Mirror Makeover Magic
Mirror, mirror on the wall, why do
you stand there looking so plain
and all? Let’s face it, most
bathroom mirrors are deadly dull.
Even today’s new homes with their
imposing master bathrooms suffer
from the “wall-o-mirror” effect.
That is, there’s usually one large
wall over the bathroom sink that’s
plastered with one big, bland mirror.
Too few mirrors exude stylishness
or panache. Luckily, there are
options for style-challenged mirrors,
so you don’t have to suffer from low
mirror interest any longer.
Nasty edges
Even if your mirror looks good, some
mirrors deteriorate over time and
begin to develop black edging on the
back or underside. Blackened mirror
edges can occur for a couple of reasons.
One is water getting behind the mirror. For that reason, you should take preventative steps to avoid water getting behind the mirror by adding silicone caulk between the counter and mirror. This will prevent water from being wicked up behind the mirror and damaging the mirror’s surface. Harsh cleaners can also damage mirrors and create blackened edges. In particular, ammonia-based window cleaners will damage the silvering on the back of the mirror. Again, caulking can prevent this.
Get framed
Regardless of whether your mirror has damaged, darkened edges or it’s just a “plain Jane,” one of the quickest and easiest transformations involves putting a frame around the mirror. This can be done with stock moulding you purchase from the hardware store or with picture framing from a specialty frame company. Glass and mirror companies can also supply you with custom-cut pieces of beveled mirror to apply around the edges of your mirror. For another unique and custom look, consider adding tile to frame your mirror. You can apply it to the mirror itself, or apply to simple board strips applied to the mirror with epoxy.
Still more options
Another option is to frame the mirror with a decorative metal edging available from glass and mirror companies. A dark black metal edge makes the mirror stand out in a sleek, elegant way. You can also add framed mirrors to hang on top of a large wall mirror. These will add depth and drama to a simple mirrored wall. Yet another option is to have an electrician add sconces to your mirrored wall. You may need to have a glass expert cut the holes for you and then have it professionally wired, but the look is very elegant and high-end. Another trend today is to add outdoor lighting fixtures to the indoors. If you’re thinking about sconces, take a quick look through the outdoor lighting section of your favorite lighting store or home center and see if there isn’t an outdoor fixture that would look good in your bathroom. These fixtures stand out because they’re unexpected, and because they’re enclosed, they won’t get dusty like traditional indoor lighting fixtures.
Project that pays
If you’ve been looking for a simple project around the house that will give you good design return for your time and money, look no further than your own reflection. Adding a decorative frame around a plain bathroom mirror is simple, quick (depending on your framing technique), and not very costly.
In fact, for about $25 in stock moulding and a small amount of mitering, you can make your bathroom mirror look elegant -- and make your whole bathroom look more finished. You’ll also help protect your mirror from water and this will help your mirror look better and last longer. Get to the home center this weekend and picking up some trim to give your mirrors some pizzazz.
Mirror Makeover Resources
DIY Network: How to install moulding around mirror
Mirror makeovers & frames to order
Acrylic mirrored frames
Traditional wood-look frames
Tiled mirror frames
© 2007 Kathryn Weber, all rights reserved
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Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Everydayclean.com Cleaning Calender, that calender that puts you in control of your home by ending the power struggle. For more information log on to http://tinyurl.com/d9rh5.
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©2001-2007 Kathryn Weber
All rights reserved.
