Learning how to turn old frames into antique mirrors is a simple way to give secondhand picture frames a fresh purpose. With a little paint and antique mirror film, you can create decorative accents for a bedroom or hallway without using a messy chemical aging process. This project used four frames and took about 30 minutes, not including drying time.
Look for frames at thrift stores, flea markets, or antique shops. A coordinated set works well, but mismatched frames can also create an appealing collected look. Before starting, check that each frame is sturdy and that its glass fits securely.
How to Turn Old Frames into Antique Mirrors
The method has two parts: refresh the frames with paint, then apply mirror film to the glass. The film creates an aged, reflective finish while avoiding the extra steps involved in making a distressed mirror with chemicals. Always check the film packaging to confirm that it is suitable for glass and follow its specific application instructions.
Materials and supplies
- Picture frames with glass
- Paint in your preferred colors
- Medium craft brush
- Antique mirror film samples; the samples used here measured 5 by 7 inches
- Spray bottle filled with water
- Credit card or squeegee
Choose paint colors that suit the room and the style of the frames. A dark base coat can make a lighter metallic or muted color stand out when applied with a dry-brushing technique. Protect the work surface and let the paint dry fully before reassembling the frames.
1. Paint the frames
Start by removing the glass and backing from each frame. Apply a base coat; in this project, black paint was used over frames that had previously been white. Allow the coat to dry according to the paint instructions.
Once the base is dry, lightly brush on a small amount of metallic vintage gold and sage-colored paint. Wipe excess paint from the brush first, then sweep it over raised details and edges. This dry-brushed layer adds variation without completely covering the darker base. Use a light hand and build up the effect gradually.
2. Apply the antique mirror film
The project used 5-by-7-inch film samples, which cost 45 cents each. Measure the glass before buying film so you can check whether the sample size will cover it. If a frame has larger glass, choose an appropriately sized sheet rather than assuming the small samples will fit.
Spray water onto the glass and the back of the film, then position the film on the glass. Use a credit card or squeegee to press from the center toward the edges, working out trapped air bubbles. Apply steady, gentle pressure to help the film lie flat without shifting it. If the product instructions specify a different method, follow those directions.
3. Reassemble and hang
Wait until the painted frames and the glass with its film are dry. Put the glass back into each frame and secure the backing. The finished frames were hung between two closets in a guest bedroom. Before hanging, choose appropriate wall hardware and make sure it can safely support the weight of the frames.
Cost, timing, and finishing tips
Because paint already on hand was used, the materials for this project cost less than $2. The film samples were 45 cents each, and the main work took about 30 minutes; drying time adds to the overall project schedule. Actual cost and timing will vary depending on the number and size of frames and whether paint or tools need to be purchased.
- Test the paint combination on an inconspicuous area or spare piece before finishing all the frames.
- Measure each pane separately, especially if the frames are not identical.
- Keep the glass clean and dry around the edges so it fits back into the frame properly.
- Handle glass carefully, and use a stable, protected surface while applying the film.
This makeover is an accessible way to turn old frames into antique mirrors using readily available supplies and a straightforward process. With a carefully applied coat of paint, a few pieces of mirror film, and secure hanging hardware, secondhand frames can become coordinated decorative accents for a guest room or another area of the home.
Other creators featured in the related Trash to Treasure transformations: Artsy Chicks Rule, Prodigal Pieces, Confessions of a Serial DIYer, and Girl in the Garage.
