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How to add a mirror to a frame

13 years ago

Hello,

I am looking to fill the space on either side of my dining hutch until I find the right artwork. I have 2 empty frames that are the perfect size, and I would like to add mirrors to the frames for now (until I find prints I like or something else that works better in the space). I would like to do this as cheap as possible as it may be temporary. It does not have to be a high quality mirror--plastic would be fine as the space it will be in is not well lit.

Is there a cheap way to get mirrors to fit the frames? I tried googling and kept finding ideas on how to frame an existing mirror rather than how to add a mirror to an existing frame. The frames are an odd size--approximately 21x31.

thanks so much, Kristine

Featured Answer

bigdoglover

13 years ago

I think you just have to go to a glass store and have them put their least expensive mirror in there, since it will have to be cut. Others probably have more creative ideas.

I've heard you should put black felt between the edge of the mirror, where it goes against the back of the frame, otherwise the back of the frame will be reflected in the mirror.

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Comments (9)

User
13 years ago
Two suggestions, you may be able to find some inexpensive mirrors at the local Good Will or Salvation Army in the sizes you need then you can just transfer them over. If you really want to go cheap though, I'd suggest buying some cool wrapping paper or even fabric that you like and framing it instead. Here's a sample of what I did in our office with a napkin from Pottery Barn Outlet, I used the other napkins from the pack for the valance. I paid 10.00 for the frame and 9.00 for the napkins. Much cheaper than mirror would have cost.
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kristinekr
Original Author
13 years ago
thanks for the suggestions. I will check a glass store for prices--and Lurkkish--love those napkins--so cheery! Did you stitch them together for the valance?

I am going to check the craft store to see if they have any cheap "sheet" type mirror material---and check if there is anything else that will work.
User
13 years ago
Thanks Kristine, nope, I probably should, but I just hung them up them up there on a whim and liked it. As an after thought, what size are your frames? Would mirror tiles work? You know they have them at the hardware store for pretty cheap.
les917
13 years ago
You could try having regular glass cut for the frame at Hobby Lobby (pretty inexpensive for the regular glass) and then use this on the reverse side of the glass:

krylon looking glass paint

It should give you the effect you want at a very affordable price,I would think cheaper than buying mirrors and a better look than the acrylic mirror product.
franksmom_2010
13 years ago
I had two mirrors cut and installed into vintage frames for less than $20. I'd just take your measurements and call a few glass shops and see what they charge. It might be much less than you think.
luckygal
13 years ago
We've had mirrors added to frames several times and the glass store used leftover pieces from other jobs so it was quite inexpensive.
yayagal
13 years ago
Thanks Les for that Krylon mirror spray, I never saw it before and I have just the place to try it out.
kristinekr
Original Author
13 years ago
thank you all-for some reason I thought glass shops would be very expensive. I am going to check out the mirror spray and mirror tiles idea too.

Now, I just have to wait for the chairs to arrive to see if they will even work--if not--I am back to the drawing board as far as what I need to flank my hutch.

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