A huge thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts on my last DIY Gone Bad last week! I truly appreciate the feedback. Since those infamous chairs are destined to be relocated to the basement, I made the executive decision not to invest too much time or effort into fixing them. Instead, I took a more strategic approach—rearranging my living room furniture to cleverly disguise the unsightly paint job. Out of sight, out of mind, right? That’s just how I roll. I refuse to let minor design mishaps stress me out!
Thankfully, my DIY spirit was quickly revived by another project that had been lingering in my mind for quite some time. Enter: a mirror that I had been determined to repurpose somewhere in our home.
The Mirror’s Journey: From Forgotten to Fabulous
In our master bedroom, we originally had a coordinating bureau, mirror, and dresser. However, during last spring’s Color My World Challenge, I decided to shake things up a bit. I wanted to move away from the overly coordinated look, so I took down the mirror and replaced it with a charming gallery wall over the bureau.
That left me with a beautiful, yet homeless, mirror. Eventually, I relocated it to the foyer, where it leaned against the wall for months while I pondered the best way to breathe new life into it.
I always loved its elegant curve, the sophisticated bevel, and its impressive scale. The mirror’s oversized frame made it the perfect statement piece for that wall, and I adored the way it reflected the natural light pouring in from the front door windows. However, there was just one glaring issue—the reddish wood finish had to go.
Deciding on the Perfect Finish
The big question was: How should I refinish the frame?
I considered several options:
- A chic metallic sheen?
- A whitewashed, aged wood effect?
- Something entirely unexpected?
While I was tempted to try one of the fancy specialty paints, like Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint or an authentic milk paint, I knew I had an abundance of supplies already collecting dust in my garage. So, I resolved to work with what I had.
After much deliberation, I settled on a classic black satin spray paint. It was a safe yet stylish choice that would contrast beautifully against the light bouncing off the mirror.
The Makeover Process
Once I had a clear vision, it was time to bring it to life.
- Prepping the Mirror – I started by carefully taping newspaper over the reflective surface to prevent any accidental paint splatters.
- Sanding the Frame – To ensure proper adhesion, I lightly roughed up the frame with fine-grit sandpaper.
- Applying the Paint – Using even, controlled strokes, I applied two coats of black satin spray paint to achieve a smooth, flawless finish.
- Distressing for Character – Once dry, I gently sanded the edges to allow a bit of the original wood tone to peek through, giving the frame a subtly aged appearance.
Even after sealing the frame with a coat of protective polyurethane, I felt like something was still missing. It lacked that little oomph—that extra bit of flair that would elevate it from simply repainted to stunningly transformed.
Adding a Touch of Glamour
That’s when my secret weapon came into play: Rub ‘n Buff!
I had both Silver Leaf and Gold Leaf Rub ‘n Buff in my stash, so I decided to mix the two to create a gorgeous champagne-gold hue. This blend provided the perfect soft shimmer without being too overpowering.
Using just my fingertips, I applied a light layer of Rub ‘n Buff, focusing on the details and corners of the frame. For the tricky nooks and crannies, I used a small paintbrush with cropped bristles. Once dry, I gave the gilded accents a tiny bit of distressing to maintain a balanced, lived-in look.
The Final Reveal
After all the effort, the mirror had completely transformed!
To celebrate, my 12-year-old took on the role of stylist and arranged a simple yet charming autumnal vignette around it. This little touch really made the whole space feel cozy and festive. (Confession: This is the extent of my fall decorating this year—no joke!)
The oversized mirror now beautifully reflects the golden hues of the changing leaves outside, adding warmth and depth to the foyer. The newly refinished dresser beneath it—a relic from my babies’ nursery—also got a fresh update. A couple of coats of black spray paint and some adorable Anthropologie knobs gave it a brand-new lease on life.
The Future of This Space
While I love the refreshed look, I can’t wait for the day when we can finally rip out the dated 1980s tile and install stunning hardwood floors. The rich, natural tones of wood flooring will add the perfect layer of warmth to our black-and-white color scheme. The best part? This space is so versatile that I can easily update it with the seasons!
Hanging the Heavyweight
The final challenge? Actually getting this behemoth onto the wall.
I wasn’t about to take any chances with such a heavy mirror—I had visions of it crashing down and scaring the living daylights out of me. So, I enlisted the help of my big, strong 14-year-old to assist in securing it properly. (Stay tuned for a follow-up on how we managed to mount it safely!)
I couldn’t be happier with how this mirror makeover turned out! It was a simple yet impactful project that took an overlooked piece and turned it into a true focal point.
For those of you tackling your own furniture flips, I highly recommend experimenting with paint, distressing techniques, and a little Rub ‘n Buff magic. You never know what hidden potential might be waiting within an old, forgotten item!
I’m thrilled to be linking up with POWW at Primitive and Proper—the best furniture makeover link party out there. A big shoutout to Cassie for hosting such a fantastic creative space!
Stay tuned for more DIY adventures, and as always, happy decorating!
