A beautifully framed mirror is gorgeous and can make such a stunning focal point in a home. And with the modern Victorian trend gaining popularity, it’s becoming a must-have item. Here’s how to create your very own Antiqued Victorian Mirror as part of a gallery wall for a striking focal.

You'll need:

•     15” x 48” mirror
•     ¼” x 20” x 53 ” hardboard (Masonite)
•     2 x 78 3/4” x 4” crown moulding (use the moulded plastic version, not the foam-type)
•     5/8” x 2” x 12ft wood strips to create a support frame for the hardboard
•     1 ½” x ¼” x 53” pine lath for the pediment
•     Spray-on paint stripper
•     Anti-mould spray (hydrochloric acid and bleach mixture from your local hardware store)
•     Gold spray paint
•     Black spray paint (gloss)
•     Moulding adhesive and caulking gun
•     5/8” wood screws
•     4ft x 1” curtain rod
•     2 decorative finials
•     2 brackets *
•     Curtain rings
•     Decorative frames and objects to complete the gallery wall

You’ll also need:

•     Hand saw
•     Cloth
•     Sandpaper
•     Mitre box
•     Metal scraper
•    Gloves, mask and protective glasses

Step 1:

Lay the mirror down to expose the painted back. Put on the glasses, gloves and mask and spray the paint stripper liberally around the edges and lightly on the central part of the mirror. Wait 3-6 minutes for paint stripper to do its thing.

Step 2:

Use a metal scraper to remove paint from the mirror edges and corners. Rub the central part of the mirror lightly with sandpaper, taking care not to remove too much paint in the centre.

Step 3:

Mist the back of the mirror with anti-mould spray. Don’t use too much, as this will remove the reflective bits completely. Mist, wait a few minutes and rub lightly with a cloth and sandpaper to get the desired effect. Repeat if necessary.

Step 4:

Recover the exposed parts of the mirror with gold spray paint and leave to dry.

Step 5:

Use the handsaw and mitre box to cut the crown moulding. The interior dimensions of the frame should be ½” smaller than the mirror on all sides. This will allow the mirror to fit behind the moulding. The corners have to be cut at very precise angles, so make sure that you measure twice and cut once!

Step 6:

Spray all the pieces and allow to dry.

Step 7:

Fix the sides and bottom pieces to the hardboard, using the moulding adhesive. Once they’re in place, screw fix them from the back as well for extra support.

Fill any gaps with the moulding adhesive, using a wet cloth to wipe away any excess. Then allow to dry.

Step 8:

To create the pediment, carefully attach the side pieces to the front using with the moulding adhesive. Wipe away any excess with a damp cloth. Use clamps to keep things in place while they dry.

Step 9:

Once the moulding is secure, it’s time to install the mirror! Spread some adhesive on the hardboard and then insert the mirror into the frame by gently sliding it down from the top.

Step 10:

Next, add the pine lath at the top to secure the mirror in place. Then attach the pediment to the lath with some more moulding adhesive. Touch up any visible adhesive with paint and allow to dry.

Attach hooks to the wooden frame behind the pediment to hang the mirror from.

Install a decorative curtain pole and finish the gallery with a collection of frames, prints and paintings. Remember to add pretty finials to complete the look!

 This mirror is the perfect way to create a dramatic focal wall. We hope that this project has inspired you to create your own! For more inspiring ideas and great DIY's, have a look at our other blog posts here. And remember to check back soon for some more DIY's, trends, and alternative uses for curtain hardware. 

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