Title: The mirror that wanted to be a fireplace
Does your home lack architectural details and character? Patricia's project transforms a mirror from a dresser into a faux fireplace. Click above for the pics and head below for all the instructions. Give Patricia a THUMBS UP if you find this project helpful....
TOOLS:
old mirror (from a dresser)
3 thin pieces of wood
primer paint + enamel paint (blank and white)
paint brushes
sandpaper
jigsaw
hammer
hot glue sticks + gun
nails
level
“L” shaped brackets + screws
marbles
screwdriver
Lack shelf from IKEA
STEPS:
1. Separate the mirror frame from the dresser.
2. Remove the piece of wood that holds the back of the mirror and keep it apart.
3. Remove the mirror…carefully!!
4. Sand down the fireplace frame + primer + white paint.
5. Cut out the piece that was holding the back of the mirror, giving it an inverted U shape + primer + white paint.
6. Nail the inverted U shaped piece of wood to the fireplace frame.
7. Stick the marbles to the inverted U shaped piece using the glue gun.
8. Cut 2 thin pieces of wood for the sides of the fireplace + sandpaper +primer + white paint
9. Cut the remaining thin piece of wood for the bottom of the fireplace +sandpaper+ primer + black paint. Use black color to paint the back of the fireplace (wall).
10. Stick the pieces of wood (sides and bottom) to the fireplace frame using L shape metal pieces.
11. Screw the fireplace to the wall.
12. Place the Lack shelf at the top of the fireplace as a mantel.
13. Voila!!! Your old mirror-dresser turned into a fireplace!!
RESOURCES:
IKEA, for the Lack wall shelf.
Michael’s, for the marbles (I found a great deal…each bag for $1!!!)
Give Patricia a THUMBS UP if you find this project helpful....
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Very clever!
view n2denim's profile
That's Awesome!!!! I love it!
view thisbegrace's profile
It's crazy how a friend and I were just talking about how she needs a faux fire place. Whoa.
view lilacwire's profile
I love those vases with the stems. Would you be able to tell me where its from?
view Sreina26's profile
Genius!
view kellylc's profile
Very smart! I love it! And it would be cheap and easy to add moulding to the sides if someone wanted a different look!
view UWSretreat's profile
wow, what a transformation!
view SweetChicEventsChicago's profile
a faux fireplace! it's brilliant!
view sarahbarrett's profile
I am with Sreina26 - where did those wire vases come from? Love those!
view copelli21's profile
Inspirational. I'm thinking of building a faux fireplace mantle (on wheels, yet) to cover a wall heater that's as huge as it is hideous. Yes I can!
view rosenatti's profile
that's just plain awesome.
view kristykreem's profile
Nice, but I can’t stand stick, twigs, cat’s tails etc. sticking out of vases. Blech.
view Rick Roberts's profile
A great reuse! I would recommend putting something other than real candles in the fireplace, though. Someone might be tempted...
view Annieo's profile
this is such a great project! good vision.
view janewheniordercoffee's profile
holy smokes! It took me a couple of minutes to figure out what you did, what an absolutely awsome job you did!! I wish my actual fireplace looked this good =( Nice work!
view monicah's profile
I will never understand why anyone likes faux fireplaces. Guess I should sign myself as "grouchy old lady."
view williamsweyr's profile
What are the measurements of this fireplace? Looks rather small.
view springmayflowers's profile
i like the look but think you should be careful burning those candles in there!
view stylist jasmine's profile
I used to think faux fireplaces were silly, but now I see them as a sculptural item and a way to hide, distract, enhance a room. Even using it as a frame for a flat TV.
I think folks who come up with these creative ways of working with traditional objects is awesome and breaks away from the tired presumption that only the original function is the allowed life of any object. Some projects are more successful than others yet the attempts are brave and of course practice makes perfect.
view click212's profile
correction -- are awesome -- don't want the grammer police after my bum.
view click212's profile
oh no -- grammar -- sorry folks.
view click212's profile
i have been wanting to put a faux fireplace in my old victorian house apartment since i moved in! thanks!
kindly
vintagedressblog.blogspot.com
view vintagedress's profile
Very clever! Looks great!
view junklover's profile
I like this idea for a gas fireplace that needs a facelift.
view housefulloffur's profile
Cool. Love the reuse of a dresser mirror.
view bromeliad's profile
oh my god oh my god oh my god ,this is like heaven in a fireplace ,the best
view kakatroko's profile
simply the best! lot of kisses from barcelona!
view karolbelzunces's profile
I bought the bamboo poles at Pier1, and the wire vases at Old Time Pottery. Hope it helps!
Thank you for all your comments!! I really appreciate them!!;)
view Patt's profile
I love this idea!! Any chance the glass finish would work around a gas fireplace ? Or is the glue going to melt?
view yelena's profile
wow, what a great idea!! i'm inspired.....
view monalmm's profile
Beautiful!! I have a similar vanity with a mirror. Can you please tell me the width and length of the frame (where mirror use to be)
Thank you, and keep up the AMAZING work!!!!!!
view th228's profile
Nice work Patricia!! I love it! I want to buy it, is there a chance you'd sell it? Email me at timmymoore007@gmail.com.
view plastics017's profile