nice depth and texture.
Like the idea of a pattern instead? Take inspiration from this West Elm mirror and add a herringbone design on the edges of your frame. The simple, geometric shapes give high impact on a small budget. (Or use a stencil for more intricate patterns like bone inlay.)
If you want something a little more minimalist, get the look of these master bathroom, designed by Studio McGee, by gluing metal brackets to the four corners of a basic frameless mirror. It’s just enough detail to make them special, without a ton of work.
If you want to play up the rustic feel, aim for something like this mirror with black hardware and weathered wood mirror from Amazon. Christina made a DIY version for her modern farmhouse bathroom. The matching hardware and light fixtures really pull the space together.
Kelly makes her mirror frame pull double duty as a display by turning her frame out. This is a great idea if you lack counter space!
Shara from Woodshop Diaries had initially wanted to make a round frame for her mirror, but accidentally cut her board too thin. Instead of starting over, she turned her accident into a design feature and made this ‘sunrise’ design. Installing a shelf over the mirror can break up a mirror that is too large for a space or provide warm contrast against cool glass.
You can also frame your mirror without a frame! Lei and Dijon tiled from the vanity top to the base of the mirror for an interesting vignette. Tiling such a small area is easy on the wallet but looks like a million bucks.
Add a thin, low-profile shelf directly below the mirror. This one piece not only acts as additional storage, but also anchors the glass and makes the entire bathroom feel more custom.
Moving away from wooden frames, you could decorate your mirror directly. Using gilded mirrors from Anthropologie as inspiration, Kasie found a way to DIY the look herself. Personally, I like hers better than the originals.
Another gem of a project: Laura from A Beautiful Mess makes a pattern with vinyl over her mirror and sprays with gold paint to create these crisp lines. Use a paint pen if you want a less permanent solution: it’ll wipe right off when you change your mind.
