Remember how I painted that chevron ceiling in my entryway back in the winter? Well, I was all revved up to make other changes to the hallway, but then 6 months passed and nothing had happened. Whoops.
Here is a really early picture of the entry-way, pre-painted ceiling. See that small mirror on the left? Well, I had always known it was too small but hadn’t found a replacement….
… until I stumbled upon a thrift store find. This big ornate frame was sitting at my local thrift shop, just dying to be painted. I had actually picked it up months ago, but it had been sitting in my garage (see? I told you I got lazy on this hallway makeover!). Anyway, I finally got it out, dusted it off, and got to work. It was a little sad to take out the artwork (clearly a personal masterpiece by someone out there), but the floral still life just wasn’t my bag.
I wanted something aqua or minty to tie in with my blue living room. Y’all know I have hoards of paint (I always grab those mis-tints at the hardware store!), so I got out my aquas. The one on the far right was a little too bright, the spray paints weren’t quite right (too green, too blue), so I went with that minty one in the bottom left.
My painting spot? The backyard (on a sunny day with no rain in the forecast!).
I put on two coats and had to make sure to really get it into all the nooks and crannies.
Then I grabbed the measurements and went out to my local mirror guy to get a piece cut. My mirror dude is from a local framing/mirror/glass shop that has been around forever. If you don’t know of anyone if your area, ask around at the arts/framing stores and they’ll probably be able to steer you in the right direction.
It was recommended that I use clear silicone to secure the mirror, so I grabbed a small tube for $4.
I was pretty liberal with the silicone, just to make sure the mirror was really stuck in there. The silicone can be a little stinky, so make sure to do this in a well ventilated area.
And here is the finished product. I don’t have too many “after” photos since there is a part 2 to this makeover, but you can get the idea.
And because it was pretty tricky to take a photo of this mirror without actually being seen IN the mirror, you’ll get a peak at my dorky self.
The budget breakdown?
- Thrift store frame: $10
- Paint: $0 (already owned, but was originally $3 for the mis-tint)
- Piece of mirror: $17
- Silicone: $4
TOTAL: $31
Not bad for a big frame full of character. Stay tuned to see the second part of this little hallway makeover.
Any of you folks DIY’d a mirror lately? Or a favourite thrift store find? Anyone else as aqua/mint obsessed as I am? I know I can’t be the only one.
Looks great!
LOVE the color on that frame- it looks perfect! i pinned it! :)
thanks cassie!! :)
xo,
gemma
Ι think it’s great! Lovely color pic!
It’s gorgeous, I love the colour!
Thansk Nicole!! Definitely a favourite of mine too :)
xo,
gemma
Nice job! Looks really great :)
Thanks Danielle!!
xo,
gemma
Great idea and I love the colour! I just discovered a great ornate frame last night while tidying up our basement storage room – I didn’t even know we owned it! This could be just the transformation for it…
Ooooh, don’t you love it when that happens!?
xo,
gemma
Nice DIY! Btw, I’m pretty sure my parents own that exact same frame, except with a picture of us as young kids in it :P
Ha ha hilarious!! Nicer than my still life :)
Xo,
Gemma
I am so jealous right now!!! I’m looking for an ornate frame to do my grandma’s 85th birthday and I want to use it as a seating chart. Having such a hard time looking for a nice and reasonable price one in Toronto. This is such an amazing find! I like the new color you put on and you look gorgeous in the pic!
Love the mirror color. What a great mis-tint! It looks great with the shelf and the ceiling.. just read those posts too:)
Thanks!! Yeah I snagged that mis-tint as soon as I laid eyes on it.. such a good find!
xo,
gemma
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