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.
Sarah @ Sarah's Daybook says
Loving that shape! I have been wondering when you would start on that bathroom :)
Sarah
http://www.sarahsdaybook.wordpress.com
Mel says
Those mirrors are amazing!
We have a GIANT mirror over our double sink vanity in our kids’ bathroom that I loathe but my husband insists on keeping it. I’m trying to smoothly talk him into framing it out like you did your mirror, but have yet to sell him on it. I think one weekend I might just lock myself in there and do it.
Great find on those mirrors and Clara is a riot!
Sarah @ Sarah's Daybook says
Oh, and what are you thinking for the lighting?
Sarah
http://www.sarahsdaybook.wordpress.com
YoungHouseLove says
I have one hair-brained idea that involves a switch of some other lights we already have (and a mini makeover before we hang them) but I have no idea if it’ll look crazy or not, so I’ll have to keep you posted! If not I think we’ll just hit up our favorite local lighting outlet to see what they have for bathroom wall lights (and check out sites like joss & main and overstock to see their stuff too).
xo
s
Heidi says
My husband thought I was crazy when we redid our half bath I refused to buy a mirror online. Instead I stalked HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, etc for a few months until I found the perfect beveled mirror (on clearance for $20!) for the space at HomeGoods. Next time we redo a bathroom I’m looking for the mirror first so we don’t have an empty spot for a few months. These are gorgeous mirrors and I would never have guessed that they were lighter mirrors.
http://jax-and-jewels.blogspot.com
Victoria says
I learned an easier way to put up mirrors solo. Use painters tape to run it along the back of the mirror and around a bit of the sides (tacky side out), over the D-rings and poke a pencil through the D-ring hole to mark the tape. Place the mirror on the wall in your desired location and place the tape that is visible on the 2 sides and stick it to the wall. Use a level to make sure the tape is level, then drill your holes (plug/screws). Hang your mirror and you are good to go. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Great tip!
xo
s
Jessica says
This tip and John’s tip have both blown my mind. You have no idea how difficult I’ve been making hanging this type of mirror/picture frame/etc. My way always involved multiple holes in the walls, slightly crooked end results, and lots and lots of frustration. Thank you both!!!
YoungHouseLove says
I’m so glad, Jessica. We’ve tried a bunch of other methods (even some weird ones, like dabbing toothpaste on the D-rings and pressing them into the wall to mark where the screws should go) but sometimes they sound like they should work but things end up crooked. This one didn’t let me down though. And Victoria’s sounds great too. Good luck with everything!
-John
Connie S. says
I agree with Jessica. Great tips! I can’t believe it’s never occurred to me to put tape on the frame to mark where the nails/screws should go! Gotta go find something to hang up now :)
Marianne in Mo. says
That’s how I do it too!
Melissa @ Loving Here says
I actually love the toothpaste method! But I’ll admit, it can leave a mess on the wall if you don’t wipe it up. This way works too, but for me the toothpaste is easier to do with just one person (I don’t usually have enough/hands coordination to handle the tape, the level, the yardstick…etc.) But, you guys make everything look easy so I might try it next time!
(Here’s how I did it for our gallery wall: http://lovinghere.com/hang-on-and-hang-up/)
YoungHouseLove says
How do you get the toothpaste to just make a dot? And ensure that it’s level when you’re pressing it in to make those toothpaste marks? Ours always makes these two big blobs and then we try to guess where the center should be (and sometimes try to use a level but the wall’s sticky so it’s not as easy) – even then it can be a little crooked. Maybe we’re putting too much on? Or our hands aren’t steady so it slips a bit on the wall and leaves too big of a clump? Are you just really good at holding it steady and pushing it once against the wall so it’s perfectly level?
xo
s
Bonnie says
great tip! For me, those D-rings are never attached at the same height and make hanging them pure misery!
Emily says
The mirrors look great but I actually have a question about yesterday’s post. The showhouse is AMAZING and I need to know about the hardwoods in the great room (brand, color, etc.) Thanks. You guys are awesome!
YoungHouseLove says
They’re solid oak floors that the builder gets from a local distributor, installs, and then stains in place (the stain color we went with is Jacobean). Not sure what the distributor’s name is though, so I just shot a text to the builder. Hope to check back in with the answer for ya!
xo
s
Kati says
Any plans for the old mirrors? I totally see frog faces with the big mirror mouths and the light eyes! Great update.
YoungHouseLove says
We’re going to donate them to Habitat I think!
xo
s
Grace says
I really like the new mirrors. I have been resisting changing out my mirror in my downstairs bath, because I keep thinking “it is a perfectly functioning mirror”. But, it is soooo boring. Seeing these really sealed the deal. Home Goods here I come!:)
Haley says
Lol, I love the cartoony face comment! Love those mirrors!
I laid a mirror down on the floor for my little one to check herself out… there was a lot of kissing herself in the mirror going on.
YoungHouseLove says
So cute!
xo
s
Karen Little says
This post made me laugh with your cute writing and the darling pics and quotes from Clara! I really like the shape and material that the mirrors are made of, too—they look lovely. I have a bit of concern (I’m a grammy, what can I say?:) with John removing a mirror without adequate eye protection. Just hoping he added that after the pic was taken. They can “pop” and send glass shards out toward the remover. Eek….I’d hate that to happen to y’all. ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Great tip! When they’re glued to the wall we hear there’s more of a worry about popping, but you’re right that even just the clipped ones can surprise you. Always better to be safe than sorry and just throw them on.
xo
s
Maureen says
I love these! I have a question, though. If I saw these, I wouldn’t have paid that price because I would have thought that was too expensive. The problem is that I wouldn’t have paid it because I wouldn’t know what a good price is for mirrors like that. I find this in a lot of my shopping. I hold off, because I think, there must be something cheaper. But that’s not always the case. Is it just simply a matter of budget and preference? Or, is there some real know-how behind this? Have you guys ever posted something about this? I know you have posted about splurges in you house like painting vs. replacing cabinets. But what about little stuff? Sorry for this long question. lol
YoungHouseLove says
I think it really helps you to figure out what a good price is for something just by keeping an eye out for a while. We had been checking out mirrors since we moved in (both for the master and this bathroom, as well as the powder room) so we had seen a bunch in that size, so we got familiar with the expensive ones (many sites like Ballard Designs or Pottery Barn sell them for $150+) vs. the price of them at outlets, flash sale sites, and places like HomeGoods (where most were in the $50-90 range). I think you’re smart to hold out if you’re not sure, but maybe if you see something you love and worry it’s too expensive it’s worth a quick search on some other sale sites or a visit or two to other nearby stores to see if your instinct is right or if they’re the lowest things you can find?
xo
s
Maureen says
Thanks Sherry! The one thing I held off on was an area rug for our living room. We will be in our house for 10 years this year. LOL. I JUST bought one this past Christmas finally after hemming and hawing about prices of rugs. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah, rugs are HARD!
xo
s
Reenie says
I think if you see something that you really like ~ get it then. Chances are it won’t be there when you do go back to get it once you’ve made up your mind. ;) (save your receipt, once you get it home and don’t like it ~ you can return it)
Love the mirrors. Great tips on hanging with D-hooks. I’ve also seen people run a light-weight wire from hook to hook ~ and hang it by the wire.
Brittany says
I don’t know, I think that you really made a mistake not choosing a mirror in the shape of Eminem’s face… hahaha. You guys always make me laugh!
Lisa@Double Door Ranch says
I agree, really a missed opportunity here…hahaha! Clara’s little mirror face is so adorable.
Becca Smith says
Actually, I kinda thought the picture with the level looked like a cartoon-y face. I’m not sure what your hand is doing to it’s left eye, though!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s pretty funny. I’m completely invading his personal space.
-John
Carol says
Clara is making the same face as the light/mirror!
susan says
You guys always find the best deals on really fab items.
You must shop a lot to be able to nab this stuff before everyone else!! What a dream job you have, especially with the lighting line, Target line and second book in the works!!
As they say, you’ve come a long way, baby!
The mirrors look great and yes, Clara, very necklace-y.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Susan!
xo
s
Laura @ Rather Square says
I love that Clara thought the mirrors looked like necklaces!
Are the vanity cabinets/drawers the same or similar to what you have in the kitchen? It looks like the same stain/tone at least. Will you be painting this down the line?
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, they seem to be the same as the other cabinetry throughout the house (we stained the kitchen ones and the vanity in the master bathroom and painted the one in the powder bath downstairs). I think we’re leaning towards paint for this one, and we’ve also debated getting or building new doors (in a cleaner more shaker style) so we’ll definitely keep you posted.
xo
s
Lindsay says
Eh I don’t care for this. I actually liked the old mirrors better and thought maybe you would frame them.
Maria SR says
I agree, I liked the old ones better. I also think the lower hight they were hung at were better, especially if you have young and/or short people in the house.
Mary | Lemon Grove Blog says
Perfection! What a difference these make. Love the photo of Clara checking for cavities :) Pssst? Has the official baby watch started yet? Aren’t y’all due pretty soon?
YoungHouseLove says
Four more weeks (around the middle of next month). Wahoo!
xo
s
Anne @ Planting Sequoias says
Clara totally steals the show! I guess the mirrors are nice too. ;)
Erin says
We are renovating our powder room right now, and I have been stalking mirrors for months! I haven’t found anything I like. I have two old mirrors that are completely wrong, so I have been brainstorming how I could DIY them into fabulousness. So far we just have a blank wall!
Aimée says
Watching Clara play in the mirror has just brought back a wonderful memory of when I was little. I used to take the small bathroom mirror and hold out flat in front of me so that it reflected the ceiling and I’d walk around the house pretending I was walking on the ceiling (a bit like in Mary Poppins!). Our house had lots of cool features like beams, a mezzanine and sloping roof so it was great fun having to pretend to hop over these obstacles walk around light fixtures, avoid the ceiling fans and take giant steps through doorways. I so used to love that game! Awww…good times… thanks for the flashback!
I think I need to get to Homegoods for a new mirror too…any excuse, right?
YoungHouseLove says
That’s such a sweet story!
xo
s
Evie says
Your memory just unearthed [oh, is that where memories live?] a childhood memory for me, Aimée! When I was little, I used to walk all around the house holding big antique glass prisms in front of my eyes, loving the feeling of daring problem solving as I worked hard to navigate the split images. Rule: no stairs. LOL
Bathroom looks great, Clara looks greater!
Haha, to me the mirrors look like they have moustaches, the way the top curves around!! They’ll make Barnacle think of his moustache man doll. John, have you considered a handlebar moustache??
YoungHouseLove says
Hilarious! I don’t know if John’s facial hair would actually facilitate a handlebar, but if anyone could rock one it’s probably J-Boom. Or Geraldo.
xo
s
Kelly Reber says
Love love love those mirrors! My favorite mirror go-to is HomeGoods for sure! Cannot wait to see what else you guys do with this bath… will the vanity be re-painted a fun color for the kiddos?
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, I think since we stained the kitchen cabinets and the vanity in the master (and painted the one in the powder room a dark color) we’re leaning towards painting these something lighter/more fun. We have also chatted about getting or building some new doors for a more clean-lined look, so we’ll have to keep you posted!
xo
s
Heather says
A wall of tile behind those mirrors would be so gorgeous.
When we remodeled my moms bathroom for Christmas, I got a great deal on a perfect mirror from target. Thanks to Cartwheel & coupons, a $40 mirror ended up costing me about $18.
http://www.bakecreatelove.com/2014/01/a-bathroom-for-christmas.html?m=1
YoungHouseLove says
Such a good deal!
xo
s
Katja @ Shift Ctrl Art says
What a great set of mirrors. I really like the shape and the frame. I have been looking for new bathroom mirrors myself as we are knee deep in our master bath remodel. I have been contemplating a couple of the ones they have at IKEA.
Jess says
I noticed that you’re using a Home Depot yardstick for measuring/leveling. I have the same one but I noticed during a marathon gallery wall hanging session that it’s not really straight. It’s got quite a bend to it. So I bought another one from Home Depot and it was the same. I ended up going to Joann Fabrics with a coupon and buying one of the heavy duty quilting yardsticks. Much sturdier and MUCH more accurate. Just thought I’d share if you were noticing the same issue!
YoungHouseLove says
What an annoying problem! Ours seems to be straight, but it’s a great tip if people are hanging things and wondering why they don’t look right. A sturdier one does sound nice.
-John
Stephanie says
Those mirrors are a wonderful addition to the bathroom!
Meghan says
I love the glam that the mirrors add to the bathroom! Whenever I’m shopping with my 4 year-old son and he sees his reflection in a mirror, he shouts “Hey good lookin’!” It cracks people up!
YoungHouseLove says
That. Is. Hilarious.
xo
s
Alison says
I do think it looks like a cartoon, but differently than you said. I think the lights are eyebrows, the mirrors are eyes, and the left sink is the mouth.
Like this looks with your head tilted 90 degrees to the right, aha: 0:3
YoungHouseLove says
Haha!
xo
s
kerri says
nice choice with the mirrors. clara sure is a cutie. can’t wait to see what else you have in store for the bathroom!
Dana says
I love the mirrors. Such a small change, but they are so pretty!
Krystianna Pinder says
I absolutely love these mirrors!
It’s amazing what a new mirror/s can do for a bathroom especially when they are not your typical bathroom mirror. I love that you guys decided to go with mirrors that are a unique shape.
I recently updated my bathroom mirror as well. I used rope and hot glued it on a square wooden frame. It gives a nautical look to our otherwise plain vanity area. It makes me feel happy whenever I look at it and all my guests think its such a cool mirror since its not typical for a bathroom.
I shared a tutorial for my mirror project here: http://pindersislandvista.blogspot.com/2014/03/diy-rope-mirror.html
Thanks for the inspiration to go even funkier for my next bathroom mirror project! :)
YoungHouseLove says
That came out so well Krystianna! Thanks for sharing the link!
xo
s
Bethany says
Love this project! It seems like it would be hard to make the rope “listen” to you, but you did an awesome job!
Cheerful Homemaker says
Our bathroom had an enormous mirror when we moved in ((3’x4′)). When we redid our bathroom we searched for an affordable mirror for months. We finally ran across one at Big Lots for $30, but the frame was ugly. My husband taped it off and spray painted the frame to match our new vanity. Much better on our wallet than any mirror from a big box store!
Jessi says
I spotted another cartoon face in the second to last pic:
mirrors = eyes
outlet = nose
left sink = open mouth
Kinda wonky and surprised.
YoungHouseLove says
So funny! Wonky & surprised is a good look.
xo
s
Mary Beth says
Love them.. Funny how just switching out those builder mirrors can make such a big difference!
I’m currently tearing out my entire bathroom right down to the drywall… Vanity, counter, sink, wallpaper.. Such a big job.
Those mirrors are really pretty and the shape gives the bathroom such character!
xoMB
http://www.hystericallyeverafter.com
Jessie says
I love the new mirrors! They are beautiful. LOL about the frog face-I missed it.
Emily Mc says
Love updating those darned builder mirrors! So easy and it is such an instant update to a bathroom. They should be banned from installing those FOR-EV-ERRR. We found ours at Kirkland’s, awesome prices and many many sizes and styles. Got a 32″ for the guest bath for $22 and a 52″ for the master for $50. They have the two D-rings too and we installed them the same way :)
YoungHouseLove says
Such steals!
xo
s
LJ says
I am in the middle of replacing our bathroom mirror, which I assumed was hanging exactly as yours were. However once we unscrewed the little clips, we sadly realized that the mirror itself was mega-uber-glued to the wall. Assuming it’s not part of some integral wall support system, any tips on how to remove it? Yknow, without incurring 7 years of bad luck ;)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s the worst! They can be really tricky (and dangerous) so I’ve seen a lot of tips like tape them off with duct tape so if they crack they’re stuck together, and of course wear safety goggles. You might want to try slipping a putty knife behind them to separate them from the wall, but I imagine the type of epoxy could change your result. Anyone have tips for LJ?
xo
s
Jill says
If you don’t mind replacing drywall, you could try cutting out mirror/drywall in one piece. I’ve seen this done w tile. It saves chipping time & mess but adds drywall repair – so really depends on “pick your poison”. Still cover the mirror in duct tape & wear safety stuff if you try it, cuz the piece will be heavy!
YoungHouseLove says
Smart!
xo
s
Jill says
Oh, & turn off the power if cutting into the wall will take you near the vanity light!
Melissa@TheChicDream says
I love those mirrors! What an interesting shape and you were so lucky to find two. I was just at HomeGoods looking for mirrors yesterday. I didn’t find anything but you know I didn’t leave their empty-handed. I wonder if anyone ever has?
YoungHouseLove says
Ha! This is a good sidebar question. Have you ever left HomeGoods empty handed? I think I have once or twice, but it’s a rare occasion. The cute little things like vases/boxes/planters tend to get me right as I’m on the way to the door.
xo
s
betty says
I’m still waiting on the day where a ‘browse’ is actually just a ‘browse’. I’ve NEVER left there empty handed hahah
Vanessa says
My husband rolls his eyes at the mere mention of Home Goods but I have come out empty handed! If I have my eye on a very specific prize (which is what it is almost every time) then I will go straight to that area, search, not find what I want, get distracted by the rainbow of pillows (they’re so PRETTY and NECESSARY… if I didn’t have about a bajillion on the couches already…) then head out. It IS possible folks!! :)
Betty says
Love the mirrors. They resemble a “hamsa”, a palm-shaped amulet popular throughout the Middle East and North Africa, and commonly used in jewelry and wall hangings.
Melissa@TheChicDream says
there, not their. Good grief!
Alli says
We are trying to get together plans to redo our downstairs/guest bathroom. My husband wants to have it done by June, but he’s not exactly jumping on the planning which is driving me nuts. Me: “how do you like this idea?” Him: “Umm, I guess I need to see another picture.” ugh, this reply to everything!
Do you have a larger photo of the jack and jill bath at the show house? That’s one that I got the above response to, lol. Even if you just posted a gallery of additional photos on facebook..?
YoungHouseLove says
There were a headboard and an uninstalled toilet in the middle of the jack and jill bath the last time we slipped through, so we didn’t take any wider shots, but by next week they should be out of there and we can share more panned out pics!
xo
s
Sara says
Wow, the mirrors make a really big difference! We’re saving for our bathroom makeover. It probably won’t be for awhile since we have to do a total makeover. We bought our house just before you moved (4/26/2013)! The tiles have snowflakes in them. SNOWFLAKES. Why, oh why. I guess in 1964 a blue sink, blue toilet and blue tub were cool but snowflake tiles? I can’t believe they were ever cool.
Great find on the mirrors! :)
Dana says
Oh, Sara! We just bought a house with blue bathroom fixtures as well (from the sixties also… sigh) and a rocking blue wallpaper to top it off. Wondering if you’ve “made it work” somehow in the meantime, before you save up for your reno? I’ll be doing some mini updates myself and would like to know if I can make a blue toilet, bathtub, and sink look somewhat modern.
Thanks!
Dana
Caroline W says
I really want to replace the mirror in our bathroom, but it’s a built in medicine cabinet. The built in part is original to the house (1937) but the mirror was replaced with this awful 1980s thing. I’ve been mulling over what I can do to fix it. I’m also looking to switch out the light fixture. Right now, it’s an awful four bulb dressing table type of light. Yuck.
Marianne in Mo. says
Love those mirrors, the shape is so pretty! Clara has good taste!
When we built our house, I opted to not have the giant builder mirrors, and bought my own. We lucked out at Hobby Lobby, finding matching mirrors on clearance for $14.99 each. Those went in the master bath. Found another style on clearance at HD for the hall bath. I always hated cleaning those big no style things in our old house! Scared they would shatter and slice me to pieces!
John says
Looks nice. Perhaps the old mirrors could be used in Clara’s room or put in her closet one on top of the other for her to use. Great article in the Richmond paper today on your products for Target.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks John!
xo
s
Valerie says
I love Clara’s fascination with the mirrors. I immediately saw a cartoon face but the mirrors are eyes, the outlet a teeny tiny nose and the closest sink a scared/surprised mouth. Cartoon faces are everywhere!
Erin says
Thanks for the hanging tutorial! We’ve had two mirrors to replace our gigantic builder grade mirror for over a year now and they’ve just been sitting on the counter in our bathroom. So bad! Maybe we’ll get around to it next month!
http://www.magentaandlime.net/2013/11/master-bath-makeover-new-floors-and.html
YoungHouseLove says
Good luck Erin!
xo
s
erin @ dfmi designs says
Love the new mirrors! Great find!
Karen says
Oh my goodness, what a great tip! We definitely will use this if we ever update/move again. We just hung our mirrors on Tuesday after a five week, 12 different mirror odyssey. I finally compromised on a “good-enough” solution much to the relief of the UPS/Fedex delivery crew. Love your new mirrors!
Richelle says
I have been stalking mirrors for months – am so jealous of your find! – and then I found a vintage mirror tucked behind the boiler in the basement. Now I just need to figure out hanging it… thanks for the great hanging tips!
Speaking of which, I have been slightly paranoid about hanging things on our plaster walls (everything it seems needs an anchor)… I think the tape method might be a good way to make 110% certain those anchors are only going in once.
and ps. the show house is STUNNING. You guys are doing such a wonderful job there.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Richelle! We had plaster walls in our first house and had great luck using heavy duty metal anchors. They were silver colored and literally made out of metal and we got them at Home Depot. We used them to hang long 72″ shelves from Ikea on a plaster wall and then filled them with plates and pictures and glasses and they held up for 6+ years (we saw them still going strong in a real estate listing!).
xo
s