Apartment Therapy San Francisco | Look!: Painted Mirror

Look!: Painted Mirror

We loved the detailing on this mirror we picked up from the Alameda Flea Market last month, but it was just a little too traditional for the space we wanted to hang it in. A few quick coats of spray paint and voila, the mirror went from very-expected gold to a warm and fun yellow.

Spray paint was definitely the tool to use for this - it let us cover all the carved detailing without getting gloppy or drippy. We used a satin finish paint, and only needed about a quarter of a can, meaning this makeover was not only easy but also extremely affordable.

Comments (20)

ADORABLE!

posted by Monica on June 30th 2008 at 10:28am
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Wow! I have an identical mirror that is gold/brown and I've been debating whether or not to paint. Thanks for the inspiration!

posted by suzy8track on June 30th 2008 at 10:33am
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It's lovely!

posted by rhiana on June 30th 2008 at 10:45am
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fantastic idea...but I love the headboard reflected in the mirror even more! Where did you get it?

posted by MichelleMyBelle on June 30th 2008 at 11:01am
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I did this same exact thing the other day with high gloss red and a convex mirror. Looks great.

posted by jick on June 30th 2008 at 11:02am
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good idea, very cute

posted by Lizzykewl on June 30th 2008 at 11:17am
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love it! and i second the question on the headboard!

posted by closertotheocean on June 30th 2008 at 11:36am
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Totally awesome!

posted by danze on June 30th 2008 at 11:56am
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good work!

posted by laure on June 30th 2008 at 12:12pm
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Such an easy way to perk up a mirror. I did the same with a mirror I inherited from my grandmother. It looks incredibly current and serves as a happy reminder of her.

posted by Seaside on June 30th 2008 at 12:32pm
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What material is the frame? that plastic? wood? metal? did you sand it first?

posted by SydneyBristow on June 30th 2008 at 12:38pm
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thanks for the feedback everyone!

MichelleMyBelle and closertotheocean: the headboard reflected in the mirror is a vintage iron folding screen I spray painted and mounted to the wall - look for an upcoming post on it.

SydneyBristow: the mirror frame was painted wood - I didn't sand it, just wiped it down really well to make sure it was dust free and then spray painted it.

posted by Elizabeth on June 30th 2008 at 1:32pm
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So cute! love the yellow!

AND like the others mentioned... that folding screen is fab!

posted by sfDREW on June 30th 2008 at 4:09pm
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I bought this frame from IKEA:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00091967
and then painted it bright orange and put a mirror in it, like so:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3173/2626918515_1795f17b86.jpg
:)

posted by MarenB on June 30th 2008 at 11:46pm
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i love a quick and cheap diy! this looks so good! and the red one by MarenB is equally awesome!

posted by houseno8 on July 1st 2008 at 1:21am
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love love love the bedspread and sheets!! are they from anywhere in particular??

posted by gingerpop on July 1st 2008 at 4:47am
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The mirror looks great! And, like everyone else, I ADORE your headboard! Please let us know where we can find something similar.

Thanks.

posted by thebear on July 1st 2008 at 5:07am
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Love it! I'm so jealous of the way people on AT keep scoring with the vintage mirrors. Love the yellow too- what color and brand did you use? I just bought some orange spray paint for a project, and sadly it's much brighter than I thought it would be.

I have those same little flower dishes in coral red from a Japanese housewares store... perfect for holding earrings, rings, etc. in the bathroom or bedroom!

posted by marie516 on July 1st 2008 at 8:35am
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MarenB that is exactly what I want to do minus the orange spraypaint. Did you have to have the mirror custom made?

posted by bemyescape on July 1st 2008 at 4:06pm
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Bemyescape; yes, I had it custom made. It didn't kost much either. I think I payed about $40 for it, but I live in Norway, so perhaps it's cheaper in the states. :)

posted by MarenB on July 2nd 2008 at 3:54am
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