The upstairs hall bathroom has pretty much been ignored for the past nine months, other than hanging a shower curtain after we moved in and occasionally cleaning the toilet. But these builder basic mirrors have been on our hit list from day one.
It took us nearly two years to get around to updating the one in our last hall bathroom by framing it out, so we weren’t about to let these go as long.
Sherry has been on the lookout for something with a more interesting shape (round? quatrefoil? Eminem’s face?) so framing these out wasn’t our plan this time. Instead, we glanced at whatever mirrors were around when we dropped in on thrift stores or places like HomeGoods and Ikea. We managed to find one for our bathroom pretty quickly, but this room took a bit longer – especially since we needed two matching ones. We finally found two of these at HomeGoods (update: they were $69 each). Clara gave them two thumbs up and a ringing endorsement, saying “I like it because it’s like a shiny necklace!”
Installing the mirrors was easier than fiddling with one of those tiny necklace claspy things that you ladies seem to have mastered (those are an enigma to me). Down came the old mirror by unscrewing the top mirror clips and carefully sliding it out of place.
The mirrors had two D-hooks on the back, so in order to hang them I did three things:
- I used tape to temporarily mark on the side of the mirror where my screw would need to sit on the back
- I measured the distance from the edge to the D-hook
- I measured the distance between the two D-hooks
I held the first mirror in place while Sherry directed me so it was centered and not too low or too high. Then she marked the wall where my tape indicated while I continued to hold it in place. Of course, the screw was inset a bit from the edge, which is where my first measurement came in handy – allowing me to scoot my mark in to the correct spot to catch the D-ring.
I used a yardstick/level combo to mark where the other screw needed to go. The level made sure it was at the same height as my first mark, and the yardstick helped me get it exactly where it needed to be, based on my other initial measurement.
Then it was just an anchor and a screw into the wall in each spot and I was all set. Well, that and I had to repeat those steps for the second mirror, making sure it was centered and at the same height from the countertop.
One thing I appreciate about the mirrors we chose is that although they look like they’re super heavy and made of metal, they’re pretty light and it’s just the paint that makes them look like that (I think they’re really made of plaster or wood).
The last step was slipping those D-hooks on the back of the mirror over the screws and our mirrors were officially “installed.” Clara was convinced the update was just for her, since her favorite pastime as of late is playing in the sink (someone is very ready for spring so we can break out her water table again).
Although there’s plenty more to be done in this room (new lights, new faucets, non shell-shaped sinks, a new tile job down the line, perhaps an entirely tiled wall behind the mirrors someday?) the mirrors are a nice step forward.
It’s as if Clara never noticed the old mirrors were there, but now that they’re gold and necklace-y, our little magpie keeps getting distracted by her own reflection.
Is anyone else updating their bathroom mirrors? Or catching their offspring enjoying their own reflection a little too much? If you scroll back two pictures does it look like a cartoony face to you? The lights are the eyes, and the mirror is the mouth. Kinda fitting for a kids room… although those lights still have to go eventually.
Kerry says
That Clara is a DELIGHT. The mirrors DO look like necklaces and her posing is cracking me UP. What a sweetie pie — well done, Mom and Dad. Can’t wait to “meet” the Barnacle.
Katie C says
I don’t know about anyone else but I was REALLY hoping to see slim shady’s smug mug up on the wall! ;)
YoungHouseLove says
How glorious would that be?
xo
s
Heather says
Those look nice! We’re not just updating mirrors, we’re going to start building out an entire master bathroom here pretty soon. We’ve decided to build our own mirror to match the douglas fir/cherry that will be around the bathroom. A hidden cabinet will be behind it too *squee!*
YoungHouseLove says
Can’t wait to see the pictures, Heather! You guys always do such amazing work.
xo
s
heather says
I’ll take the marital “we” when we both know it’s all my husband haha. I can’t wait to see what he does, I’ve more or less told him to just “build something good looking”. From what I know now, there’s talks of a tongue and groove douglas fir ceiling with exposed beams – Scandinavian style. EEK!
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
I wish our master bath had double sinks because I would love to do something like this! Much more fun than plain old square mirrors.
Alison says
Wait a minute. Hold the phone. Is that the receipt taped onto the back of the mirror? Because if that is, then you just revolutionized my world. That would be brilliant. What DO you guys do with all your receipts, anyway? Even simple ones, like from good will or homegoods or whatever.
YoungHouseLove says
I wish we were that smart! Haha! That’s just some stickered info that came on the back of each one. I just have one big box of receipts for the year and we toss them in chronologically as we go (I label it with “2014 receipts”, drop them in as we shop, go back in for any we need and hunt around a little to find them, and then at the end of the year I usually toss them all except for a few we might need and start a box for the following year).
xo
s
Nicki says
Funny you should ask!I have all builder grades mirrors in my 3 bathrooms. I recently acquired 4 nicely framed mirrors from a consignment shop for $6 each. I am planning on using them in my bathrooms. My only dilemma is that in our master bath we have a long vanity, but only one sink, right in the middle. I was originally thinking to take down my builder mirror and hang two mirrors side by side (like you just did). but then I thought they would look stupid since there is only one sink, right in the middle. I don’t want to take down that big mirror and replace it with a smaller one because I do like having the mirror cover the expanse of the vanity. So I am now leaning towards hanging my framed mirror right over top of the bigger builder grade mirror, and spray painting the frame in a mirror finish. I wonder, what do you think you would do?
YoungHouseLove says
That sounds nice! I would hold that up and have someone snap a picture so you can try to visualize it and see what you think!
xo
s
Angel says
I totally see faces with gaping mouths! I keep a pin board where I get to put all the random stuff in which I see faces.
http://www.pinterest.com/braveangel2/food-faces/
YoungHouseLove says
Hilarious.
xo
s
Amanda says
These mirrors feel very Real Housewives of Beverly Hills to me – and I mean that in the best way possible! I love them!
YoungHouseLove says
Ha! But are they Lisa or Kyle? Maybe they’re a little kooky like Kim…
xo
s
kyle says
Eminem’s face!! Magpie!! Best.post.ever.
Jessica says
So funny you posted this as I was planning the exact same thing last night!! We are doing this type of swap in our new master bathroom. It was inspired by this pin:
http://pinterest.com/pin/55802482857395069/
Only problem is I already own one of the mirrors I want to use and can’t seem to find a Lowe’s that carries a second (since I purchased the first one over a year ago).
http://www.lowes.com/pd_313027-14089-LOW11912_0__?productId=3256810
Every other retailer wants $250 for this baby! Lowe’s only charges $70. I may have to pick a new mirror :(
YoungHouseLove says
Really pretty! I love that shape! Hope you find another one soon.
xo
s
Jen W says
Jessica, try calling the Lowe’s order line. We had trouble finding enough of the right style outdoor lights (end of the season clearance or whatever), and the phone order people located them several states away and shipped them to us. Maybe your fabulously priced clearance mirror is somewhere out there!
Jessica says
Jen W – thank you I will!!!
Sarah says
I think the mirrors were a great change! I have such a phobia of those square glued on mirrors. When I was younger my parents had a house built and so the builder grade for the bathroom had the large glued square mirror (over a double sink) in the kid bath. One night very late I went to use the bathroom closed the door and “crash boom crash!” The whole thing fell and broke all over the washroom. Haha That is one way to wake a house up at 3am…
YoungHouseLove says
Yikes! That would scare the tar out of me too.
xo
s
Leslie says
Lovely just lovely! I’m dying to frame my giant mirrors… someday :)
Gina says
Unfortunately I have not updated mine. I think my light is just like yours except one light with four globes. And one stinking huge builder grade mirror. Updating is in the plans eventually though. :)
Emily says
If only the mirrors were red, cartoony face complete. :)
Mary H says
Awe I loved that you called Clara “Magpie” that’s what we call our daughter…it’s such a sweet nickname :)
Stefanie says
The mirror/light combinations definitely reminds me of the Yip-Yips from Sesame Street! If you have no idea what I’m talking about Google it!
YoungHouseLove says
SO FUNNY!
xo
s
Michelle says
haha! Ok, you now have the coolest bathroom ever, with the yip yips greeting you when you walk in.
Brittany M says
Quick question: How do you keep up with everything you’re looking for when you go shopping? Do you carry a list or is it all in your head?
I know when I head to the store I forget half of what’s on my list and I don’t have nearly as many things to look for/buy as you. It’s mind boggling.
<3 Brittany
YoungHouseLove says
Most of it’s in my head, but I like using the reminder app on my phone for specific measurements of things (ex: I wrote down the max height and max width for bathroom mirrors so we wouldn’t accidentally buy anything that would hit the light or cover an outlet).
xo
s
KatieV says
I LOOOOVE those! I also always admire your restraint, guys. After installing such pretty mirrors like those, I would be so antsy to redo everything else, too. Patience is a virtue I do not have much of. :)
Thais says
Hahahahaha Eminem-face-shaped-mirror! Had to take a minute before reading the rest of the post!
Brushing my 4year old teeth is a challenge because she finds pulling faces at thr mirror utterly entertaining. Problem is ahe keeps closing her mouth, puting tongue on brush’s way…
YoungHouseLove says
Clara does that too! Her dentist gave us a great tip, which is to let her brush for half of the time and then we do the last half to get everything she missed. She seems to let us get away with more after having “her turn” and I think she has some pride about helping.
xo
s
Rachel K says
They’re beautiful! When we were hanging our bathroom mirror I kept telling my husband to go lower.. and lower.. I’m only 5’1″!
Tasha @ Designer Trapped in a Lawyer's Body says
I really need to go to Home Goods more often! Those mirrors are gorgeous and it’s AMAZING what a difference they make in the bathroom. And Clara is right–they do look like a piece of jewelry :) PS- we have those same Ikea stools for our twin girls. They are AWESOME.
Steph Nelson says
Is John stressed out? Been painting the office a gray color? I can’t believe how much “silver” is adorning his head! Will he soon be referred to as the silver fox?
The mirrors are nice, Clara is spot on calling them a necklace, that is exactly what they look like! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, he’s my silver fox. We joke that came in right around when Clara was born. It grows more in one section of his hairline and his sister has the same exact streak in her hair, which is really funny to us. Hair twins.
xo
s
Larissa says
There is a gigantic mirror in our bathroom that I can’t wait to frame out so I appreciate the link to the previous project. Also, I just love clicking the links to previous projects and seeing pictures Clara through the years. It’s so fun to see her grow! Can’t wait for the new guy. My boy will be 3 in April, my wedding was in April… it’s a great month.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, thanks Larissa! It’s always funny to see an old picture of Baby Clara pop up. How does time go so fast?
xo
s
Robin says
Don’t you just love how kids see / describe things … like a shiny necklace … girls got a good eye for design and a knack for translating an idea into a great description! Love the mirrors too.
I have a short cut / tip for working with d-hooks … you don’t have to measure distance between or inset distance from edge … use low tack tape to template the placement of the rings, place on wall, install screws. High five each other that the item is hung. Go on and enjoy the rest of the day :) Posted about it here with pics and a better description: http://happilyhomeafter.blogspot.com/2011/09/tips-for-working-with-d-ring-hangers.html
YoungHouseLove says
Love that tip Robin!
xo
s
Mamaw says
LOVE those mirrors! I agree with Clara, they’re beautiful, shiny necklaces.
Jess says
My friends and family all call me magpie!
YoungHouseLove says
So funny!
xo
s
Melissa says
What other stuff do you guys do with Clara inside? Do you fills the sink up and she just splashes around? My son loves to but always pours water all over the floor. This winter is so long that we are all going stur-crazy! Give us some ideas!!
YoungHouseLove says
Let’s see, we do sink playing (she’s good about knowing the water stays in the sink or we have to stop, so although we get little dribbles there’s no pouring it on the floor), and she likes puzzles and games and drawing and painting and all the other basic stuff like that (stickers and play doh too). And cooking! She loves to help. She also likes to play with a big box of ribbon I have (I break that out and she pretends it’s hair and runs around holding it, etc). Other dress-up stuff is a hit too (we have a box of dress up clothes). And bath time is a lot like water play (if she’s going stir crazy, she’s always excited to play in the tub with a bunch of bath toys). She’s also really into legos/building these days (we have small legos and those big duplo blocks, since she likes them both). And she loves to chase Burger around. Poor guy…
xo
s
Danielle says
How old is your son? I JUST saw a pin today where you put a kid in a large cardboard box (with the top panels ripped off or folded down so it remains open) and let them go crazy with crayons / markers / stickers. They have four sides and a bottom to colour on while they’re in the open box. When they’re done colouring you can always fill the box with those hollow balls they use in ball pits.
My son is almost two – we give him small rounds of play dough, stick pipecleaner in it and give him cheerios to string onto the pipe cleaner. He loves it and its good for their dexterity.
Sometimes I set up a large sheet of paper on the far end of a room and give him stickers to put on it – he has to run from me to the paper to put the stickers on, so it burns a bit of energy but this activity may only be interesting for little ones.
I have seen people make “bath paint” too by using a muffin pan and filling each cup with cheap shaving foam and then mixing in a little food colouring in. They can “paint” in the bath without damaging everything.
Pinterest has some other great ideas too :)
Cathy says
Melissa, I’m old enough to be a grandmother, but I remember those days! How about shaving cream in the tub? Rice in a container with trucks/plastic animals/dinosaurs? The rice can get a little messy, but placed in a tub on top of an old sheet, you could capture the “spills.” Kids love playing with rice. I have mine in food-saver bags in the attic just waiting for grandkids! :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Love these ideas guys!
xo
Ruth says
They look great, and how fortunate to find two of the right size, interesting shape, and great price.
You’re also fortunate in that the old ones came off so easily. All the bathroom mirrors in my house are glued onto the drywall. I framed out the ones in the master, adding shelves in the middle since it’s an enormous mirror… but haven’t tackled the others yet. I’d love to do this kind of thing in those bathrooms.
Bailey says
Awesome detail on the mirrors!
Danielle says
1. You have clearly passed on a lovely design aesthetic to your daughter – lucky girl!
2. Clara has the most beautiful hair ever!
Mollie says
color me a weirdo for making this connection (particularly since I’m not Jewish!) but the shape reminds me of a soft hamsa – which I think is a lovely symbol for your kids’ bathroom!
Hillary says
The update looks great, although being short I immediately thought of how nice it would be to hang those mirrors upside down so the little U of the mirror helped me scope out more than my face (I never know when a little one has wiped renegade schmutz on my clothes after a hug before school/work). Thank you for all the great ideas!
kellie says
Sherry – do you walk around with a tape measure in your purse constantly? I feel like I’d always have to have that with me if I were you guys! Love the mirrors!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, I have a little fabric covered one that’s cute and round (from Etsy a while ago) and I love it!
xo
s
Jennifer says
Those are cute!!
Mirrors? I’m in the middle of taking our 1968 model home master bath to 2014!! Demo day started today!! Tile is on back order and I just pulled the trigger on the vanity today! I’m my own worst client! I’m sure the contractor was thrilled when I casually told him over the phone.
YoungHouseLove says
So exciting Jennifer! Good luck with everything!
xo
s
Bridget @ DIY Playbook says
We have been tackling some mirror updates too! Not so much in the bathroom, but just like you, we find that a new mirror (or a DIY-ed mirror in our case) makes such a difference!! Love the new look!
http://www.thediyplaybook.com/2014/02/mirror-mirror-on-wall.html
YoungHouseLove says
So pretty! I love the wood grain!
xo
s
Dianne says
Mirrors: lovely. Clara conversation and actions: priceless. Clara adds SUCH welcome creative dimension to each of your posts. Can’t believe your are still flying so quickly with so many projects — as you’re so close to the birth of your “Barnacle.” Rest up, my favorite bloggers.
Heather May says
If you guys are not already listening too and appreciating the genius podcast 99% Invisible… then the most recent “quatrefoil” episode will bowl you over. It’s about the design in and behind everyday objects we tend to overlook (area code spacing anyone?) With our shared love of maps and all things geometric, I figured you should check it out.
I hope you guys love it as much as I do!
http://99percentinvisible.org/
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Heather May! It sounds awesome!
xo
s
Dominique says
I can’t wait to see what else you do to this room– so I can copy it piece by piece!
FuzzyEgg says
Nice! Have you thought about painting the cabinets a deep blue? I can picture it, and it looks nice in my head…
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh that would be pretty! We love the idea of painting them since we stained the ones in our master and our kitchen!
xo
s
aurelie says
hey guys – love watching all the house progress. and meant to say re: Target line, so excited for you both (and can’t wait to get my hands on that octopus). now that you’ve taken over Target, it’s a just a matter of time until Ikea comes a knockin’, right? I can definitely see some sort of functional/stylish item there being named for you guys…
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, the Petersnik? Or the Petersilk? People misspell our last name all the time ;)
xo
s
aurelie says
I actually had written in my comment that it would be called the Pjetersvik! But deleted it because I didn’t want to offend… but so glad we are on the same page :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I love it. Gotta get that J in there.
xo
s
Hannah B. says
Pjetersvik = comment of the day!
Jen says
Hmm… our toddlers seem to have the same idea, the sink is sooo fun, and making faces? Even better! (Ours was challenging herself with how many barrettes she could fit in her hair at one time) ;) Great score on those mirrors, beautiful!
http://freshcrush.com/2014/03/its-a-party-in-the-bathroom/
qs777 says
Love the mirrors – such a different shape than you normally see. Thanks for the D-hook tips. Those hooks are the worst since they normally aren’t level.
We are redoing our master bath right now and are actually stuck on what type of mirror to get. I would like one framed mirror going across the vanity since the bathroom is so small. DH wants 2 separate mirrors. I’m not sure if that would work out well. Any thoughts on how to solve this problem?
YoungHouseLove says
I would try getting one big one and two smaller ones from a place that takes returns (maybe Home Depot or HomeGoods or Ikea) and just holding up the different possibilities and snapping a photo. It’s sometimes easier to analyze what you like best by looking at photos (scale is easier to pick up on, etc).
xo
s
Jennifer says
We are too (demo started today!) and I can’t decide either! Ours is super small (double sinks still) and I am also thinking 1 large but conflicted!
Christi says
Death to the shell sinks! I have them in every bathroom. Boo!! Any low-cost ideas outside the usual granite or cultured marble?’
YoungHouseLove says
I have seen really cool teak or wood (that is then bar-coated) counters! Or poured concrete? Maybe a remnant from a stoneyard would be affordable too?
xo
s
Megan says
I just finished making a new counter top for our guest bath out of wood, cost about $30 + the cost of the sink ($35?). I followed the tutorial from addicted to decorating here (http://www.addicted2decorating.com/bathroom-makeover-day-2-my-35-dollar-diy-wood-countertop.html). I haven’t installed mine yet but it looks nice sitting in our basement workshop!
YoungHouseLove says
So cool! Thanks for sharing the link!
xo
s
Kal says
LOVE the shape on those mirrors.
We just did a double Home Goods Mirror replacement of our sad builder mirror, too! I wound up having to paint mine because they didn’t have 2 of the same color, but it turned out pretty (at least, we think so).
http://halffinishedhouse.blogspot.com/2014/02/mirror-mirror.html
YoungHouseLove says
Love that!
xo
s
Rebekah says
Looks great! I just revamped my half bath by taking down a 1960s lighted, mirrored cabinet over the vanity (it was rusty and the mirror on one of the doors was cracked – plus the plastic around the light was yellowed from age).
I bought a simple mirror at Target (like this one, only white http://www.target.com/p/threshold-flat-mirror-black/-/A-14194587#prodSlot=medium_1_0&term=mirror) and hung it vertically over the vanity.
It was only $35 and looks great! Amazing how such a small item can really change the look of a room!
YoungHouseLove says
Love that!
xo
s
Ashley says
Very nice! Love! Never seen that shape of mirror before – great find!
Jen says
The mirrors a beautiful! nice choice guys! Im curious if you will do a full phase one reno in here like you have done with your other bathrooms? Or will you hold off until your bigger reno phase.
YoungHouseLove says
I think we’d love to do a few easy updates (maybe lights and paint the walls) and then just hover for a while until it’s tile demo time ;)
xo,
s
Kristen says
Ugh. I’m in the process of deciding what to do in our powder room. I like the size of the big mirror with clips, but needs to be framed out. The problem is whether I should try to match the stain of the wood vanity (which I like and don’t plan to paint), or if I should frame it in white like the trim in the room. So I’m currently stalled. I hate being stalled. I keep asking, “What would the Petersiks do…”
Lee Ann says
Love these mirrors. Clara has great taste! I had to go with good-looking medicine cabinet/mirrors as some looney builder didn’t think drawers were important when he built my 1980s townhouse bathrooms. Duh? Was he not married??? Anyway, now that there is storage space, I’m ready to update the faucets, and I can’t wait to see what you use. I have the exact faucets shown in your bathroom photos. I like changing the water from hot to cold with one hand, so I’m struggling with two-handle versions vs. one-handle versions. Work on that part next, please.
Matt says
I’d just like to clarify for myself and other readers if the ACTUAL price was $149, marked down to $69, or if that is the “suggested” MSRP was $149 and HomeGoods just happens to be selling it for $69. If it is the latter, and I suspect it is, I don’t think it’s fair to readers to imply that you found a terrific sale/deal when that is always the price. I have never seen HomeGoods have such a good discount for an item that was not broken/damaged, and certainly not two identical ones. I understand you like a good deal, but it’s little inconsistencies like this that seem very shady to me. I don’t know anyone else that takes the actual price as being a “markdown” from the suggested MSRP.
YoungHouseLove says
From what I understand their “compare at” price isn’t a price that some other nicer item might be sold for, it’s the retail price of that exact item from the original vendor/maker. So a Steve Madden shoe could be sold for $19 with a compare at price of the original retail price, which was $59. Perhaps I’m misunderstanding it, though? I don’t think they can just say “other nicer things are $59 but this is $19” so the “compare at” price has to be the same merch that they’re comparing… right? Thereby making it marked down to that price from the original one on the tag?
xo,
s
Kristen says
According to their website,
““Compare At” price
If you are shopping at our stores, you will see that many products include both our selling price and a “Compare At” price. The “Compare At” price on our selling ticket reflects our evaluation of the regular, retail selling price of that or a comparable item in finer catalogs or specialty or department stores, based on our buying staff’s knowledge of what you may expect to pay in competitive national markets. It represents our effort to provide a meaningful comparison so that you, our customer, are confident that what you are purchasing from us is, indeed, real value.”
So it’s essentially what they think an item or a similar item might sell for at another store… but that’s part of their gimmick anyway – They want people to think they’re getting an amazing discount, which many times they are, even when they aren’t ALWAYS as amazing of a discount from other stores. They can pretty much say whatever compare at price they want to.
I do agree with Matt though. It just seems a little shady to call it a markdown when it was really the original Homegoods price. It’s fine with us if you get things that aren’t free or on sale :)
YoungHouseLove says
Fair enough! We had no idea they could compare things to a similar item and not an identical one (I think our advertising background made us assume that would draw “false advertising” claims). I just edited the post to remove the compare at price mention so it’s just the selling price. Never meant to be shady, and we certainly don’t want to mislead anyone – we just both believed that little sticker.
xo
s
kim says
I’m sorry, but I just can’t believe two people who worked in advertising and went to college and spend a lot of time around a lot of houswares/home decore bought that ‘compare at’ price. I’m not sure if you’re really convinced its good deal, or if you are trying to seem relatable by getting something for less but I’m left thinking there is no good reason to take advice from two people who buy home decore for a LIVING and couldn’t figure this out. I’m confident you know the difference between the quality of a $70 mirror and a $150 version. Just stop. Stop. You can afford mirrors, we all know it, just buy the things and stop making everything sound like a bargain hunt.
Signed, nearly ready to stop reading.
YoungHouseLove says
Doesn’t sound like I can say much to change your mind, since we explained that our past in advertising is what makes us believe those prices have to be regulated/substantiated to avoid fines (Overstock got sued for inflating them). A few commenters on the next page also found this extremely similar or identical mirror here for $239, which is $100 more than the compare at price.
xo
s