Bathroom Decorating & DIY DIY Artwork & Wall Decor DIY Home Improvement DIY Projects - All DIY Projects for House Hallway Bathroom Hallway Bathroom DIY Projects Home Improvement Our House

Easy DIY Vanity Mirror With Sconces

Last Updated on April 3, 2015 by Kristi Linauer

Yesterday I got another project checked off of my bathroom remodel “to do” list.  I made a very easy DIY vanity mirror with sconces incorporated into the design.

When I switched gears from a temporary bathroom makeover to the long term bathroom remodel, I decided that with the larger vanity, I also wanted a really large mirror since large mirrors make a small bathroom feel so much bigger.  But I didn’t want to just hang a decorative framed mirror on the wall and call it good. I wanted something that would integrate with the whole design of the room (and my house), and I also wanted the sconces incorporated into the mirror design.  So I decided to frame out the mirror the same way that I’m framing out all of my doors, and add the sconces onto the frame of the mirror.  Here’s how it turned out…

Framed bathroo mirror with integrated sconces - 1

This was so unbelievably easy to do.  I already had my junction boxes in place for the sconces. I put those in way back before I installed the new drywall.  So all I had to do was cut the holes in the frame pieces to match up with the junction boxes.  l cut the side pieces to length (I used 1 x 6’s for the sides), then marked where the holes should go, and used an extra junction box as a pattern for the holes.

Framed bathroo mirror with integrated sconces - 2

Then I used my jigsaw to cut out the holes.  I attached them to the wall with construction adhesive and 2-inch finishing nails.

Framed bathroo mirror with integrated sconces - 3

Then I built the top piece out of one 1 x 6, cut to the exact width of the mirror frame, and two 1 x 2’s, cut to that same width plus one inch.  I put this top piece together on the floor, using wood glue and 2-inch finishing nails.

Framed bathroo mirror with integrated sconces - 4

And then attached it to the wall above the side pieces using construction adhesive and 2-inch finishing nails.

Framed bathroo mirror with integrated sconces - 5

Then I used wood filler on the nail holes and sanded those smooth after it was dry.  I caulked all of the joints, and then primed the whole frame (again, with my favorite oil-based primer — Zinsser Cover Stain) and painted it with my trim color (Behr Polar Bear).

At that point, I could finally install the sconces.  I had the mirror cut at a local glass and mirror company, and adhered it to the wall using mirror mastic.  (Don’t ever use regular construction adhesive for mirrors!  Glues that are not made for mirrors can affect the silver reflective backing on mirrors.)

Framed bathroo mirror with integrated sconces - 6

And to finish up the construction, and cover up the edges of the mirror, I attached some tiny trim all the way around the inside edge of the mirror frame.  (Don’t forget to paint the back of the trim before attaching it!  Some of it WILL reflect in the mirror.)

Framed bathroo mirror with integrated sconces - 7

I wish I could give you a name/link for that trim, but I couldn’t find anything that would work, so I basically ended up making my own.  I had some scraps of the panel moulding left over from the wainscoting.  That moulding looks like this…

panel moulding from Home Depot 1

So I used my table saw to cut off a small edge from that moulding to use on the mirror.

panel moulding from Home Depot 2

It worked out perfectly!  I have used that table saw constantly since I got it.  I honestly have no idea how I went so long without one!

Anyway, with a little more wood filling, sanding, priming, and painting on that small trim, it was finished.

Framed bathroo mirror with integrated sconces - 8

I love the simple design, and how the sconces are incorporated into the frame.  But most of all, I love how much bigger this room feels now that the mirror is installed!

Framed bathroo mirror with integrated sconces

Of course, now it reflects all of my unfinished projects.  🙂  I really need to get those doors finished, and you’ll notice that I still have some crown moulding missing.  I can’t install that until I build the linen storage built-in since the crown will wrap around that built-in.

There’s still plenty to do, but at least my list is getting shorter!

You Might Also Like...

64 Comments

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Mark Tisdale
    March 31, 2015 at 8:32 am

    Oh wow – love the bathroom mirror with the built in lights and the trim that echoes your door trim. It has a real highly finished classic look to it. Keep up the fab work!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Ruth
    March 31, 2015 at 8:33 am

    You did it again! I do believe this is the proverbial “frosting on the cake”. Love it!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Peggy
    March 31, 2015 at 8:37 am

    I LOVE the mirror. We are planning on a master bath redo this summer and a large framed mirror is part of my wish. Never thought of adding the lights to the mirror! Love this.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Dee
    March 31, 2015 at 8:38 am

    Now there’s a mirror I really like!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Elizabeth Mote
    March 31, 2015 at 8:41 am

    Omg I was really sad when you said you were not using the oval mirror, But whoa this is beautiful! Good call, it is all coming together and looking great!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Lisa Broussard Januska
    March 31, 2015 at 9:05 am

    Looks smashing!! I love how it will match your trim used elsewhere in your home….great job Kristi, great job!!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Carol
    March 31, 2015 at 9:05 am

    Huge success Kristi! I love it. On a side note–did you get your toilets switched out over the weekend?

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Ann
    March 31, 2015 at 9:05 am

    Very classy!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Guerrina
    March 31, 2015 at 9:05 am

    Love it and pure genius using the same style molding as the doors!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    kim
    March 31, 2015 at 9:10 am

    …beautiful…classy…forever…you will never tire of this.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Rhonda
    March 31, 2015 at 9:34 am

    Again I’m blown away by your design and talent! LOVE your bathroom! I’m always showing my husband your pictures and sharing your blog in the morning with him. It’s become our morning ritual. I can’t decide what part of your bathroom I love the most. Thanks for sharing all your hard work.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Tammy (Pa.)
    March 31, 2015 at 9:37 am

    You are unbelievable…!!! it looks fantastic…!!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sandy Poole
    March 31, 2015 at 9:43 am

    WOW! WOW! WOW!….Can you tell I love it!…That looks fabulous Dahling!!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Barbara H.
    March 31, 2015 at 9:45 am

    Beautiful. Just beautiful. Everything looks so good together. What a pro!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Val
    March 31, 2015 at 10:02 am

    Kristi, it looks great! A technical question – how do you manage to fill, caulk, prime, paint, then touch up the wall around the frame (there is white primer or paint on the wall on one of the pictures), then caulk, prime, and paint the trim? And all this in one day. What is the required time between the coats, or for the filler to dry, so you can sand it?

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi Linauer
      March 31, 2015 at 10:20 am

      Oh, this wasn’t a one-day project. I finished it yesterday, but you’ll notice in the fourth picture down, the tub skirt isn’t finished. I started this mirror project on Sunday, while I was also working on the tub skirt.

      But I do manage to get quite a bit of those things done in one day because the products I use are very quick drying. The only exception is when I need to use wood filler on the joints. I pile that up, so it takes several hours (I usually try to leave it overnight) to dry before sanding. But on regular wood filling (e.g., nail holes), that dries within about 30 minutes. The caulk I use is DAP Alex Fast Dry, and it dries within about 30 minutes and can be painted in an hour. The primer I use (Zinsser oil-based Cover Stain) takes about an hour (two or three if it’s really humid day) to dry, and then can be painted. And the Behr paint I use dries and can be recoated in about an hour. So if I get an early start on a project, it really is possible to get it all done in a day, especially if the humidity is low that day. But these projects generally are spread out over a couple of days.

      • Reply To This Comment ↓
        Val
        March 31, 2015 at 10:33 am

        It makes sense. I didn’t pay attention to the unfinished tub skirt 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Mary Anne Looby
    March 31, 2015 at 10:02 am

    OK, I think I am going to declare a Kristi Day and ask everyone who follows you to stop what they are doing at a certain time that day and bow down before you. Honestly, everything you do is fabulous, but this blew me away. It is something that you never see, so creative and beautiful. I can’t stand much more creativity, LOl. Just so you know, I just had painter paint my guest suite. It too has a small bath, with no outside light. The mirror over the vanity was a Carolina framed mirror that I have had forever and love. I will not be putting it back up. I am coping exactly what you did. The sconces are there, so I just have to disconnect them and reconnect them. I cannot wait to do this next week, as soon as my husband goes back to Cincinnati. I love, love love this. Blessings

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Gaye
    March 31, 2015 at 10:54 am

    Kristi! Wow, what a difference…love it love it…wonder woman at it again..

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jacinta
    March 31, 2015 at 11:06 am

    So impressive…it’s absolutely gorgeous! It looks like it came right off the pages of a magazine.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Cathy
      March 31, 2015 at 9:32 pm

      It looks like it should be IN the pages of a magazine—all of them!
      And the cover…..

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Marcia
    March 31, 2015 at 11:06 am

    Really, really lovely!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Pam
    March 31, 2015 at 11:09 am

    You may have answered this in the past but just how did a young woman like you are learn to do so many things?? I have often said if I had been a man I would have been a carpenter. Didn’t occur to me to BE ONE!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Karen
    March 31, 2015 at 11:11 am

    So beautiful! You inspire me – thank you for sharing your talent.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sue
    March 31, 2015 at 11:16 am

    I guess your list is getting shorter. That mirror and lamps look great and I agree that they make the bathroom appear larger. You’re in the home stretch now…

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Marianne in Mo.
    March 31, 2015 at 11:32 am

    This is AMAZING! Bravo! I see you working on that beautiful floor and all I can think is that if it were me, I would have globbed caulk, glue or shot a nail into it! I need to cover everything with heavy cardboard before I tackle a project! And I’m the tidy one in this marriage! Hubs can make a mess getting ready to start a project, kinda clutzy. ;-/!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Lori
    March 31, 2015 at 11:41 am

    Kristi, you simply blow me away! I have been in some very large, beautiful, gorgeous homes, but they seem to take on that “sterile perfect” look, if that makes any sense at all. Your work creates a beautiful, warm, inviting atmosphere, IS perfect, but perfect in such a different way! All I can think is it is because you focus on the most tiny of details and put YOURSELF into the project. It comes out perfectly, but not sterile perfect. I would take your home ANY day over a huge place! Be prepared for someone to enter your bathroom and not emerge for hours! 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Martha
    March 31, 2015 at 11:50 am

    Beautiful Kristi. Now that you have the main mirror up, are you any closer to deciding what will go on the wall of the linen corner behind the door?
    I love watching how you plan all aspects of a room and then seeing them come together step by step with everything working so beautifully together.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi Linauer
      April 1, 2015 at 7:46 am

      Yep, now that I have a more serene wall color, I’ve decided to go with the tile on the open shelves. I don’t think it’ll look too busy now.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Rebecca
    March 31, 2015 at 12:40 pm

    Congratulations Kristi1 Mirror looks fantastic. Perfect with the vanity. I had no idea that a big mirror makes a small bathroom look bigger. I will remember that because I have small bathrooms. Looking forward to Monday’s post. I cant wait to see what you accomplish over the weekend. Are you going to let Peeve help you this weekend?

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi Linauer
      April 1, 2015 at 7:47 am

      I think she’s lost interest in this project. 😀 She was only interested as long as I was keeping the door closed and wouldn’t let her in. Now that the doors stay open and she can come and go as she pleases, she’s not interested. 😀

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Tamara
    March 31, 2015 at 1:00 pm

    Kristi, I LOVE this mirror!! One of my favorite projects that you’ve done. Your bathroom is looking fantastic!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Donna
    March 31, 2015 at 1:24 pm

    Looks so nice.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Myrl
    March 31, 2015 at 2:02 pm

    I absolutely love this bathroom makeover! I have been looking for an idea for my bathroom mirror and this is it!! Thanks for sharing your makeovers with us.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Alta
    March 31, 2015 at 2:02 pm

    WOW, that is GORGEOUS!!!!! LOVE it! It’s just perfect for the room; you’ve knocked another out of the ball park, great job, Kristi!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Melissa
    March 31, 2015 at 2:20 pm

    I am so impressed with all the custom work you have done. Your finished rooms look amazing! This bathroom is truly up to the standard of your kitchen renovation. How much do you think it would have cost to have a contractor come in and do this bathroom remodel for you? Do you think you are saving 50% or more? Gorgeous job! I really love the paneling and the floor tile.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Charlotte
    March 31, 2015 at 2:27 pm

    Absolutely beautiful …..love the mirror and the sconces!!!! Great job.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Cindy
    March 31, 2015 at 2:45 pm

    Beautiful work. Love, love sconces on the sides of a bathroom mirror. So flattering.

    Have you seen this? http://www.valsparcolorforall.com/ I was so moved by it. It is a must-see for anyone but especially for a color-lover like you. 🙂

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi Linauer
      March 31, 2015 at 6:40 pm

      I love that! Matt is actually partially color blind. I’d love to get him some of those glasses, but wow…$400! Maybe one day.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Becky
    March 31, 2015 at 4:31 pm

    Kristi, I’m in awe of your talent!! I knew a plain old large mirror over your vanity was not your style, so I was eager to see what you would come up with. WOW!!!!!! So simple yet SOOOOO elegant!!!!! Can’t wait for your next post!!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kristy
    March 31, 2015 at 5:29 pm

    Don’t hate me. I LOVE everything you do and look forward to your daily posts. There was something that looked off to me about the mirror and it’s those shades. They don’t seem to go at all but it’s probably just the lighting in the photo. Otherwise I think it looks great! You’re amazing.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi Linauer
      March 31, 2015 at 6:28 pm

      I don’t hate you! I actually agree with you 🙂 I’m planning to recover the shade with another fabric. They turn way too yellow when the lights are on. I just haven’t decided what I want to cover them with (or even had a chance to look).

      • Reply To This Comment ↓
        Kristy
        April 9, 2015 at 1:59 pm

        I feel like a huge dork because I am WAY too excited you replied to me. It’s like talking to a celebrity! Lol, can’t wait to see the finished project!!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kristine Brown
    March 31, 2015 at 8:56 pm

    That bathroom is fit for a princess!!! I would LOVE to go in a bathroom like that!! Kristi you are doing a tremendous, wonderful job. (Each evening I tell my husband what you blogged in your remodel!) A very interesting topic of conversation. WOW, WOW, WOO, HOO!!! Way to go!!! I am a fan!!!

    Kristine / Pearland

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jamie
    April 1, 2015 at 8:24 am

    I love everything about this bathroom! My hubby and I just did a complete demo of our guest bath and I have been following and copying just about everything you have done. Your bathroom will have a twin. I’m wondering what you are doing about towel bars? I have always hated the look and they take up too much wall space. What I did in our master bath is hang two large white command hooks high up inside the shower for two towels to dry. You can’t see them when the curtain is open. I have open storage shelving like you are building to display clean towels. What are your plans for wet towels?

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Melissa
    April 1, 2015 at 8:57 am

    Kristi!
    I LOVE IT! But please, do something fun/”Kristi-fy” with those boring sconce shades!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    barb
    April 1, 2015 at 9:57 am

    WOW! So beautiful. Nicely executed. We’ve been in Vegas so this morning I’m catching up – love the new paint choice and the bathtub surround. As a side note, our hotel suite bathroom had double doors..we thought of you and chuckled because now we’re noticing every little piece of decorative molding on every surface! We knew we always loved molding – but now we look at it through different lenses 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    DAF
    April 1, 2015 at 11:03 am

    Hmm. Radio silent today. You aren’t going to pull another April Fool’s joke on us, are you?

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Deb
    April 1, 2015 at 12:30 pm

    I think the sconces are too low. They almost look centered. The height of the shade and the size of the base seem similar in size so they sort of over power the area. Perhaps once you have changed the shade it will change things.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Maggie
    April 1, 2015 at 4:03 pm

    Hi kristi, I posted before but it didn’t come through. I am not getting your posts every day as before. I have no idea what happened. I had to do a search for you. Actually, I was ready to track you down in Waco because i thought something happened to you or Matt when I stopped getting your blogs. Then I searched and there you were. Whew! But, is there a problem with the powers to be that disperse your blogs? I re-signed up but still nothing. Can you shed any light? I always look for you first thing every day so this is a tad upsetting. Thanks, Maggie

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Val
      April 2, 2015 at 4:01 am

      Maggie, some time ago my yahoo mailer sent Kristi’s update to the spam folder. I had to tell it it is not spam 🙂 Did you check yours?

      • Reply To This Comment ↓
        Maggie
        April 2, 2015 at 7:19 am

        Hi, I don’t use Yahoo, but I will check the spam folder anyway. Thanks. This is awful, I look forward to reading about all these fantastic projects. She’s my hero.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    JudyMae
    April 2, 2015 at 11:28 am

    The mirror and scones look really beautiful and classic. You are so creative and talented. Thank you for sharing your thought process through all of this, too.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    MCD
    April 2, 2015 at 2:15 pm

    I love love love how you explain the process! Thanks for sharing!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sharon C
    April 5, 2015 at 10:56 am

    Gorgeous, stunning, classic and your mirror definitely has the wow factor. I love it and I really love the way you incorporated the sconces into the frame….you are truly brilliant Kristi.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Gay
    May 28, 2015 at 1:52 pm

    I love you mirror frame-great job! Am planning out our bathroom remodel and would love to try this. My problem is our basement bathroom, which we are going to remodel, was previously remodeled in the 80′ s (you get the picture!) is long & skinny, carpeted, etc., with a low ceiling. Am afraid the mirror frame will overpower the.”smallness” of the room. Any suggestions?!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Marcia
    June 24, 2015 at 9:56 am

    perfect

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Truong
    November 22, 2015 at 9:32 pm

    It looks amazing! Did you use mdf to frame this mirror? If not, what kind of wood did you choose? Thanks!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Ramona
    November 13, 2016 at 1:45 pm

    Hi there, I do not see mention of your window that is now a framed pic.
    How did you deal with that?
    Sorry if I missed it somewhere.
    Ramona