I’m noticing a distinct trend lately among all of my projects.
First comes the idea.
Then comes the “that is going to look seriously dorky”.
Then comes, “But maybe I’ll try it anyway and if it ends up being an epic failure no one will know.”
Then comes, “Oh wait, is this actually working?”
Then comes, “Umm…but what if I’m the only one who thinks this looks good? How much photo editing can I do to pull this one off?”
So it went with my idea to attempt a DIY Trumeau Mirror!
This is our Family Room.
This doesn’t even come close to how messy it is on most days.
In your mind add in about a million tiny plastic animals, some empty bowls left over from snacks and all of the pillows off of the chairs so the rascals can play “lily pads”.
These cabinets were here when we moved in and while I know everyone and their sister (hee hee) has lighter colored cabinetry in their homes, this stuff is really nice and has wonderful pull-out drawers and according to my hubby isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
We added the floating shelves when we moved in to fill in the spaces above the built-ins.
But, it all just seemed so dark to me.
And a little bit cluttered.
And I’ve had those 4 botanical prints up there for four years AND they were up above the fireplace of our old house for 8 years so I think I’m justified in wanting a change, right?
So, I got it into my head that I might just want to do something a tad more simple and maybe a bit lighter.
That’s when I remembered how much I have always loved Trumeau Mirrors and wondered if I could attempt to make one myself. There is an awesome tutorial for how to make these over at The Idea Room if your not completely hair-brained like me and decide to pretty much just wing it!
I had an old Wal-Mart mirror tucked away that I thought might just work for the bottom and some leftover molding and trim I knew my hubby would be happy for me to use up.
The only things I purchased were the ply-wood and the little decorative ornament.
I built a small frame for the top and attached the decorative ornament with wood glue.
Then I used 2 pieces of leftover molding stacked on top of each other for some extra “umph”.
I know that some of you miter-ing wizards (Heather!) could make the corners look extra fancy but my little $10 miter saw and box just don’t “cut” when it comes to that. I’m so punny aren’t I?
The already framed Wal-Mart mirror was then just attached (I used the existing hooks to simply hang it straight onto the wood) to the bottom half and this could seriously go down as one of the easiest DIY projects ever!
A couple of coats of paint, some distressing (which I find very “distressing” by the way! It seems so wrong to sand down something that has been freshly painted!), a coat of darker stain and then all sealed up with some wax and I had myself my very own Trumeau Mirror!
It might not be the real deal and it definitely isn’t perfect, but I just love how much it brightens things up in here and softens the darker woodwork.
Before After
Now, don’t go judging my slightly uninspired Spring mantel.
I’ve been too busy building mirrors folks!
At least I got some tulips up there right?
Thanks so much for joining me at the Fence today,
This post is partying here:
The Rooster and the Hen: Repurpose Remodel Reveal
You’re Talking Too Much: Meet Me Monday
Home Stories A to Z: Tutorials and Tips Party
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday’s Treasures
Cherished Bliss: Craft and Tell
Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Ruby Jean: Sew Crafty Tuesday
DIY By Design: Winter Blues Wednesday
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesday
No Minimalist Here: Open House Party
Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
2805: Potpourri Friday
Redoux: Friday Link-Up
DIY Showoff: DIY Project Parade
The Rooster and the Hen: Repurpose Remodel Reveal
You’re Talking Too Much: Meet Me Monday
Home Stories A to Z: Tutorials and Tips Party
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday’s Treasures
Cherished Bliss: Craft and Tell
Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Ruby Jean: Sew Crafty Tuesday
DIY By Design: Winter Blues Wednesday
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesday
No Minimalist Here: Open House Party
Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
2805: Potpourri Friday
Redoux: Friday Link-Up
DIY Showoff: DIY Project Parade
Ooooh…I love it, Vanessa! You did a great job! I am a huge fan of Trumeau mirrors and have been pinning ideas to eventually make my own, too! I think I want to do one with a painting on top. Those mirrors are just so darn frenchy! Love yours!…hugs…Debbie
So simple! and the effect is huge! I always look at these mirrors and think they look totally complicated, but your simple version looks fantastic, and it really does brighten up the room. Smart move!
Beautiful mirror and it really lightens up that wall! I’m going to put this on my list to make some day.
Oh I love it. You are so clever. I never think of these things. How fun. I think it is a perfect addition to the wall. Hugs, marty
First, before I forget, congrats to you and Heather for your blog being mentioned in Romantic Homes Magazine! I haven’t had a chance to read through it but did flip through and saw so many of my bloggy friends mentioned. Well deserved attention, ladies! : )
Great job on this project, Vanessa! I see these and love the look. I think because the prices can be so high, if you can make your own that is the best way to go to have that look in your own home. It really does lighten it up and I love how your accessories look with it!
This is so pretty! You did a nice job. Love the color of the frame.
You are so funny! You totally rocked this thing out after thinking it was a dorky idea. I love it, it is fresh and clean and makes your mantel look spring like even if it’s only some tulips up there!
The mirror looks wonderful!
Oh.My.Gosh. You are killing me. I am challenged to learn how to work a screwdriver and electrical saw thingy. Seriously. Love, Me
Oh my goodness, Vanessa, I think that looks beautiful! I think it is totally awesome that you did that yourself. For me, & maybe I’m just OLD-fashioned, but I love the dark wood. I feel the different woods that people have in their homes makes such a statement & creates that eclectic, warm & inviting feel. I truly hope this obsession so many people seem to have with painting every wood piece in their home some light, chalk paint color will soon go away. I think it makes everyone’s space look the same. So, again I say, good for you for mixing it up!
CAS
This is perfect! I love how it changed the entire look of your mantle. I need some serious mantle inspiration.
Wow!!! Your mirror looks fabulous above your mantle….just gorgeous! Great job :o)
~Des
I love it! I have always wanted one of those mirrors! Maybe I can make one! Thanks for the idea!
Debbie
Vanessa this mirror turned out beautifully! It really brightens your family room!!
Bravo!
Xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Not dorky at all. It is great!
It’s beautiful Vanessa!! I had to laugh about the pillows on the floor, my kids do the same thing and it drive me craaaazy!!!!
Vanessa I am so impressed. This mirror looks amazing. It makes a huge impact over your fireplace. How did you attach the mirror to the board? I am pinning this one and putting it on my to do list.
That mirror is fabulistically gorgeous…It really lightens up the mantel…and love how the flowers reflect!
It looks fab and the price is great! ~ Maureen
i love it !!!!! ang
Love it, and what a great way to fill a large space (without spending a large wad of cash)!
That is truly beautiful! Now what kind of wax is it that you use? I’ve seen several people mention it and am clueless!
Found your blog via You’re Talking Too Much. This was a fantastic idea that I would not have thought of! I definitely does not look homemade!
Love the mirror! Changes the room completely!!
That looks great Vanessa! I have our old bath room mirror that I want to attempt a large one with sometime. One that leans on the wall.
That turned out GREAT! You did a wonderful job and it looks like an expensive piece~ xo Diana
So now I know how those mirrors are made! I love how it turned out. It looks great over your mantel. Don’t worry about the mess. We all have them whereever the tv and the kids are. ha! My sofa was a mess in my last post, but I thought….oh well. That’s life.
Absolutely gorgeous! Your living room is very gorgeous also, I love the dark wood!
Linda
https://lasteve1.blogspot.com
This is goreous, looks fabulous over your fireplace and brightens the room up!!!
XO
Kristin
That is awesome! Looks great! Now I want to make one.
your new DIY mirror
looks seriously awesome
love the detail on top
and the white finish
way to go sista!
alison
No dorks here, this mirror is rockin’!! andrea@townandprairie
It looks so good Vanessa. You did a great job. I was cracking up at your little thought process there with ideas, yes I am the same way.
It looks so cute! I love trumeau mirrors.
Katie
Beautiful, Vanessa! The mirror turned out wonderful. Congrats on At The Picket Fence being featured in Romantic Homes magazine. xo, Sherry
Ohhhh, I love …I have a deep love this project!!! Great job!
I just saw Sherry’s comment about being in Romantic Homes. Congratulations!!! I am filled with admiration that you would even attempt a project like this. Totally out of my comfort zone! I love the way it turned out. I had to laugh when you said the distressing was distressing. I agree! I hate it. Hope your week is off to a good start. Tell Heather I said hi. :o)
I love your mirror. You did a fantastic job!
This is really impressive even if you said that it was easy. The mirror looks fabulous over your mantel, and it really does brighten the room.
~Jane
Great mirror. Looks like a fine job to me.
You girls are fearless! It looks wonderful and you did a super job. It DOES really lighten up your room, and the queen of clutter gives you a thumbs up!! AND Congrats you girls on the feature in Romantic Homes…YAY!!
What an AWESOME idea! I absolutely LOVE the way you made this! I would have never thought to add the mirror like that! I am pinning this 🙂
blessings,
karianne
I love these mirrors and I never knew what they were called. And! I have always wanted to make one and just kind of figured I would “figure” it out at some point. This is wonderful, thanks for sharing! I am making a whole bunch of these to sell!
Great job on the mirror! Plus, it looks great over the mantel! Congrats on the Romantic Homes feature too! I’m so happy for you!
OMGoodness, I just purchased a mirror at our local flea market for $1 and was planning on making one! You did an excellent job and it looks beautiful. Now I can’t wait to get started on mine. Thanks for sharing yours and I hope you have a wonderful day, Gail
I love it! You almost inspired me to make one too! Almost. Unfortunately I’m not that clever. Good on you! x Julie
I’ve got a serious case of LOVIN’IT! I have a big old fat white “thang” on top of my mantel. I guess it was the builder’s vision of a mantel piece, but it just needs help. This looks great.
Your mirror looks fabulous!
Great look … impressive job. Love it.
Glad you liked my Light Fixture Cloche that was featured on DIY by Design.
Hope you will visit me sometime. I follow you and am inspired by what you do.
Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures.
It’s darling! I have a little trumeau mirror on my loooong list of to-do’s as well. Great job!! 🙂
My goodness….this is just beautiful. I love it….
Great work! The space looks light and airy
A breath of springtime!
Love trumeau mirrors and your DIY looks fabulous!!
I absolutely love this mirror. You did a great job.
I absolutely love it! The transformation of the space is stunning.
Sharon @ mrs. hines class
I love it when simple things make such a big difference! It brightens the space nicely!
WHAT A NICE IDEA, LOOKS REALLY GOOD AND BRIGHTENS YOUR SPACE VERY WELL!!
Thank you for sharing your fabulous mirror at Potpourri Friday. You are really getting handy with the tools!
Just fabulous! Thank you so much for sharing with us how you made that great-looking piece. I’m no good a mitering either…I didn’t even notice the little corner until you mentioned it. I saw your post featured over at “Common Ground” blog party…congrats!
This really makes the space. Looks like it was supposed to be there!
Looks great! I used that same applique on our bathroom project. It’s so pretty. I feel the same way when I do projects. I think it’s a normal feeling.