Do you ever look at store catalogs or websites for inspiration? It’s something that I like to do to see new trends in home decor. While browsing the home decor on the Anthropologie website, I fell in love with this vintage mirror. It’s a one-of a-kind, Circa 1880 arched mirror that has been lace etched by artist, Jo Gibbs. It sells for $5,800!!! Yikes!!! So, I decided I would try my hand at making my own! And, I’m sharing this vintage mirror DIY project with you today!
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Vintage MIrror DIY Project
The first thing you need for this project is a frame for the mirror. After searching for quite a while, I finally found this empty frame with a shape similar to the inspiration mirror from Anthropologie! It probably had been a mirror that went with a dresser. But, when I found it, the mirror was already gone. So, I had my local hardware store cut a piece of glass to fit the frame.
The next step was to search for some lace. I gave up on the vintage lace idea since I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on this project. So, I found some inexpensive lace fabric and lace trims at different local fabric shops. I forgot to take pictures of this step, but I lined up the lace on the back of the glass frame in rows. When I got the layered look that I wanted, I used low-tack spray adhesive to attach the rows of lace to the back of the glass. Then, I applied a few thin coats of off white spray paint overtop the lace. After the paint had dried, I carefully removed the actual lace. Here is how the glass frame looked after the lace was spray painted and removed.
Then I painted and distressed the actual frame. First, I used Frog Tape to tape off the glass on the front side.
Then I used Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray to paint the frame. Once the paint was dry, I lightly distressed the frame with sandpaper. Here’s a close up of the painted frame, but it was taken after the next step was completed.
How to Get the Vintage Mirror Look
For the final step, I decided I wanted to go with a mercury glass effect so it would like the vintage mirror original. I used Krylon’s Looking Glass spray paint. This was my first time using this paint so I read several other blogs that had used it to achieve the mercury glass effect. What worked for me was several light coats of the Looking Glass spray paint, drying between each coat (sprayed on the back of the glass over top of the spray painted lace).
After the final coat was dry, I mixed up equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and liberally sprayed it onto the surface of the looking glass paint. I let the beaded water mixture sit for about five minutes. Then, I dampened some paper towels with the same water/vinegar mixture and lightly went over the frame dabbing the wet painted surface until some of the paint was removed. You need to be careful on this step because you don’t want to remove too much. Removing some of the paint gives the aged mirror, mercury glass effect.
Here is the finished piece on my mantel! I like the subtlety of the lace and the old weathered look! As I was staging my mantel, my husband walked in after a long day of work. I was so proud that I finally completed this project and the look achieved. I asked him what he thought and here’s what he said: “if you wanted a beat up old mirror, why didn’t you just buy one to start with!” Sigh . . .
I hope you liked this DIY vintage mirror project and will give it a try!
what an amazing idea, it turned out beautifully!!
Thanks sooo much, Debra! I'll be over to share at Friday's party!!!
Oh dear me, this is gorgeous! I love the lace idea. This technique is unique and would look great in my house, too! You do beautiful work, Doreen! Thank you for sharing this fabulous piece. xoxo
Janis – you are too sweet! Thanks so much my friend! I've had this project in the works for months because it was trial and error, but I'm pretty happy with how it finally turned out!
Hi, hopped over from Common Ground. Love what you did with the mirror. It has such vintage charm!
hugs,
Jann
Thanks so much, Jann! I'll be popping over to share at your party later this week!
It turned out very nice. Very charming.
Thanks, BJ!
This is gorgeous. I have some beat-up old mirrors and this might be a good thing to do with them! Doreen, I left my GFC on because any of your Blogger readers can still get you on their Reading List. I still use that before I use any reader.
Thanks, Karen! That's good to know about GFC – thanks for the tip!
So beautiful, Doreen! I like your version better than the original! Great job.
Thanks so much, Mary! It was trial and error, but I like how it turned out!
That is beautiful, Doreen! Thanks for the how-to on how you accomplished it!
Thanks so much, Angie!
Wow…love your mirror! It is actually much prettier than the Anthro mirror. What crazy person spends $5,800 on a mirror?
You're sooo sweet to say that, Lisa! It was a long process to complete, but I'm pretty happy with it! I know $5800 for a mirror – CRAZY!
Love it! Also loved seeing it in person…and YOU in person too! 🙂
Thanks, Emma! It was sooo good getting to see you and your Mom!
Your mirror is just beautiful Doreen! And your blog is looking great – love your new picture! And I'll be looking forward to the baby shower inspiration!
Thanks, Sharon! Just linked up over at your blog party!!!
Amazing! Your patience and work really paid off with that project.
Thanks, Stacy! There definitely was some patience involved with this one, but I'm happy with the final result!
You are just amazing! How beautiful.
Thanks sooooo much, Debbie! I need to stop by your Pinterest Party to share later this week!!!
Doreen, You are so amazing!! I'd take your mirror over the Anthropologie one any day–even if they were equally priced! I love your style. And, yes, husbands can be exasperating sometimes with the whole creative process! I can't wait to see the shower. Linda
Thanks, Linda! Had such a nice time visiting last night and I can't wait to see that dresser!!!
Your mirror looks fabulous. I have really debated about the removing google reader from my page also, but just haven't yet, wasn't sure about any pros and cons concerning removing it, but it does seem silly for it to still be there.
Thanks, Patty at Home and Lifestyle Design
I like your's better than the anthro version! It very very pretty. I'd love it if you linked it up at my weekly party Mod Mix Monday at ModVintageLife.
Awww…so pretty!! I've always loved old mirrors with a romantic shape…
Your lace mirror is gorgeous!! You really did a great job to get such a wonderful effect.
Mary Alice
Yours is better. Wayyyyyy better. The anthro. one looks like lace thrown on a frame. Not etched.
Beautiful!!
gorgeous!!!
This is really beautiful! I have some old mirrors and may try this technique myself. Thanks for posting!
visiting from Debbie-Doo's
Sue
bebeandj.com
I adore this project so much. Really pretty and so nicely done.
Great project, Doreen! I'm featuring you as one of my top 3 favorites from Home{work} Wednesday! I'll be sharing via social media as well!
Your mirror is so beautiful. I'm so impressed by your ingenuity figuring out how to get this (very expensive!) look for less.
This is the BEST! You are brilliant dear Doreen. Pinned for future copying 🙂 Blessings to you, Patti
Oh my goodness this mirror looks amazing! Pinned 🙂
~Katie @ Upcycled Treasures
This is absolutely gorgeous. I think I like yours better than the original.
I'm featuring this tonight at Home{work} Wednesday.
Thanks for sharing.
Love, love, LOVE knockoff decor–kinda feels like you're sticking it to "The Man" lol! One question: If you had it all to do again, would you paint the frame and glass separately and assemble at the end? Just wondering if that would be easier. I can't wait to try that Looking Glass paint! Thanks for a great site Doreen, your tutorials are so well done.
gorgeous! I'm pinning this idea…can't wait to try it!
Love it! You did a beautiful job and saved your budget too. Can't wait to see what you do next.
I so LOVE this! I have a poor mirror I have been packing around in storage that needs this done. Thank you so much. I am so excited to start! Question; You used more than one strip of lace and layered them for the effect?
hi! can I ask what size this mirror is? I’d love to find a vintage one very similar in style so I can have the same type of look – just amazing work! Thanks 🙂