This March, we will have lived in this house for 25 years. Twenty. Five. Years. Long enough that things we have redone before are needing to be redone again. And this ugly builder's mirror has been on the list for almost the entire time we have lived here. I have wanted to rip this thing out since I was a newlywed. Here's the photo that I showed last week -- unattractive frameless mirror with the unattractive plastic clips that supposedly hold it to the wall, even though it's glued within an inch of its life.
But here's the kicker -- it's a skinny mirror. No kidding. I know y'all know what I mean! Now whether that's a good thing, or bad, I'm not sure, but I'm not parting with the daily delusion that I actually look thinner, and not fatter, than I really am.
About two years ago I bookmarked this great post over at Southern Hospitality. Rhoda's mirror transformation really caught my eye, and I knew this was the perfect answer for our ugly mirror. And today, finally, I finished mine! Ta-da . . .
Bear with me on these photos! I now remember why I haven't shown this room before. Even my smart new camera can't figure out how to get a great photo with the funky lighting in this little room, and I haven't learned enough to help it yet. As peachy as these walls look, they're actually the same buttery yellow as our living room and kitchen.
This was one of the easiest projects I have ever done. I was thrilled to find the same pretty medallions that Rhoda had used. Bought those, had the boys at Home Depot cut 4 pieces of trim to fit between, and painted them with my black Olympic semi-gloss.
Glued those babies right on with hot glue! I figured it would be a little easier to take off, in the event that I ever change my mind. And when I realized that the first medallion had gone on a little crooked, it was easy to remove -- I just slid a steak knife in behind and popped it off (my scraper was a little too thick to fit in). A little bit of hot glue oozed out on the edges, but it's not really noticeable unless you're looking, or taking close-up shots for your blog. It's not a show-stopper for me. And just like Rhoda said -- start at the bottom! I thought I had measured perfectly, but was off by 1/4 inch from top to bottom. It saved me to have a little wiggle room at the top!
It's like we have a pretty new spa bathroom now! I love how the black trim enriches the other black elements in the room. I painted our ugly cabinet black a couple of years ago, and it's helping me live with this undesirable piece a little longer. By the way, the medallions were from Lowe's, for only $3 each, and the trim is just base molding from Home Depot, for 89 cents per foot. This project came in at under $21.
This chandelier was recently painted, also. Another Canton find, it was a dirty gold in its former life.
This cute rack was a junking find. I had these vintage silver trays hanging around too, so I displayed them here for a little added sparkle.
Thank you for coming by to see our new bathroom look! All in all, I'm so happy with the elegant update that the mirror trim has brought to this room, and I hope it inspires you to update yours, as well!
I'm joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
Newbie Party at DebbieDoos
Tabletop Tuesday at Marty's A Stroll Thru Life
Kim's Boring To Better at Savvy Southern Style
Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Inspiration Friday At The Picket Fence
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage
Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground
Update: I'm also linking to Kim's Wow Us Wednesday, Favorites from 2011 Party
Love to you all,
Andrea
That looks so nice and my fav is the silver platters on the rack.
Posted by: Kim | January 30, 2011 at 07:18 PM
I love everything ! Looks so plush and you have the knack !
Hugs,
Kammy
p.s. I just joined your following !
Posted by: Kammy | January 30, 2011 at 07:44 PM
That is so clever! The rack with the silver trays is such a great idea!
Thanks for sharing.
Cheers!
Rita @ May Days
Posted by: Rita May | January 30, 2011 at 07:49 PM
I'm back. Great ideas all over your blog.I'm your newest follower!
See me sometime at May Days.
Cheers!
Rita
Posted by: Rita May | January 30, 2011 at 07:55 PM
Oh my goodness this is so wonderful, I just can't tell you how happy I am to see this post! We have the exact same type of "builder grade" bath in our upstairs hall that's mainly usedas a guest bath and it is beyond ugly because of that mirror, so this is such inspiration to me!
Thank you for sharing. Oh and by the way, I have the same tea/coffee pot (entire set) that was a wedding gift to my mother in 1958...such a lovely way to use it here.
Terry
Posted by: Terry | January 30, 2011 at 08:39 PM
Love your bathroom! My favorites are the silver trays. Great idea!
Posted by: Kathy | January 30, 2011 at 08:42 PM
beautiful!!! we did this to our mirror in our other home but still need to frame out our builder mirror here, its been almost 4 years now. I love the black, it is very rich looking.
hugs
janet
Posted by: janet | January 30, 2011 at 09:10 PM
Wow, what a nice surprise to see all this sparkle I am a silver fan too, my girfriend just gave me a box of it yesterday and I am in heaven! Nice to meet you newbie!
Posted by: Kathy | January 30, 2011 at 11:41 PM
Lovin' all the silver that you are using in your bath!
Blessings,
Linda
Posted by: Linda@Coastal Charm | January 31, 2011 at 12:43 AM
Nice job on the mirror trim - it looks great. What really has me dying, though, is that rack with the silver trays and your towels. Gorgeous!
Posted by: Suzan | January 31, 2011 at 02:05 AM
I love the silver decorations ,and the way you turned your bathroom to a lush bathroom, I also have skinny mirror too!
I am your newest follower,
~Sharon~
Posted by: Sharon | January 31, 2011 at 02:07 AM
Oh...I love how the mirror looks now that you've made it over and yes....you can't give up a skinny mirror! I really love the little silver trays displayed on the wall too. Very pretty makeover.
Posted by: Nita@ModVintageLife | January 31, 2011 at 04:05 AM
Chandelier, mirror, silver = fabulous!
Posted by: Dana | January 31, 2011 at 05:56 AM
Wow, what a great idea with the oval silver trays in the plate holder! I'm stealing that idea, came over from Debbie's. I have been wanting to do my mirror like yours for a while. Great pictures. Lori
Posted by: Lori | January 31, 2011 at 06:28 AM
Oh following you now.
Posted by: Lori | January 31, 2011 at 06:30 AM
I love, love love it! I'm keeping this idea for our new place. I don't know what the new place will be yet, but I'm sure it will have some of those builder's mirrors!
Posted by: Kim | January 31, 2011 at 07:17 AM
Andrea, it looks wonderful! I also love, love, love the rack with the silver plates.
Hugs,
Penny
Posted by: Penny @ The Comforts of Home and Lavender Hill Studio | January 31, 2011 at 07:36 AM
It looks great! I have one of those in my dressing room and it's way big. You've given me a great idea about a way to improve it and have some fun with the refinishing! Jane
Posted by: Jane F | January 31, 2011 at 07:42 AM
mirror looks great! good job - stopped over from MET Monday :)
Posted by: Jenn (GreenDoorGirl) | January 31, 2011 at 07:49 AM
Your powder room is so cute! I love the way you added the vintage silver trays to your towel holder. Linking over from Debbiedoos, and I am a new follower!
Posted by: Ricki Jill Treleaven | January 31, 2011 at 08:34 AM
Your towel rack is stunning. Love your touch of adding the silver trays...who would have thought of that? You!
Posted by: Terry Moore | January 31, 2011 at 08:42 AM
Great bathroom! Love what you did to the mirror,
and I am a huge fan of silver, anytime and anywhere!
Posted by: Abby | January 31, 2011 at 09:17 AM
Very pretty! All of the pops of silver are beautiful! *Becca*
Posted by: Becca@AdventuresinDecorating | January 31, 2011 at 12:33 PM
You're launching a major decorating trend with your silver trays! Love it all.
Posted by: Connie Bishop | January 31, 2011 at 12:41 PM
Your bathroom looks fabulous! I love the makeover! I'm here from Debbie's newbie party, and I'm your newest follower! Have a great day!
Posted by: ali | January 31, 2011 at 01:19 PM
Love your new bath room redo. That is beautiful. You did a great job.
Found your site from Debbiedoo's link up party
Hope you have a great week.
Posted by: Rachel | January 31, 2011 at 01:23 PM
Oh I love the use of the silver trays in the bathroom and the teapot. Everything looks stunning. Gorgeous and such creative and lovely ideas. Hugs, Marty
Posted by: Marty@A Stroll thru Life | January 31, 2011 at 02:45 PM
great redo. Love the light and use of silver. I'm a new follower.
Posted by: janet | January 31, 2011 at 03:08 PM
Your bathroom looks fantastic. That's such a great idea for those frameless bathroom mirrors. And I love the silver accents (the tea/coffe pot and the trays). Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Michelle | January 31, 2011 at 05:15 PM
Looks great! What a nice transformation to your bathroom. Really like the new mirror frame and the hanging silver trays!
Posted by: Libby | January 31, 2011 at 06:11 PM
Found you on Debbiedoos newbie linky party!
Posted by: Libby | January 31, 2011 at 06:11 PM
Wow - great job ! The change is very elegant - love the silver trays idea too !!!!
Thanks for sharing,
gena
Posted by: gena | January 31, 2011 at 06:13 PM
Looks gorgeous!! Great job! I found you from debbie's newbie party and tabletop tuesdays I am a new follower. Come check me out if you get a chance.
noplacelikehomeally.blogspot.com
Posted by: allyson | January 31, 2011 at 07:51 PM
I really like the "bling" the silver trays add to the cute shelf. What an original idea!
Posted by: Betsy B | January 31, 2011 at 08:37 PM
I adore the rack with the silver trays! What a beautiful idea! Your mirror looks fantastic. Great makeover!
Posted by: Dreamgoddess | January 31, 2011 at 10:09 PM
Gorgeous! I'm so saving that silver tray idea in my file. Love it! And love your blog.
Finding you via Debbie's Newbie party. I'm your newest follower and would be delighted to have you follow me back!
Have a great day!
Tammy
Posted by: beatrice banks | February 01, 2011 at 09:07 AM
Beautiful!! I love your chandelier. Visiting from Debbie's newbie party ... love if you'd stop by my blog, too!
Brittany
www.dearesthome.blogspot.com
Posted by: Brittany | February 01, 2011 at 05:21 PM
Completely changed the bathroom. I love it, and I agree about the hot glue, it is truly a wonderful temporary option. You did a great job!
Posted by: Shirley | February 01, 2011 at 05:50 PM
Hi Andrea, Great job on the mirror..it looks wonderful! I love the rack with the silver trays and the pretty towel.
Hugs,
Sherry
Posted by: Sherry @ No Minimalist Here | February 01, 2011 at 07:19 PM
Love it! The trays are wonderful.. I have wanted to redo my mirror for sixteen years.. yours is an inspiration.
Posted by: Beverly | February 01, 2011 at 08:26 PM
Andrea, I absolutely love this mirror. The beginning caught my eye because we moved into our house 24 years ago this month. When we we built everything was the latest. Now it is the datedest. ( I know that is not a word).
I have been wanting to do this sooooo long. I think you pushed me over the edge. $21.00, what can I lose and you really got me with the hot glue. Thanks for the inspiration. I am your newest follower.
Please pop over, I just posted a bathroom my daughter did.
Hugs, Ginger
Posted by: Ginger | February 01, 2011 at 10:39 PM
Great redo! I am really impressed by the difference it made! It would be fun to distress and shabby it up a bit too! Or use barnwood! Now my wheels are turnin'.... ;-) And using silver trays in the plate rack is brilliant~ we should do that in our shop!
~michelle~
Posted by: michelle | February 02, 2011 at 01:14 AM
goodness, i love your bathroom! 25 years is a long time, lol. i can't imagine what my style will change to in that time...i already want to make changes after 3 (much to my boyfriend's dismay!) great, chic, classy bathroom!
Posted by: the cape on the corner | February 02, 2011 at 10:32 AM
OMG! absolutely new life & makes ur BR stunning.
Blessings,
/chie
Posted by: chie | February 02, 2011 at 02:28 PM
Count me in on loving the display with the silver trays. I'm going to remember that one as I too have a nearly 25 year old house that needs updating. You've done a wonderful job. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Miss Char | February 02, 2011 at 04:00 PM
GREAT job on the mirror frame and I love those silver trays - what a great spot to use them!!
Posted by: Stephanie | February 02, 2011 at 04:38 PM
Wow!!!!! This is gorgeous!
Displaying towels on a plate rack is genius!
Sue @ Beach Bungalow
xo
Posted by: sue silva | February 02, 2011 at 06:21 PM
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! I love it all but I think the plate rack with the silver trays is my most favorite part...or maybe the mirror framing...or maybe seeing that teapot again...or... :-) Hope you will consider linking it up to the Inspiration Friday party this week! We are moving to my new site but there will still be lots of fun and great ideas!
Vanessa
Posted by: Vanessa | February 02, 2011 at 06:46 PM
It really looks like it was built that way! Great job and love the color you chose for the frame. The whole bathroom looks very put together:) Bravo!
Posted by: Heather | February 02, 2011 at 09:59 PM
You have given me the idea I needed for my small hall bathroom, I had painted the den hall and bathroom the same buttery yellow and had put red accents on the wall but it just didn't have the kick I wanted, the black mirror with the silver accessories is great. Thanks...Shelia
Posted by: shelia | February 03, 2011 at 06:47 AM
Absolutely lovely! I love everything you've done, especially your silver hanging on your great find!!! Beautiful!!!
Posted by: Cindy | February 03, 2011 at 07:23 PM
Andrea, your mirror adds such a nice "finished" look to your bathroom. Nice job! I love your silver trays and linen towels, too! Linens always catch my eye. :-) I hope you'll stop by for a visit. I just posted the BEST tablescape ever!
Posted by: Susan @ My Place to Yours | February 03, 2011 at 07:32 PM
Yes, I have those same 25 year old builder's mirrors. in five bathrooms...count them FIVE! I need to do this, it looks wonderful. and the chandy and the towel rack with the silver trays, oh my gosh!!! Thanks so much for linking up for the party!
hugs,
Debra
Posted by: Debra | February 03, 2011 at 07:38 PM
This is just so PRETTY!! Great job.
Jo
Posted by: My Grama's Soul | February 03, 2011 at 07:46 PM
How Pretty, love the silver with the towels too, great job! Stopping over from My Romantic Home, xoxo tami
Posted by: tami | February 03, 2011 at 08:37 PM
Hi Andrea! Your mirror transformation totally made that jewel of a bathroom sing! And I love your platters on the rack with your towels! Such a creative idea! Happy FNF!
xoxo laurie
Posted by: laurie@heavenswalk | February 03, 2011 at 08:57 PM
looks great and i love the silver touches - perfection.
Posted by: sheri | February 03, 2011 at 09:23 PM
I love this and I so need to do this. Are you sure the hot glue is going to hold it permanently? I mean like with the shower...and the rack with the silver trays is beyond elegant.
Posted by: Ceekay | February 03, 2011 at 09:31 PM
This is lovely! You have a great blog. I am hosting a giveaway on my blog...hope to see you there:-) hugs Anu
Posted by: Anu@My DreamCanvas | February 03, 2011 at 10:08 PM
Love it! Especially the silver trays and hand towels. It all looks very pretty!
Posted by: Dear Sweet Home | February 03, 2011 at 10:37 PM
Beautiful!!! I love everything about it!
Hugs, Cindy
Posted by: Cindy | February 04, 2011 at 07:53 AM
Don't know which I love more the new mirror make-over or the silver platters in the rack! I have the same exact mirror need to do something - but no black accents & don't know what white would look like, might have to bring on a glaze. :)
Posted by: Karen | February 04, 2011 at 09:21 AM
Hi! I'm just coming back over to say thank you so much for linking up this gorgeousness to the party this week! We framed out our mirrors this year too and it really does make a huge difference. Thanks again!
Vanessa
Posted by: Vanessa | February 04, 2011 at 09:35 AM
Andrea, it's transformed! Beautiful job, girl! Don't you just love hot glue?
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | February 04, 2011 at 10:19 AM
Beautiful! I love the way you used the silver trays. Very pretty. I'm your newest fan and follower~
Posted by: ShawNa | February 04, 2011 at 02:18 PM
Your bathroom looks great! I love the framing project you did around the mirror! Looks fabulous painted black. And I love the silverplate pieces in there, too.
Posted by: Audrey Pettit | February 04, 2011 at 02:41 PM
Hi Andrea, I just clicked over from Show and Tell Friday and I absolutely love your blog! I am now your newest follower.
Take care,
Irma
Posted by: Irma | February 04, 2011 at 03:22 PM
Beautiful and love the silver!
Posted by: Honey | February 04, 2011 at 03:44 PM
I just love the hanging light in bathroom, I have been looking for one for my bath, Could I ask where you found it at?
Posted by: Rita Oliveira | February 04, 2011 at 05:27 PM
This looks amazing- I love how your mirror looks all framed and pretty and am LOVING those silver trays with your towels- what a fantastic idea! Well done- thank you so much for sharing this at Feathered Nest Friday :)
Posted by: Courtney | February 04, 2011 at 05:55 PM
What a wonderful way to use your silver! I would have never thought about using it in the bathroom! Gorgeous!
Posted by: Susan | February 04, 2011 at 10:32 PM
What a difference framing out that mirror made!!!! This is certainly a bathroom you can be proud of showing off,,,, I love all your elegant touches with the silver and the chandelier. Beautiful!!!!
Posted by: Janay | February 06, 2011 at 10:26 AM
This is absolutely gorgeous! I love the touches of black - we havea a lot of black in our home. The chandy absolutely makes the room!
Posted by: Liz | February 06, 2011 at 12:42 PM
Bathroom transformation is beautiful. I love all the touches of silver and the chandy. Very classy.
CAS
Posted by: Carol | February 07, 2011 at 01:13 PM
Love your blog! I have awarded you the Stylish Blogger Award… Head over to my blog to claim your award! http://boyersathome.blogspot.com/2011/02/yippee.html
Posted by: Dana | February 07, 2011 at 08:16 PM
Andrea, your "spa" bath is charming with all your new touches. Love the silver touches, especially the wall rack with the trays and towels. Great idea! ~ Sarah
Posted by: Sarah | February 10, 2011 at 08:09 PM
Wow, Your powder room is so cute! I like how you added the plateaus of silver vintage your towel. Connecting more than Debonairness, and I'm a fan of the new! and Thanks for this blog.
Posted by: Fitted kitchens | February 22, 2011 at 09:10 AM
That bathroom looks so elegant. The colors match well with those decorations you placed. Also, the mirror with the frame is indeed wonderful!
Posted by: Nolan Anderson | November 24, 2011 at 09:51 AM
Came across your picture on Pinterest and I totally want to try this on our mirror! My question is how did you deal with the clear clips? Are they still on there and the frame not flush with the mirror? Thanks!
Posted by: Mandy | December 27, 2011 at 09:41 PM
We are currently doing a "facelift" on a bathroom and today is the mirror project. It is amazing what a frame can do for an ugly builder mirror. I have gotten some great inspiration from your room! LOVE it!
Posted by: Bella Michelle | July 05, 2012 at 10:39 AM
this website is really good enough to supply the most effective to bring the simplest designer toilet radiators and is additionally adding the new nice and original radiator styles in step with its towel radiator vary , and the aim of the positioning is extremely to ensure the individuals that they'll keep the lavatory looking great.
Posted by: Bathroom radiators | July 14, 2012 at 03:59 AM
just love the brassy plate rack with the silverplate trays..I had seen your idea sometime ago posted on another site, and couldn't find it again until NOW! I actually found similar racks and have a large collection of silverplate (slight addiction)soon after I first saw your idea. new follower here
and the teapot with the tall branches is purrfect
Posted by: barbara | December 13, 2012 at 08:08 AM
Ok, I agree, and ditto all the wonderful comments from all the ladies. But I have a question, how did U reattach the mirror to the wall?? Thanks!!
I love black accessories, so love your mirror do over. We are in a big remodel and I have 3 such mirrors! (:
Also have seen or done black doors in a home instead of white? Would love to see some pictures of that!! Or a link to see...! Tks, and keep up the good work!!
Posted by: Ronada | May 05, 2013 at 10:05 PM
LOOKS GREAT.......I did the same with my bathroom mirror (thank you Rhoda), TFS, Love & Blessings to you/yours...
Posted by: Lady Delores LeBoeuf | July 13, 2013 at 12:06 AM
I have seen a lot of these mirror makeovers and yours is the most straight forward! I can actually do this! I have two hideous builder grade mirrors in my master bath that I've detested for 16 years! Enough already! I'm going to tackle this fun project this week! Thanks for the inspiration! By the way, I love toile, too and your home is beautiful!
Posted by: Katherine | October 31, 2015 at 02:19 PM
I really liked your idea, the main thing is very simple, and the mirror has changed, and the bathroom too!
Posted by: Lusytoy | June 14, 2020 at 11:31 AM