Earlier this year I built a Shoe Rack Bench for our entryway to keep our shoes organized. Typically when you put your shoes on to leave the house, you want to glance at yourself in the mirror to make sure everything looks good. So I decided to build a Wooden DIY Mirror Frame that I could hang on the wall right above the shoe rack bench in our entryway.
I used the same stain and white wash effect on the mirror frame as I did on the bench. I like how this frame turned out and I might make similar mirror frame for our bathroom, but different size.
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Time to Complete
4 hours
Total Cost
$35
Skill Level
Intermediate
Tools for this project
Material List
- 1x4x6′ (x3)
- 22 1/2″ x 27 1/2″ Mirror
- 1 1/4″ Brad Nails
- 3/4″ Wood Screws
- Mirror Mounting Hanger/Clips
- Pre-Stain
- Briarsmoke Stain
- Wood Glue
- Plumbing Strap
Note: Lumber dimensions are listed as nominal size. See lumber sizes for actual dimensions vs nominal.
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page as well as links in “tools for this project” and “material list” sections are affiliate links.
Dimensions
Step 1 – Cut All Pieces for Mirror Frame
First, cut all the pieces for this project. Take 1×4 and cut two 32 1/2″ pieces, two 39 1/2″ pieces, and one 36 3/4″ long piece. Then take the 36 3/4″ piece and cup it in half with the table saw.
Step 2 – Create Lap Joint Notches on the 39 ½” Boards
Now take 39 1/2″ long piece and measure 3″ from the end. Then from that mark measure another 3 1/2″. This 3 1/2″ area will have a 3/8″ deep notch for a lap joint. To make a notch, use a table saw with a blade lifted up only 3/8 of an inch. Place the board on the miter sled and cut through the notch area multiple times until you get a complete 3 1/2″ notch. You will need to do this on each end of the 39 ½” piece.
Step 3 – Create Lap Joint Notches on the 32 ½” Boards
Now take 32 1/2″ piece and measure 2″ from the end. Then measure an additional 3 1/2″ for the notch. Cut the notches using a table saw similar to step 2. Again, you will need to do this on each end of the 32 ½” piece.
Step 4 – Cut a ¼” Deep Grove for the Mirror
On the backside of this frame, you need to make a 1/4″ deep grove for the mirror to sit in. Use a wood router to cut 1/2″ wide by 1/4″ deep grove on the inside perimeter for the mirror.
Step 5 – Stain and Paint the Wooden Frame
Before assembling everything together, sand all the pieces using a random orbit sander. Next stain all of the pieces except the notch areas. But before applying stain, first make sure to use pre-stain to prevent blotching. Then use Briarsmoke Stain and wipe it off with a shop paper towel or a rag. After the stain, dip the tip of a clean dry brush into the white paint and lightly brush over the stain. After the paint dries, apply wood glue inside the notches and slide the pieces into one another.
Step 6 – Secure the Mirror in Place
On the front side of the frame, align 36 3/4″ pieces in the center as shown on the picture and clamp them to the frame. Flip the frame to the backside, and using a Nail Gun with 1 1/4″ brad nails, nail the pieces together and let it sit for the glue to dry. Place the mirror inside the 1/2″ grove and secure it with metal plumbing strap and 3/4″ wood screws. Also, attach hanger clips on two sides of the frame and hang it on the wall. You’re all done with the DIY Mirror Frame.
Hey Viktor, I just discovered your website through Hometalk and I love it! I need a frame for an oval mirror, do you have any ideas or have you made one before?
Hi Lenora, unfortunately, I’ve never made an oval frame. But I think you should be able to do that with a jig saw. Maybe in the future, I’ll make one.