New Mirror New Me
The new year is always a great time for reflection and the past year went so fast I didn’t get a chance to tell my side of the story. By the end of 2022 and the new year quickly approaching, the anticipation of our new space made me feel rather anxious. It was time to set a new mood.
In 2023, home decor and interior design began trending toward natural elements in contemporary settings. This was great for me because that meant retail was actually selling things that interested me for our home. Natural textures like warm wood tones Add warmth to spaces that might otherwise be too cold, stiff, or overly modern, for our taste. For example, I recently found the mirror of my dreams at RH. The dark reclaimed wood was just what I was searching for. To add a boost of vintage texture to our builder-grade home. However, once (Mr. Frugal) got a glance at the cost. I was told that me and the mirror would have to find separate housing lol.
This is where the design geek in me and the frugal hidden contractor in him begin to work together to come up with a master plan. Once my husband saw the price tag of $2875.00. I knew he was ready to DIY the RH Reclaimed Railroad Ties Leaner Mirror himself.
Sourcing the Mirror
Finding the mirror was the most challenging part of the process. After the disappointment with the prices of mirrors at local retailers ranging from $500 to $800 for the mirror only.
I just knew he would break down and purchase the RH mirror. But nope, not at all. Then one day, one Facebook Market place search changed it all. Mr. Frugal had found a couple renovating a home and in the dining room was a humongous mirror that had been attached to the wall since 1998, and they wanted it gone for $100.00 dollars. Can you say another person’s trash is my treasure? This was the game-changing moment I he could pull it off.
THE ORIGINAL RH RECLAIMED RAILROAD TIES LEANER MIRROR
The Process of Doing it Ourselves
The entire goal was to build an oversized mirror & frame. Expecting that it could give the illusion of salvaged wood from old railway ties as if we repurposed it to create our rustic-themed mirror. The tools listed below are to build the framework of cracks, knots, and other imperfections that only age and the elements can normally impart.
List of Supplies
- Glass mirror: sourced on Facebook Marketplace
- Wood: (3) 2″x8’x10′ purchased at Home Depot
- Tool list: hammer, chisel, standard screwdriver, hole punch, hand ax, grinder, Kreg pocket hole jig, heavy-duty glass
- Installation: suction cups used for heavy glass or mirrors https://a.co/d/4dHKaOr
- Installation: j-mold mirror mount https://www.homedepot.com/p/Glacier-Bay-72-in-Silver-J-Mold-Mirror-Mount-805204/316417616
- Installation: Kraft paper used for backer https://www.homedepot.com/p/Pratt-Retail-Specialties-35-x-140-ft-Brown-Builder-s-Paper-BP1/202696165
- Stain: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Varathane-1-qt-Espresso-Classic-Interior-Wood-Stain-339719/305501997
- Our total cost: $360
“I am beyond excited to have another space to share with you Every week! Thank you for being here!”
-Sharon
