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Easy Mirror Makeovers

July 02, 2022

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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.

Painting An Old Mirror White


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.

Cottage Hallway Decor

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.

Taking a photo of my Mud Stenciled Mirror

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.

Gold Leaf Mirror Makeover

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.

White Painted Mirror In Hallway

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.

Old Brown wooden mirror on saw horses waiting for paint

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.

Painting A Curbside Mirror

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

Sealing A White Painted Mirror

The detailed applique looked fantastic in white.

As if those tiny cottage roses were made to order.

Detailed Wooden Hall Mirror

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.

White Mirror In Hallway

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!!






Kim Signature


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  1. I know ti is hard to have so many rooms having renovations going on but when it is all done you are going to be so pleased. I love the mirrors. I love seeing more and more of your cute cottage home. Everything you are doing looks so great. Happy 4th. xoxo Kris

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    1. Thanks Kris!! It’s getting there…like I said, in pieces. With our first home, we were renovating constantly, for 7 long and tedious years. When we moved in here we did everything in one fell swoop. It was stressful, but then it was over. Hopefully, this will be the same. Happy 4th!!

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  2. Kim this is such a fabulous curbside find! I love what you did with it!!

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    1. Thanks Mary!! Like I said, it was love at first sight. I just can't believe what people throw away sometimes.

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  3. Great mirror that got a new home. The applique is pretty. Mirrors that size are expensive too.

    I can't wait to see everything come together. Happy 4th!

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    1. Thanks Cindy! It was a super find. I love that my family knows my style when they see it…and they stop to bring it home to me.

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  4. Everything looks so good! You guys are doing a great job! Cant stop thinking about your pool!! IRS sooo hot today in south Jersey, your home is going to be gorgeous!!

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    1. Thank you so much! What a kind comment. You just made my day. ☺️ I hope you get a break from the heat this weekend. It's humid here, too.

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  5. It's fabulous and looks like it was made for that spot. Free is amazing too! But, the best part is that you have your husband and daughter so well trained to be looking for things and bringing them home. :)

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    1. Thanks Mari! It's so funny, that's what I said when they showed up with the mirror, Gosh, you guys are well trained! Hahaha! It's like I have a small staff working the curb with me. Haha!

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  6. The mirrors look great! I know it is hard to deal with so much renovation, but when it is finished you will be so happy!

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    1. Thanks Penny! I know you've been through it many times. Things are getting easier now that all the big construction is complete. The rooms aren't decorated yet, but at least they're clean!!

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  7. Your hallway looks so light and fresh! And that curbside mirror came out perfect!! - Briana from Texas

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    1. Thanks Briana! I have to say, white paint really does turn trash to treasure in no time flat. Thanks so much for taking a peek and leaving such a lovely comment...as usual. I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

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  8. Beeeeeeeeeautiful!!! Free!!!!!! And a gift from two smart sweeties!!! You did a lovely..."make up" job!! You are moving right along! Blessings, J

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    1. Isn't free the best?? I was so excited, J...and it truly looked like it was made to order! Blessings my friend.

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  9. I love that free mirror, Kim, but I especially love that you have your family trained to look for freebies! All of your projects are coming along nicely...just think about how wonderful it will be to have it all finished. You're getting there!

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    1. Thanks Ann! They're really good at spotting those freebies! It's so funny, when my husband and I were first married and trying to furnish our apartment on a budget, we used to get ice cream on Sunday nights and drive around "shopping" for curbside treasures. We stopped for a long time and while, we don't go out looking for stuff anymore, if we see it on the road we stop!!

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  10. My moto has always been, when in doubt, hang a mirror!
    You took that to a new level.

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    1. Christine…that is genius!! I love it. Happy 4th!!

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  11. Kim,
    Absolutely perfect!! Love the mirrors and love how you transformed them!! What a lovely looking space!! Thanks so much for sharing and thanks for stopping by!! I truly appreciate your kind comment!! Happy 4th to you and yours!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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    1. Thanks Deb! The mirrors make a very difference in the space. I'm glad you think so, too!

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  12. Love that you rescued a mirror and gave it a beautiful makeover! We have a long very narrow hallway and I have two small sunburst mirrors on the wall at the end of the hall with a small table underneath. Hallways can be tricky with decorating but you're doing a great job!

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    1. Thanks Melanie! Yes, hallways are tricky, especially in a small house. I always want to decorate in a big way, but have to be careful not to crowd the space or impede the traffic flow.

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  13. I have that exact same mirror leaning against a wall in my workshop waiting in the queue. I really like the look of it painted white and the applique is perfect. It couldn't be more perfect and just like it's always belonged in your hallway!

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    1. I can't wait to see what you do with it, Marie. You're so crafty!! That applique looked pretty in the wood tone, but it really popped once I painted it. I love when that happens! Oh...and thanks!!

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  14. I love it. And as always I love how you wrote about the find, all the projects going on and just the joy of finding the perfect decor piece.
    On a side note.. I like milk glass too. I just scored a beautiful big vase for $1.00 at a new to me thrift shop. :-)

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    1. Thanks Carla! I know most people today are looking for a quick post or photos/ videos, but I love sharing the tale. Maybe because I love reading people’s stories. So it makes me so happy to hear that you enjoyed it. I’m also quite envious of your $1 milk glass vase. That is quite a score!!

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  15. She's a beauty, Kim. What a great find and so perfect for that space too.

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  16. I am a very impatient decorator - I want everything to be done NOW! However, I've learned to be (a little more) patient over the years, and like everything, it takes time to do things right. Looks like you got the hallway just right with your mirror collection! I'm laughing because there is no way my husband would ever be able to recognize just the right thing on the side of the road! Perhaps I can send him over to you for a little training? ;)

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  17. I love the mirrors especially the one your husband and daughter found. The hall looks beautiful with your pretty white mirrors.

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