Transform a Vintage Frame Into An Antique Mirror – Thrifty DIY

Hello lovelies! I’m excited to share this thrifty DIY with you. This DIY tutorial does come with a warning however! 😉 The warning? You may never look at vintage frames the same way ever again.  Once you see how easy it is to transform a vintage frame to look like an antique mirror, I know you’ll be as smitten as I am!

Before I set you off on your own DIY mirror obsession, let’s chat about the wonderfully creative and thrifty team, have a peek at what thrifty things they are sharing in May.

Thrifty Style Team

The Thrifty Style Team is hosted by  Julie over at Redhead Can Decorate. Each month the TST will be sharing inspiring and thrifty projects,  you can find the whole team and all of the links to their projects at the end of my post.  Here is a sneak peek, so many amazing  projects, right?!

Make sure to see all of their inspiring projects at the end of this post.

Transform a Vintage Frame Into An Antique Mirror  – Thrifty DIY

I found this frame a few years ago, the techniques I am going to share below are the exact same ones I used to transform this 3 panelled  vintage frame. I found this beauty for 2 dollars.

1. Find any frame you would like to transform. I decided that this gold cutie would look awesome as an antique mirror (I love the details), this thrifty find was only 75 cents.
2. Remove the backing and image.
3. Clean the glass.

4. In a spray bottle mix one part vinegar with two parts water. Spray the glass with the water and vinegar mixture.

5. Spray the  RUST-OLEUM^® mirror effect spray over the water/vinegar droplets.

6. Once the paint starts to clear and you can see the mirrored effect, gently blot the water off of the glass.

7. You can see how the paint looks cloudy, that dries very quickly (almost an evaporation process) and once the cloud disappears, blot the water off. I did two coats for this specific mirror effect.

8. Spray the cardboard backing of the frame black.

9. The black contrast will help to show the “aged” look of the mirror.

Vignettes and Antique Mirrors

Mirrors and vignettes, they go hand in hand if you ask me.  I adore seeing how the light bounces around at all times of the day and how I can see different perspectives to all of the treasures! 😉

Mirrors make a wonderful backdrop too. Our living room is the darkest room in our home, the antique mirrors help to brighten this space.

As you may know, I am drawn to things that are imperfect, things that show age and wear. Antique mirrors , the rippled glass and aged marks draw me in, every time!

What about you, do like to use antique mirrors in your decor?  I mean, what’s not to love?

May’s TST Projects

Thank you for joining me here this month, I truly hope you will find all of the thrifty  inspiration from my friends.

Redhead Can Decorate – Milk Glass Fruit & Cheese Appetizer Tower

DIY Beautify – Update Older Exterior Windows with Spray Paint

2 Bees in a Pod – Antique French Hat Boxes

Vinyet Etc – That’s me!

Our Crafty Mom – How to Make a Bicycle Wheel Sunflower Wreath

I Should Be Mopping the Floor – DIY Bulletin Board with Nailhead Trim

The Tattered Pew – How To Create a Simple Hat Wall With Hooks

Songbird – How to Make Lace Ribbon Napkin Rings

Postcards from the Ridge – How to Decorate on a Budget

Amy Sadler Designs – How to Paint Flower Pots for the Porch

The How To Home – Shabby Chic Decoupage Plant Pot

Cottage on Bunker Hill – How to Press Flowers in the Microwave