We’re reaching the point in our house where we’re finally trying to slowly upgrade the “we’ll-just-put-this-here- for-now-since-we-just-moved-in” phenomenon that happens when you unpack and just toss things anywhere (yes, we are just getting to this phase after over a year and a half of living here, haha). So we finally decided to address this old mirror that used to hang in our first house’s den, which we then popped above our fireplace mantel with a tiny finishing nail the first week we moved in. Why do we need to address it? Because it gotz to go. Why does it gotz to go? Because it’s way too small! Comically small. Here’s an older shot of it almost straight on. See how weensy he is? Poor guy.
We had always meant to get something bigger and upgrade, but the rest of the kitchen kept us pretty busy and then it was onto some bedroom tweaks and some bathroom upgrades and the deck so our little fireplace mirror dodged getting the boot for a while. Not the real boot (we’ll find another spot for him) but just the above-the-fireplace boot because we wanted something bigger to:
- reflect more light
- make that soothing little zone feel expanded and more defined
- bring some of the wood tones from the cork floor up onto the wall
So anyway, long story long, we had passively looked for something at local shops/thrift stores for a while and then I went rogue while John was out getting his deck-ness on and Clara was napping. I tiptoed down the hall into the guest room (which is right near Clara’s room so I had to be all stealthy-like) and decided to try the giant mirror that we had randomly leaned above an old dresser in there about a year ago.
Yup, I dragged that monster into the kitchen, got my buns up on a chair while holding said beast of a mirror, and somehow managed to lean it up on the fireplace mantel to see how I liked it. The whole leaning thing wasn’t the best look (it basically leaned so much due to the placement of an outlet on the top of the mantel that it reflected the ceiling which was ugly to the max) but the color and size were actually surprisingly good. So I left it up there to mull and ran back to the office to finish some book stuff and then John came in and said “that looks awesome – let’s hang it up.”
And then I fainted.
Ok so I didn’t really faint but I made a big show out of fake fainting because 1) John is usually very “meh” about new changes (they have to grow on him) and 2) to see some random thing I did while he was off doing other backbreaking work that is sure to lead to more backbreaking work for both of us (hanging a giant heavy mirror into thin wood paneling isn’t exactly like tapping in one tiny finishing nail) isn’t usually something he’s enthusiastic about. But he was.
So after my big fake fainting show (which by the way was not met with the right level of responsive panicking if you ask me, but that could have been due to my bad acting) I stood up and we got down to the business of hanging it. We used four heavy duty 2.5″ screws, two of which we could drive directly into studs (aka: very strong) and two of which we used heavy duty anchors to secure (just for more reinforcement and so it would hang straight and centered since the studs were in odd places and necessitated two other screws to keep things hanging straight).
But first we had to move the hanging hardware on the back of the mirror which was screwed into the back of the frame since it used to hang vertically. Since we wanted it to hang horizontally we had to move it to the other side of the frame and then we used heavy duty picture hanging wire between those two metal holders so it could be slipped over all four of the screws that we would put into the wall to hold it up. Oh and don’t mind the crazy duct tape on the back. This mirror was a $5 yard sale score a few years back and it came all taped and crazy looking in the back, but the front is significantly less ridiculous looking and it’s all very stable regardless of the anti-confidence-inspiring effect of the tape (the thing’s not about to fall apart or anything). Thank goodness.
Anyway, so we moved the hanging hardware (reusing the screw that held it into the old vertical placement and transferring it over to a horizontal placement) and then added heavy duty picture hanging wire (the strong kind, not chintzy floral wire or anything).
Isn’t she a beaut? Just kidding. Seriously, could there be more duct tape in this shot?
And here’s the hubs driving those screws into the stud and anchor set-up I mentioned.
The four-screws-plus-hanging-wire process might sound complicated, but the whole thing probably took us about twenty minutes. So it wasn’t fast like hammering in a finishing nail, but it wasn’t this crazy long process involving fancy math equations or anything. And the cool thing about adding a hanging wire is that things are a little easier to get up (it just has to catch over the screw heads but it’s not maddening like little picture hooks can be when there are multiple nails or screws (getting them all to catch at the same time can make you want to stick a spork in your eye).
The difference of a nice big mirror is crazy. It’s a little more orange than the floor so I might stain it a bit more mocha to work more seamlessly with the cork, but just having that giant reflective surface is such a huge upgrade.
Here it is from further away. The height that it adds is awesome because it balances other tall things in the room like the pantry and even the tile that goes to the ceiling on our wall with open shelves.
Oh and you’ll notice from that picture above that we got another cheap-o Urban Outfitters rug for the cooking area of the kitchen. First we moved our original one from the fireplace zone into the cooking area for a trial run (to make sure we didn’t get annoyed by it or drop stuff on it constantly) but since there’s about a foot of space around the perimeter (in front of the stove, sink, rest of the counter, etc) we didn’t have any issues, so we ordered it and there she blows.
But back to the matter mirror at hand…
I just tossed some random things up there (like this thrift store find from Atlanta with KB). But since it’s so neutral I can basically put anything up there with it – and you know I love to change things around whenever the urge strikes…
Clara photo bomb.
But seriously, just look at the difference from the little guy that we had before and our new guy above:
John says this side of the kitchen feels like “one of those homes in the Fan now” which is a downtown neighborhood with amazing architecture and all of this great large-scale character. It’s basically his way of saying that the ceiling feels high and it’s like one of those fancy rooms with good molding that are over 100 years old. I would simplify the description by just saying that this mirror bounces around approximately ten times more light, makes the room feel bigger and airier, and serves as an amazing focal point all the way from the front door. Sweet. So it’s totally one of those under-an-hour changes that just involved something we already owned (which kinda makes us mentally chide ourselves for not figuring it out sooner, but what can ya do). I’m just thankful we didn’t end up buying something new. The overall scale and the chunky wood frame are perfect – and the fact that we found it back in 2008 at a yard sale for five bucks is the icing on the cake. Woot!
We still have a few more changes we’re planning to make to this zone over time, so stay tuned for those updates as we inch along. In the meantime, are there any new mirror (or old mirror from another room) switches going on at your place? Any toddler photo bombs? Or weird mom-sneaking-around while your kiddo naps and you get a wild hair to redecorate something?
Courtney says
It looks awesome! I love the mirror stain color as is, I think it brings out some lighter/warmer tones from the floors. Isn’t it great to find something in your house rather than at a store with a huge price tag attached to it, love it when that happens. Thanks for sharing all of your home projects, you guys are so inspiring & can’t wait to get my book I pre-ordered. :)
Stefanie says
MUCH better :)
susan says
A great switch out. You have inspired me to move a too small picture over the fire place and do the switcheroo with a large mirror I have hanging on one of my walls. Great idea1
Elizabeth says
What a difference! I like! Question about your rug though…I’ve been eyeing those rugs for awhile but haven’t had the guts to purchase because I didn’t they would work on a high traffic area…Do you use a rug pad? and if so do you have any trouble with the rug flying everywhere or bunching up that you would trip on it? have you tried it on carpet? Sorry for all the questions its just hard to tell from pics if it would be the right rug for me to purchase.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes you need a nice thick rug pad. We get the best thickest ones we can find at Target so they don’t slide all over.
xo,
s
Alison says
Way better! Makes the room look so much larger!
soiledrotten.blogspot.com
Kathy says
I was so relieved to see that the mirror did not take a dive off the mantle like the big frame did off the buffet in the entry! Hooray!
Reny says
Am i the only one who thinks the old round mirror is a better partner for the fireplace? It makes the fireplace looks bigger and much more of a focal point than the big rectangle mirror. But then again to each his own taste. :)
emily @ go haus go says
I did sort of like the old (even though the scale was off) because the round mirror provided some curve to offset the square fireplace. The scale of the mirror is magical, however.
On an even more important note… maybe the duct tape is hiding an old secret stash of a multi-millions painting or hundred dollar bills!? I would investigate!!
Much love! xoxo
YoungHouseLove says
Haha I wish! Maybe there’s a treasure map back there…
xo,
s
Paige @ Little Nostalgia says
Holy mackerel, that’s a huge difference! I always thought your round mirror was fine (it didn’t look that small in pictures), but WHOA is this an upgrade.
Love. It.
Shelly says
Looks amazing!!! Just a little tip from a certified framer, you should never hang a large mirror from any kind of wire. Even though the wire may seem like it can handle it and your distribution of nails/screws will help I can’t even tell you how many of these eventually fall off the wall. One reason is because the wire snaps (even steel and coated wire) but the bigger problem is the hardware. Just because I want you guys and your wee one and little Burger to be safe, please get a 2 screw “D” ring hanger. Use one on each side with a 50 to 100lb hanger. The wire creates a pull on those little hangers and often times the entire screw and hanger will rip out of the frame taking a chunk of wood with it. Oh gosh I hope I don’t sound like a know it all, believe me I can’t build a deck or do half of the amazing things you guys do, but I’ve been framing for 15 years, I do it for designers, museums, regular folks and mirrors scare the poo out of me!!! I’ve seen so many accidents that didn’t have to happen and again I just want you guys to be safe, especially if Clara and Burger play in that area. Again, it looks fantastic! I can’t wait to buy your book!!! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Shelly! We definitely don’t want any issues so we’ll look into D-rings ASAP! Thanks for the tip.
xo,
s
James Malone says
I have a great big mirror with a fancy molding at the top that my grandmother got at Hechts back in the 40’s, unfortunately after over 60 years the wire broke and fell to the floor. It turns out the saving grace was the fancy molding, it broke the fall and consequently broke to pieces (insert super frown face of horror). Miraculously the mirror itself is fine, that was about six months ago. I’ve finally locked down a design theme for my efficiency, museum chic, however I’m so afraid to touch something that has been a part of not only my life but even my father’s life so it’s been leaning with a broken fancy thing at the top. After this post I ripped off the broken thing and tore off the butcher paper in the back and carefully took out the mirror to paint the frame a crisp white.
Thanks for the inspiration!!
Sofie says
Love it! (As well as the joke about your fainting. Hilarious!)
Yulia says
You guys a awesome! When I first read that you replaced the old small mirror, I looked at the picture and thought “that mirror looks just fine to me.” Then when I saw the upgrade I could totally appreciate what a good eye you have! Now it makes me wonder what horrible faux pas I’m committing in my house unknowingly.
Margaret says
I drool over those houses in the Fan! Just love them. We live in DC and there’s just nothing quite like that neighborhood in RVA, I dream some day we’ll live there…and then you’re welcome to house crash us! Not that I’m counting my chickens or anything :)
Ashley says
I love this look! It brings in just the right amount of warmth. We have a honker of a mirror, too, that I haven’t quite found the right place for yet…but I know I will eventually!
Zuzanna says
It might sound silly but from a certain angle it looks like the new mirror is a passage to another room ;)
Ishani Desai says
Heyy Sherry
I am a13 year old girl living in London
I saw your post about your husband John’s sister’s jewellery organiser in her cupboard
My mum just loves it and I want to gift that to her for her b’day
Pls can u reply back the name of the store
Thankss
Ishani xxx
YoungHouseLove says
I think it’s from Ikea or Bed Bath & Beyond. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Cara says
I love the mirror, but I miss the color from the blue bottles. I know, I know – give it a week and Sherry will have changed the mantles clothes anyway.
Ofelia, México City says
The “new” mirror is awesome, love the switch! And where are you gonna hang the round mirror? over the dresser or is now “resting” at the sunrrom waiting for a new place? I have an old mirror that needs some facelift, but Im still pinning new looks.
YoungHouseLove says
Totally sitting in the playroom waiting for a new spot! Will keep you posted!
xo,
s
Meghan says
Is “get a wild hair ” a saying? i feel like i always say old sayings wrong- so i am not doubting you- but i have never heard it before- it is so funny!
just had to ask.
(from: you get a wild hair to redecorate something?)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha yes, by BFF says it all the time and makes me laugh.
xo,
s
Jill says
I totally agree about it looking like a house in the fan! When I read that comment I laughed. How true! Love the look!
Lauren @ Chocolate, Cheese and Wine says
I love the contrast that the mirror frame gives. It seems to really make the mantle “pop”
Krista says
I’m in love with that ‘new’ mirror!
I have a question for you.. You half answered it for Carly up there ^^ but I’m wondering if you can tell me more about your rug pads. We just got an area rug for our living room and we have wood floors underneath. I happened to read a review of a rug pad on Lowes website that warned about putting it on wood flooring because of discoloration. Now I’m nervous but we need the padding an ‘non slip’ function!
Have you ever had any experiences like that? And what kind of pad is it–waffle-ish? Thanks so much!
YoungHouseLove says
Those are the types of pads we have used for years in our first house and this one and so far we have had no issues! Hope it helps.
xo,
s
Wendy says
Does sneaking around and completing mini improvements while the husband sleeps in, because he was up all night writing count?
If so then this morning while the hub slept, a solution popped into the brain for our recycling dilema, so I swapped around 4 cabinents in the kitchen to make space. I also made a double batch of gluten free cookies which was craving (very simple, very healthy, very easy, and way yummy!) and hauled more stuff to the basement from the kids room.
When the hub awoke he asked what I had done and then thanked me in the most sincere tone. Love the man! :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that totally counts!
xo,
s
Mrs Patty says
What a simple change, but a huge difference! It looks great in the kitchen!
Liana says
So…I’m going to go against the other comments here and say that I LOVE the original look…I love the small mirror with the taller topiaries on the sides and the bright pops of turqoise. But as they say…to each their own…so if you’re happy, then I’m happy!
Amy @ a new old house says
Love the “new” mirror- isn’t it great when you can find the perfect item right down the hall?
My only complaint is that you totally should have video taped the fake fainting for us all to see :o)
L. says
I hate to admit this although i love the new mirror look too… the way you had the old mantle decorated… I actually liked how the little guy looked and he didn’t seem so small and out of place…i guess that is the power of creative staging :)
love your website! always a pleasure!
Carley says
Clara looks so tall in that picture! She is so adorable! Oh yes, and the mirror looks great too! :)
Kelly Morley says
Weird, I think I am the only one who liked the before better. Ha!
Sarah@SBrandesDesigns says
it is amazing how such a simple change can much such a big difference! I hope you do stain it mocha bc that sounds even more ah-mazing (and it is pretty darn amazing already).
Lisa says
I liked the way you had it styled before. Sorry.
Jess says
WOW! I love it! It totally balances that area! Much much better. It also balances the amount of wall colour that was going on. I like the wall colour better now! But I don’t reckon you should stain the mirror to match the floor. I like the different brown tones. I think maybe the dark mocha could look too harsh/stark on the light walls. I like it as is :)
hmmm…just reading over my comment…morning brain spew much?!
Ally says
Our little miss fashion plate certainly picked the right skirt for a photo-bomb…the ruffled scalloped edge perfectly matches Clammy sitting there in the F/P :)
xox
YoungHouseLove says
Hahaha, so funny!
xo,
s
Krissy says
Mirrors that reflect little or only the ceiling because they are so high are a pet peeve of mine. Sowwy…had to chime in.
YoungHouseLove says
No worries Krissy, it’s hanging on the wall (straight) so it doesn’t reflect the ceiling, it actually reflects the big picture window in the dining room and the pretty ikat curtains in there! Sorry for the confusing pics though, we just shoot using a tripod so they’re shot from a lower height than a human eye line, so that’s why you see the ceiling. Hope that makes sense!
xo,
s
Blythe says
Love the mirror! I just hung a huge one over my fireplace as well.
And I just shushed my boys so they wouldn’t wake Clara up. Seriously. I think I might be the one that needs a nap!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that’s hilarious!
xo,
s
(Mostly) Happy Homemaker says
Too funny! I cannot believe you have the Lipton Sun Tea pitcher on your mantle! We still make “sun tea” with ours :) I never learned how to make it any other way. The yellow is perfect!
My dad worked for Lipton for over 25 years and we still have several of those… along with some other Lipton loot… I’ll have to show this to my parents!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so sweet! I found that at a thrift store about a month ago for a buck or two. Love it so much!
xo,
s
Arely M says
Thats great that you shopped your own home! I also went rogue on my hubby, but I bought a large clock to place over the couch between our wall shelves. I had art there, but it wasnt large enough (shorter than the vases on the shelves), and for some reason, even though the large round clock is actually smaller than the art, it looks great flanked by the shelves… I love it and am SO glad I got a little sneaky too :)!! Hehe…
YoungHouseLove says
Yay for sneaky wives! Haha.
xo,
s
Theresa Rivers says
Wow I can’t get over how much taller the room looks! Great job.
Shelley says
LOVE it! Huge improvement. Nice job guys :)
julia says
oh, nice! what a difference it makes! and i love the giant clamshell in the fireplace too :)
xo julesinflats.com
Megan says
I love it! The size is great and I like the wood tone of it. I think it looks great in the distance shots but it makes me want more contrasting tones. I bet it looks good with the new chair too!!
Wrenaria says
Looking good! Its amazing what a difference a mirror can make in a room. I like the idea of staining it darker.
Jenny says
Love it! I love “shopping” my house and mixing things up. Looks great!
Wendy says
I love natural wood and white together! That mirror looks fabulous!
Karin says
I know color doesn’t translate well over various displays, but I’d vote for not changing the color of the mirror frame. Lively is fun!
April B says
Loving the new home for your mirror – it adds some richness to your lighter space! What a relaxing space you’ve created. Is that a new ottoman or did I miss a post? :-) Ps. I grew up in RICHMOND, British Columbia, Canada! Big fan from Canada.
YoungHouseLove says
The ottoman used to be in our bedroom a while back (even in our first house). It’s from Marshall’s. It came in with our new chair, which we mentioned yesterday. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Krishna Patel says
hey! I love your blog, it is the cutest thing! I’m constantly showing my bf what you’re up to. I think he thinks I talk about you the way most girls talk about celebrities, as if we’re some how friends from way back when and I’m just keeping up with the day to day on facebook.
Anyhow – LOVE the mirror. I saw this idea — http://www.brooklynlimestone.com/2012/07/trash-to-treasure-poetic-mirror.html
on another blog and thought you may want to try it.
But it looks great as is too!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s really fun! I love it.
xo,
s
Penny Smith says
Saw this and thought of your great new chair! It would be so fun a crazy fun color like this!! And look how much THAT one is! :)
https://www.jossandmain.com/Acacia-Rosa-Rocker-in-Bluebird~EYT1092~E1822.html
And to think it has a “to size” maxi pad the it COMES with! Too funny!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha so much fun!
xo,
s
ashleigh says
where are you putting the old roundy white one? it would look really crisp against the plumage walls in the guest room where the old mirror was – i have plumage walls in our guest room too (i’m a copycat, can you blame me?) and a round white framed mirror in there is like a little zing that everyone notices when they peer in (it has more of almost celtic pattern going on on top of the actual mirror it, if that makes sense at all, so it adds some visual appeal).
the scale might be totally wrong/too small for yours buuut just a thought…it’s the first thing i thought of when i saw it.
YoungHouseLove says
Yeah it looks a little small in there so we’re going to wait for a better spot and report back!
xo,
s