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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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March 5, 2012

DIY Trumeau Mirror

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!
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This is our Family Room.

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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.          


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 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. 
              

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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?

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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!
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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!
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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.
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                             Before                                                                         After

DSC_1043-1     DSC_1084-1

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,

1553F4F30A9801A6AFB3E9C624118E7B

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

61 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, DIY, Good Ideas

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Comments

  1. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    March 5, 2012 at 2:34 PM

    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

    Reply
  2. Courtenay@Creek Line House says

    March 5, 2012 at 2:38 PM

    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!

    Reply
  3. Katie @ Wildwood Creek says

    March 5, 2012 at 2:50 PM

    Beautiful mirror and it really lightens up that wall! I’m going to put this on my list to make some day.

    Reply
  4. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    March 5, 2012 at 3:04 PM

    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

    Reply
  5. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    March 5, 2012 at 3:14 PM

    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!

    Reply
  6. Renewed Upon a Dream says

    March 5, 2012 at 3:17 PM

    This is so pretty! You did a nice job. Love the color of the frame.

    Reply
  7. Ange says

    March 5, 2012 at 3:21 PM

    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!

    Reply
  8. gertie @ The Old Block House says

    March 5, 2012 at 3:36 PM

    The mirror looks wonderful!

    Reply
  9. Youaretalkingtoomuch.com says

    March 5, 2012 at 3:39 PM

    Oh.My.Gosh. You are killing me. I am challenged to learn how to work a screwdriver and electrical saw thingy. Seriously. Love, Me

    Reply
  10. CAS says

    March 5, 2012 at 3:51 PM

    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

    Reply
  11. Renonda says

    March 5, 2012 at 3:55 PM

    This is perfect! I love how it changed the entire look of your mantle. I need some serious mantle inspiration.

    Reply
  12. Deserae says

    March 5, 2012 at 4:10 PM

    Wow!!! Your mirror looks fabulous above your mantle….just gorgeous! Great job :o)
    ~Des

    Reply
  13. reFresh reStyle says

    March 5, 2012 at 4:29 PM

    I love it! I have always wanted one of those mirrors! Maybe I can make one! Thanks for the idea!
    Debbie

    Reply
  14. Karena says

    March 5, 2012 at 4:34 PM

    Vanessa this mirror turned out beautifully! It really brightens your family room!!
    Bravo!

    Xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

    Reply
  15. Carlene @ Organized Clutter says

    March 5, 2012 at 6:07 PM

    Not dorky at all. It is great!

    Reply
  16. Kristin says

    March 5, 2012 at 6:13 PM

    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!!!!

    Reply
  17. Judy says

    March 5, 2012 at 6:26 PM

    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.

    Reply
  18. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    March 5, 2012 at 7:00 PM

    That mirror is fabulistically gorgeous…It really lightens up the mantel…and love how the flowers reflect!

    Reply
  19. It's All Connected says

    March 5, 2012 at 7:01 PM

    It looks fab and the price is great! ~ Maureen

    Reply
  20. Anonymous says

    March 5, 2012 at 7:46 PM

    i love it !!!!! ang

    Reply
  21. Suzanne says

    March 5, 2012 at 7:58 PM

    Love it, and what a great way to fill a large space (without spending a large wad of cash)!

    Reply
  22. kelli@eatprayreadlove. says

    March 5, 2012 at 8:04 PM

    That is truly beautiful! Now what kind of wax is it that you use? I’ve seen several people mention it and am clueless!

    Reply
  23. Erica {let why lead} says

    March 5, 2012 at 8:05 PM

    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!

    Reply
  24. Jan@southernjunkin' says

    March 5, 2012 at 8:18 PM

    Love the mirror! Changes the room completely!!

    Reply
  25. Pamela says

    March 5, 2012 at 8:35 PM

    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.

    Reply
  26. NanaDiana says

    March 5, 2012 at 9:18 PM

    That turned out GREAT! You did a wonderful job and it looks like an expensive piece~ xo Diana

    Reply
  27. Kelly says

    March 5, 2012 at 9:22 PM

    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.

    Reply
  28. Linda Jordan says

    March 5, 2012 at 9:45 PM

    Absolutely gorgeous! Your living room is very gorgeous also, I love the dark wood!

    Linda
    https://lasteve1.blogspot.com

    Reply
  29. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    March 5, 2012 at 10:07 PM

    This is goreous, looks fabulous over your fireplace and brightens the room up!!!
    XO
    Kristin

    Reply
  30. Vintage Rose says

    March 5, 2012 at 10:15 PM

    That is awesome! Looks great! Now I want to make one.

    Reply
  31. Stuff and Nonsense says

    March 5, 2012 at 11:44 PM

    your new DIY mirror
    looks seriously awesome

    love the detail on top
    and the white finish

    way to go sista!

    alison

    Reply
  32. andrea says

    March 5, 2012 at 11:55 PM

    No dorks here, this mirror is rockin’!! andrea@townandprairie

    Reply
  33. Debbiedoo's says

    March 5, 2012 at 11:59 PM

    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.

    Reply
  34. Katie Sue says

    March 6, 2012 at 12:03 AM

    It looks so cute! I love trumeau mirrors.
    Katie

    Reply
  35. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    March 6, 2012 at 12:49 AM

    Beautiful, Vanessa! The mirror turned out wonderful. Congrats on At The Picket Fence being featured in Romantic Homes magazine. xo, Sherry

    Reply
  36. Val says

    March 6, 2012 at 12:54 AM

    Ohhhh, I love …I have a deep love this project!!! Great job!

    Reply
  37. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    March 6, 2012 at 2:25 AM

    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)

    Reply
  38. Sarah@budgetfriendlydecorating says

    March 6, 2012 at 2:39 AM

    I love your mirror. You did a fantastic job!

    Reply
  39. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    March 6, 2012 at 3:45 AM

    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

    Reply
  40. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    March 6, 2012 at 3:58 AM

    Great mirror. Looks like a fine job to me.

    Reply
  41. Debra @ Common Ground says

    March 6, 2012 at 4:08 AM

    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!!

    Reply
  42. thistlewoodfarm says

    March 6, 2012 at 4:30 AM

    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

    Reply
  43. Good Time Charlie says

    March 6, 2012 at 5:03 AM

    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!

    Reply
  44. Honey at 2805 says

    March 6, 2012 at 7:38 AM

    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!

    Reply
  45. Gail says

    March 6, 2012 at 9:31 AM

    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

    Reply
  46. Julie @ Knot All That I Seam says

    March 6, 2012 at 12:21 PM

    I love it! You almost inspired me to make one too! Almost. Unfortunately I’m not that clever. Good on you! x Julie

    Reply
  47. Debbie says

    March 6, 2012 at 1:00 PM

    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.

    Reply
  48. Dawn @ Redbird Cottage Art says

    March 6, 2012 at 2:37 PM

    Your mirror looks fabulous!

    Reply
  49. Audrey says

    March 7, 2012 at 4:03 AM

    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.

    Reply
  50. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    March 7, 2012 at 5:56 AM

    It’s darling! I have a little trumeau mirror on my loooong list of to-do’s as well. Great job!! 🙂

    Reply
  51. bj says

    March 7, 2012 at 6:49 PM

    My goodness….this is just beautiful. I love it….

    Reply
  52. Connie says

    March 8, 2012 at 2:26 AM

    Great work! The space looks light and airy
    A breath of springtime!

    Reply
  53. designchic says

    March 8, 2012 at 1:37 PM

    Love trumeau mirrors and your DIY looks fabulous!!

    Reply
  54. Cynthia says

    March 8, 2012 at 2:22 PM

    I absolutely love this mirror. You did a great job.

    Reply
  55. Sharon @ mrshinesclass says

    March 8, 2012 at 3:04 PM

    I absolutely love it! The transformation of the space is stunning.

    Sharon @ mrs. hines class

    Reply
  56. Cristina @ RemodelandolaCasa.com says

    March 8, 2012 at 7:25 PM

    I love it when simple things make such a big difference! It brightens the space nicely!

    Reply
  57. DELIGHTFUL CURIOSITY says

    March 8, 2012 at 11:04 PM

    WHAT A NICE IDEA, LOOKS REALLY GOOD AND BRIGHTENS YOUR SPACE VERY WELL!!

    Reply
  58. Honey at 2805 says

    March 9, 2012 at 2:31 AM

    Thank you for sharing your fabulous mirror at Potpourri Friday. You are really getting handy with the tools!

    Reply
  59. Miss Kitty says

    March 15, 2012 at 9:54 PM

    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!

    Reply
  60. Anonymous says

    March 23, 2012 at 12:38 AM

    This really makes the space. Looks like it was supposed to be there!

    Reply
  61. Loribeth says

    March 30, 2012 at 3:28 AM

    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.

    Reply

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