Bathroom Updates in Stages - Mirrors

Bathroom updates will help your bottom line if you are selling and possibly help your daily outlook as well.

Bathrooms are more than utility rooms they used to be, now we are looking for restful, spa-like area to prepare for the daily grind or recover from it; here are a few simple ideas that should not require a permit to achieve.

If your mirror is one of the builder grades--a large frameless vanity mirror as large as your vanity--there are a couple of ways to change the look. First, if you cannot, or do not want to, remove it consider finding some decorative molding mitering the corners to fit nicely and then using finishing nails, secure it to the wall. Keep the edge of the molding as close to the edge of the mirror as possible as the mirror will reflect the back of the molding. Stain or paint the molding to match your cabinets or contrast it using a color that is pleasing.

Another idea is to leave the edges of the mirror exposed but find a framed mirror of your choice to put on top of it. Use a strong glass-compatible glue sufficient to hold the weight of the new mirror and affix the framed mirror to the surface of the existing mirror. You also could hang the new mirror from just above the wall mounted mirror like a picture; use a strong ribbon, twill or some type of strap depending on the décor. You might need to apply some "quake hold" to keep the mirror from moving.

You could use an empty frame and glue it to the surface of the existing mirror, but again you will see the back of the frame, so you need to paint it out and use a clear calking around the inside of the frame to diffuse the edge. You should center the frame over the sink and consider using a metallic paint or glaze to enhance the paint color you have chosen.

When looking for a framed vanity mirror or empty frame to affix to your existing mirror, look at all shapes and sizes; try some out for a pleasing look. A square mirror turned with a corner pointed up will give you a diamond shape, which might add interest. Maybe you have a collection of mirrors that would make an interesting focal point. This might be a fun idea for a 'kid's bathroom' to have frames at various 'kid' levels and special colors for each child.