opening 

DIY lighting around the mirror. How to make a mirror with LED light? The nuances of using a mirror with lighting in the bathroom

It is unlikely that there will be such an apartment in which there would be no mirrors. All human life is accompanied by these reflective glasses. Leaving the room on the street, everyone will definitely look at how he looks. Well, for a woman, often spending a lot of time in front of him is almost a vital necessity.

Of course, for most men this is not so important, but, on the other hand, how to imagine the same shaving, morning toilet without a mirror in the bathroom? And of course, everyone wants it to look aesthetically pleasing and beautiful. Of course, you can order a mirror of any curly shape, but still, by far the most interesting and non-standard option is its backlight.

However, for many, the purchase of finished glass can be too expensive, and therefore we will try to figure out how difficult it is to make a do-it-yourself illuminated mirror for a bathroom or hallway.

First you need to decide in which room you need a mirror and what type of lighting will be used.

Types of mirror illumination

This work can be performed in three specific versions or in a combination of several of them. The main types of illumination are as follows:

  • Spots at the top or sides of the mirrors. Such lamps can be rotated, thereby it becomes possible to direct the light flux to a particular area. They are produced in various designs, both in a single version with adjustment, and in the form of small sconces with 2, 3 or 4 lamps, which can be directed independently of each other. With such a backlight, you can illuminate the person standing in front of the mirror or a certain part of the room.
  • In the form of LEDs placed behind the mirror and directed outward. With this option, the light flux is directed to the person standing in front of him, perfectly illuminating the face. The illumination of the mirror in the bathroom made in this way will be very functional.
  • LED lighting in the form of a tape is also located behind the mirror, but the direction of the light flux is opposite to the second option. Such lighting performs only a decorative function, gives the glass an unusual look and, when installed in a bathroom or hallway, decorates the interior.

Well, now it makes sense to consider making each of the types separately with your own hands.


Spots

This type of lighting is the easiest to manufacture. The main thing that is needed is to calculate the number of spotlights, the total lighting power, and, depending on it, choose the thickness of the wiring section.

After acquiring the necessary parts, you can proceed with the installation. The mirror to be illuminated should already be in its place, or its exact location should be noted. It is also necessary to note the places of the future location of the spots, and then dismantle the glass in order to avoid damage to it. It is possible to bring wiring both in special boxes and hidden, by gating, which is more acceptable.

After laying the wires, the shtrabs are puttied, cosmetic finishing is performed. Well, now it remains only to fix the spots in their places and hang the mirror.

This option requires more effort. First you need to order a mirror with a frosted glass frame around the perimeter. Of course, you can remove the inner mirror layer yourself, but this will require additional tools, although such work is not too complicated. The main thing is accuracy, because glass is a rather fragile material.


To do this, you will need a sandblaster with a compressor, reinforced tape and, of course, an accompanying tool in the form of a metal ruler, knife, etc.

Having turned the mirror over, on its back part it is necessary to mark the boundaries of the future matte surface and, leaving them uncovered, glue the rest of the surface with reinforced tape. After that, using a sandblasting machine, the reflective layer is removed from the unprotected reflector.

Next, a frame is made of thick plywood or boards (the thickness is chosen by the master, based on his preferences). Its size should be such that the mirror fits exactly inside. It is assembled using liquid nails and screws, it does not hurt to fasten it with metal corners. It is also necessary to fix the furniture corners from the inside, on which the canvas will lie.

An LED strip is attached to the wall around the perimeter. The power supply for it can be hidden behind a false ceiling or in another convenient place where water will not get.

It remains to fix the plywood frame on the wall in any convenient way, insert the mirror into place, securing it with wooden glazing beads, and enjoy the resulting product.

Decorative lighting


 DIY decorative mirror lighting

This option is a little simpler than the previous one, since special preparation of the mirror sheet is not required. It will take the manufacture of almost the same plywood frame, with the only difference being that it should be smaller than glass. It should be 2–4 cm larger on all sides around the perimeter. A wooden base is attached to the inside of the mirror with liquid nails, and an LED strip is glued from the outer end of it.

After complete drying, the mirror is hung in its place and the power is connected. On this, in fact, the work on making a mirror with illumination with your own hands is over.

Of course, everyone can come up with their own lighting options, here, of course, you need to rely on your imagination, but we discussed the main, basic lighting options.

Basic Rules

The basic rules that you need to know in order to make a mirror with LED backlight with your own hands:

  • compliance with safety regulations when working with glass;
  • knowledge of the principles of electrical safety when connecting the power supply, as well as attention to its location - water should not get on it. Doing so may cause a short circuit, device burnout, or electric shock;
  • accuracy and care at each stage of production and strict adherence to instructions.

And then you get a wonderful hand-made product that will delight you with its appearance and functionality for many years.

The illuminated mirror looks elegant and aesthetically pleasing. Such a product can be hung over the dressing table in the bedroom, in the hallway and in the bathroom. For self-production of an interior item, special skill is not required. Today we will take a step-by-step look at how to make a mirror with your own hands.

Choosing a design for creating an illuminated mirror

There are several design options that can be used to create a product (the color will depend on the interior or your idea):

  1. Rectangular dressing room mirror with lamps on the facade frame.
  2. Rectangular or round mirror illuminated behind a mirror of conventional or LED lamps.
  3. Product with LED strip lighting.
  4. Decorative mirror, as a decoration, on the canvas.

Whatever design you choose, you first need to decide on the size and purpose of the item. For example, if the product is made in a bathroom or in a room with high humidity, then you should not choose incandescent lamps. This is where LED lighting comes in handy.

TIP: when making a dressing room mirror, it must be taken into account that hot elements can cause burns.

Preparation of materials and tools

Not everyone in the house has special carpentry tools, so we will choose a material that does not need to be processed for a long time. To begin with, let's prepare a number of common tools for the first three design options:

  1. LED lamps frosted or tape.
  2. Mirror.
  3. Cartridges with an E27 or E14 base - the quantity will depend on the size of the product.
  4. Electrical cord, plug and switch.
  5. For the box, we choose a furniture wooden shield, which we first saw into 8 rectangular planks. We make the size according to the parameters of the mirror. For a more aesthetic look, you can cut the edges on 4 parts at an angle of 45 degrees. You can sand the edges with sandpaper.
  6. Box cover. It is recommended to choose: stain of any color, enamel or furniture varnish.
  7. Metal corners and strips, self-tapping screws and a screwdriver.
  8. Wood drill 38 mm.
  9. Wall mounts.

TIP: for the third option, instead of a wooden box, you can take a narrow metal (plastic) frame, on which a mirror will be attached using furniture glue.

For the latter method, you need to purchase a thin mirror and a diamond to cut out the necessary shapes. You will also have to buy holders and a canvas on which you want to install reflective elements. The canvas can be wooden or plastic.

How to assemble the product

Having prepared all the necessary ingredients, we proceed to the assembly of a backlit mirror in the bathroom with our own hands.

1 design option. We fasten the carved wooden parts with metal plates on the back of the work. You should make a hollow along the inner edge of the frame. Next, we cover the product with the selected paint.

TIP: for a more beautiful effect, the coating is applied in several layers. If you choose a varnish coating, then you should make sure that it is heat resistant.

We make holes for cartridges. The distance between the holes should be at least 12-15 cm. Then we install the base and bring wires to each. Should be a chain.

TIP: in order for the light not to hit your eyes when using the item, it is recommended to put a few lamps or make double parallel wiring. In the latter case, the cartridges are connected through one, and a separate switch must be placed on each circuit.

How to make a mirror with light bulbs with your own hands? After the installation of electrical elements, it is necessary to hide the exposed contacts under adhesive tape or cover with tow. We fix the remaining wooden parts with corners perpendicular to the frame and fix the mirror sheet. It can be planted on the furniture edge or reinforced with plates.

We got a make-up mirror with lighting on the wall, made by hand.

2 design option. First, the box is knocked down. It should be smaller than the mirror canvas in size. We fasten the lamps around the perimeter, as well as in the first method. It must be remembered that the light elements should be located on the outer edge of the box. The mirror is glued on top of the box with furniture glue.

TIP: backlighting does not have to be done from 4 sides. Some craftsmen fix the lighting only on two sides.

3 design options. It is done in the same way as the second one, only LED strip is glued instead of lamps. The tape can be fixed on the mirror itself with bulbs around the perimeter, made by yourself, on its back side, pick up the mount to the wall and use the product. Before cutting a piece of tape from a roll, you need to know how to do it correctly.

Some tapes are sold with a self-adhesive backing. If it is missing, it is recommended to use double-sided tape for installation.

4 design options. How to make a mirror with light bulbs? Here you need to pick up a canvas on which several pre-cut mirrors are attached. The graphic contours of the reflective details depend on your imagination and skill. For the first time, try making some triangles (circles, rectangles, any simple shape will do). Holes are made on the canvas for wiring, in the places where the mirror parts are attached. Then the LED strip is glued to the back of each element. Cords are brought out for the base.

TIP: you can stick the tape around the perimeter or on both sides of the canvas itself, then the mirror fragments are simply glued to the furniture glue to the base.

Reflective parts are mounted to the shield using special fasteners.

Such decoration can be placed in any interior of the house or office.

Decoration features

  1. If you want to make an oval or round mirror with your own hands, choose the third manufacturing method.
  2. You can stick a mirror on any base (option 4) and fix the LED strip on the canvas. Beautifully reflective surfaces look on glass, on colored plastic, on metal. When choosing an adhesive, check with the seller which one is best suited for your case.
  3. If you have problems with the installation of electrical components, consult with professionals. They will tell you the best way to wire.
  4. Do not forget that the light from the mirror should not shine into the eyes.
  5. There is a large color palette of light bulbs and ribbons that can be used when decorating. You can combine several colors.

The nuances of using a mirror with lighting in the bathroom

  1. Before manufacturing a product in the bathroom, it is necessary to determine its location. This will depend on the dimensions of the product.
  2. It is also worth paying attention to the intensity of lighting, this will be reflected in the selection and number of lamps.
  3. It is not recommended to mount electrical parts near water.
  4. When choosing a material, you should take into account the increased humidity in the room. Chipboard and MDF suffer greatly from fumes and fumes. Over time, they swell, and the product loses its original appearance. Some metals are afraid of moisture, this should be remembered when preparing.
  5. When assembling, it is necessary to isolate all contacts and place them in sealed pipes or cable channels (in some cases, the wires can be covered with sealant).

Without a mirror in our life is impossible. In shopping centers it is possible to find hundreds of modifications of this necessary interior element. There are, among other things, samples with numerous types of illumination.

What is the backlight for?

Highlighting in general is considered an exclusively decorating component. However, in special cases, backlighting also plays a useful role. The decorative illumination is mounted in a mirror. Multifunctional - illuminates the faces presented in front of him.

Industrial reflective glass is quite expensive and rarely meets the tastes of buyers. In this case, it is possible to make a backlit mirror yourself, and such work will save you from unnecessary costs.

How to do?

Makeup and mirrors of another direction with integrated LED backlighting are gaining more and more popularity due to the combination of many factors: futuristic design, ease of use, lack of obvious (external) light bulbs.

To make a mirror with built-in LED lighting yourself, you will need:

  • A custom-made glass-making studio mirror based on silicate glass with an alloy by sandblasting and, if necessary, holes for mounting the mirror on the wall.
  • Light-emitting diode (LED) tape of the required length, power and degree of protection against moisture.

  • Power supply for LED strips with optimum output and external dimensions.
  • Installation cables with a cross section of approximately 0.5 sq. mm in order to connect the tapes to the power supply and a prepared plug with a wire for connecting the power supply to a 220-volt outlet.
  • Metal U-shaped profiles for the purpose of installing light fluxes, in addition, strips of snow-white plastic or aluminum that are part of screens that reflect light.
  • Superglue type "Titanium" or a special, non-destroying alloy.

The prepared sandblasted reflective glass is most often sealed behind with a PVC film (self-adhesive).

If the film is weakly adhered, it must be removed and superglue that does not destroy the amalgam should be used.

Varieties of backlight

There are a number of backlight alternatives:

  • Installation of external spotlights in the form of spots. Spot is a multi-point electric lamp that can rotate in all directions on the support of a special device. These can be single controllable lamps, light fixtures of not very large volume. They can illuminate the person's face at the mirror, a certain part of the bathroom.
  • Illumination that illuminates the face of the person looking in the mirror. Here, the work of electric lighting devices is often carried out by current LEDs. Their lighting is softened by the frosted glass built into the mirror. Often, such illumination is arranged in reflective glass, made like a small cabinet.

  • Illumination device behind the mirror. It is set for beauty. LEDs illuminate the glass of the mirror, making its image extraordinary. At the same time, mirrors with illumination of this type are intended as an element of decor for the interior decoration of the bathroom.

It is possible to make an illuminated mirror by numerous other methods.

A large number of homeowners simply reinforce a number of light bulbs in the wall, which have a different configuration and structure. They are determined above the mirror, along its borders. LED strips are often used as lighting components. It looks very impressive, fits into the design of the room and adds freshness to it due to 2-3 color variations.

Such illumination is made very easily. For this purpose, it is necessary to buy a special aluminum profile, mount an LED strip into it and place it with it on a mirror from the required edge. Then the tape is connected to the galvanic system through a special power source. The mirror can also be attached to the wall with liquid nails or other glue suitable for mirrors.

To achieve a multifunctional result, it is possible to buy and fix spots. Thanks to them, targeted lighting of the necessary areas of the room is carried out.

It is possible to embellish the cosmetic mirrors located on the dressing table with similar methods. They will certainly appeal to women who care about their appearance.

Installation steps

Based on the dimensions of the mirror, it is necessary to make a frame from panels 90 mm wide and 20-25 mm thick thanks to glue and self-tapping screws for arranging the constituent elements. The ends of the boards with the support of the miter box must be cut at an angle of 45 °. All contacts are additionally fixed with iron corners. Reflective glass must fit easily into the frame, leaving free space at the edges for soffit placement. Holes are drilled on the border of the frame according to the volume of cartridges, which are glued with glue.

A frame is assembled from thin twigs according to the scale of the main frame. She will be obliged to close the cables with herself from the outer edge of the craft and fix the reflective glass in the main frame.

Furniture corners are fixed to the main frame thanks to small self-tapping screws. A mirror will be placed on them. All components are connected into a common system, and the necessary tone of paint is applied to them with cartridges. In addition, the mirror in the frame is fixed with thin bars.

Cartridges are combined with each other according to the synchronous scheme by galvanic wires. A power wire is connected to the cables and exits through a deliberately drilled opening.

At the end, you need to screw in the light bulbs and control the workflow. Behind the whole system it is possible to cover with a plywood shield. It can be fixed using small nails or self-tapping screws. It turns out a very effective product - a mirror with illumination.

DIY reflective glass

A mirror of the required shape and volume can be made by yourself. The procedure consists of the following stages.

You should choose a smooth glass and bring it to the desired look. Then thoroughly wash and remove fat with a 15% solution of burning potassium.

Place the prepared glass in a bowl with non-cold purified water. Make a mixture of 30 g of purified water and 1.6 g of nitrogen silver. A 25% ammonia solution is added dropwise to this mixture. Already after the precipitate disappears, it is necessary to stop dripping ammonia and add purified water in a volume of 100 ml to the mixture. Then you need to take 5 ml of 40% formalin and mix it with the previous mixture.

The glass is removed from the purified water and transferred to a purified vessel filled with a previously removed chemical solution. A reaction will appear and be completed in approximately two minutes. After its completion, the mirror is rinsed with the purest purified water. And after washing, it is determined in a vertical position and dried. The degree of drying heat should be 100-150°C. After drying, a varnish is applied to the reflective glass.

A mirror, especially with a backlight, can visually make the space larger and larger, improve its illumination, and add completely new qualities. Such a mirror design is suitable for any room, but most often it is arranged in the bathroom.

This very significant and necessary household object can be supplemented with shelves made of glass and other used materials. The arrangement of various cosmetic accessories on them gives the necessary comfort in using these products.

10.04.2018

A mirror in the bathroom is a necessary and useful piece of furniture. How to hang an illuminated mirror in the bathroom, where exactly to place it and what you need for this - read below.

It not only increases the convenience of using the bathroom, but also carries an aesthetic load, and the presence of lighting will visually increase the size of the room, add zoning to the lighting. Mirrors or pieces of furniture with a built-in reflective surface can be small (placed above the sink) or full-sized, suitable for inspecting yourself in full growth. The choice depends on the dimensions of the room, design and personal preferences. For some, a full-length mirror in the bathroom is practically a necessity, while others are more ascetic and manage with a small product located above the washbasin. Highlighting mirrors is not so much a tribute to fashion as an increase in the convenience and aesthetics of products. This solution will help to achieve interesting visual effects and zonal illumination of the room.

Mounting an illuminated mirror - choosing a model and location

A mirror or a combined mirror cabinet for convenient use must meet certain parameters, as well as installation conditions:

  • width - at least 40 cm;
  • location height - the upper limit is 10-20 cm higher than the height of the tallest person in the family, the lower limit for large mirrors is not lower than 30 cm from the floor;
  • adequate location of lighting - the built-in does not cause discomfort, throwing glare on the surface or heading straight into the eyes, the main one is also not reflected in the mirror, illuminating the person, not the object.

When choosing a model and considering how to hang an illuminated mirror in the bathroom, consider everything that can affect the usability of the item for its intended purpose. There should be free access to the mirror surface - no obstacles on the floor or blocking the light and reflection of objects on the walls.

Luminaire types

For mirror products in bathrooms, they most often use:

Spots (rotating lamps with the ability to adjust the direction of light)

The type of lamp sets the tone for the overall composition, is directly involved in the design, but the functional side of the issue cannot be ignored. One of the most convenient options can be considered a combination of several spots (from 2 to 8) located on the sides and a contour LED cord. The soft light of semiconductor sources is sufficient to illuminate the product itself and creates a pleasant subdued lighting in the bathroom. Spots allow you to direct a bright beam in the right direction.

Whatever type of lighting you choose, installing a backlit mirror in the bathroom will be easier if you buy a completely finished product that requires only installation of the structure and connection to a power source. An independent backlight device will require at least minimal skills in the field of electrical installation.

Monaco illuminated mirror by Alavann

Tools required for installation

The type of installation and the necessary accessories for this depends on the model itself. Most often, mounting hardware is supplied in the kit.

The easiest way to install an ordinary mirror without cabinets and shelves is to mount it on a special glue. It comes in cartridges and can be applied with an adhesive and sealant gun. The advantage of the method is high speed and simplicity, the disadvantage is that it is not possible to remove and reinstall the mirror if necessary. Using this method of mounting mirrors, you should carefully choose the adhesive composition - only special adhesives for mirrors (marked "mirror") are suitable. Sealants and mounting adhesive mixtures not intended for this purpose can damage the reflective coating.

But more often, screws and plastic dowels are used to mount a mirror or mirrored furniture. After screwing in, the hat is either hidden in special recesses or decorated with special plugs.

For proper suspension you will need:

  • impact drill or hammer drill;
  • drill for concrete or brick (depending on the material of the walls);
  • screwdriver or screwdriver with a pz / ph bit (in accordance with the screw head);
  • building level;
  • roulette.

The installation itself is simple:

Attach the product to the selected surface, apply markings

Drill holes for the dowels and insert them

If the product is equipped with electric lamps or LED elements, then you will need to connect the mirror in the bathroom to electricity

How to install a mirror with lighting in the bathroom - the order of work and the nuances

The order and specificity of connecting mirror cabinets and illuminated shelves depends on the type of lighting fixtures used when assembling the device. If the presence of lighting fixtures is provided by the manufacturer, you will not need a wiring diagram for the mirror backlight in the bathroom. You just need to follow the instructions included in the product packaging.

In the case of independent actions to supply a piece of furniture with lighting, you will have to work hard, but this is quite within the power of an attentive person who likes to do things for the house with his own hands.

Luminous cord or strip on LEDs with connection to the mains

If the backlight is already provided in the model, then all contacts and available elements are protected from moisture. With an independent mirror lighting device, you should take care of this in advance. When installing with your own hands, ordinary adhesive tape is often used - it holds the LED strip well. But it is better to use self-adhesive models in order to avoid delamination under the influence of moisture.

To connect an LED strip or lighting cord to a 220 V power source, you will need a special unit that adapts the voltage and other indicators for the adequate operation of light-emitting semiconductors. If you connect directly without a transformer, the LEDs will not withstand the voltage and will fail. If everything is done in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, LED lamps will last much longer than fluorescent light sources or conventional incandescent lamps. The service life of devices based on semiconductors is 50 thousand or more hours.

Battery powered LED lights

One of the easiest connection options. The manufacturer has already done everything for you, you just need to install the mirror with LED backlight in place and insert the batteries into the compartment intended for them.

Among the rules are only the basic provisions for working with battery-powered devices:

  • do not use batteries of different capacities in the same compartment;
  • do not try to restore the batteries by heating, hitting, etc.;
  • place only batteries with the parameters specified by the manufacturer in the compartment.

All electrical wiring has already been laid in the proper places, the lights will be powered as soon as the batteries are inserted and the power button is pressed. The LEDs themselves are a very advantageous option. Low power consumption, long service life and the ability to connect dimmers to the network are the attractive aspects of devices based on light-emitting semiconductors. But battery-powered lighting is an intermediate solution, more suitable for decorative design or orientation lighting at night. If you need a more intense luminous flux, and not illumination, it is better to choose options with mains power.

A feature of the connection scheme for a backlit mirror in the bathroom when using fluorescent lamps is the presence of a starter in the circuit. This device directly affects the operation and life of the lamps. Otherwise, it is no more difficult to connect ordinary incandescent lamps.

Today, such lamps have become less popular due to the emergence of a new generation of LED lamps, but they still find their customers. Bright neon light, trouble-free operation for many years, resistance to power surges and the presence of UV rays in the light stream of such a lamp make it quite popular even now, when there are alternatives.

Such a light source is quite easy to make yourself. Ready-made lamps of various sizes, designs and lighting intensities are sold in specialized stores, you can buy them at a more than affordable price. You can also find starters there. You only need to make installation in the right place and now the backlight is ready. But it is worth remembering that the glow of fluorescent lamps is quite bright and has a ripple effect, so it is better to hide the light source behind a diffuser - frosted glass.

How to connect a mirror with illumination from lamps of this type - you can read in the instructions for the lighting fixture or the finished product.

In general, the installation of mirrors is not the most difficult operation in the decoration of the bathroom. If you do everything according to the recommendations of the furniture manufacturer and be careful, the result will certainly be worthy.

In this tutorial, I will show you how to make a backlit mirror with your own hands. For some time I was looking for a ready-made large mirror, but the prices were biting, so I decided to make it myself.

There are not photos for every stage (I did not plan to write an article), but I tried to describe everything in detail and make sketches. Also, I didn't go into specific sizing calculations as they can vary greatly depending on the size of the mirror you want to make.

My mirror measures 114 x 76 cm.

Main steps:

  • Frame manufacturing
  • Installation of fluorescent lamps (very easy to replace with led strip)
  • Making a decorative frame from a baguette
  • Putting it all together

Materials:

  • 2 x 30W fluorescent lamps (length approx. 910mm)
  • 2 x 18W fluorescent lamps (length approx. 605mm)
  • Beam or board for the frame
  • Baguette or decorative profile for framing (I used maple board)
  • Mirror
  • Plywood
  • Glue ( read the label! You need glue suitable for mounting mirrors)
  • self-tapping screws

Stage 1: Sketch (drawing)


The basic idea is that there are two frames, one larger than the other. The smaller frame acts as a base for mounting the fixtures. A large frame (decorative) hides the lighting and electrics.

Stage 2: Base frame and Electrics

This is a very simple frame.

The side walls are long enough to fit lamps and chokes. Wide enough to be able to replace the lamps in the future when the mirror is mounted on the wall.

After the frame is assembled, it will be necessary to drill a few holes through which the wires will pass.

You can find how to connect a fluorescent lamp on the Internet. I'll give a fairly clear picture here.


Photo: http://electro.narod.ru

The electrical part includes: lamps, chokes, starters, swivel sockets and swivel sockets with a starter holder, lamp clips, wires, a switch and a plug - you will find all this in an electrical shop.

In a good way, you need to include a capacitor in the circuit, but I did not do this. It is needed to compensate for reactive power (this reduces power consumption, increases the service life), the capacitor capacity will help you pick it up in an electrical shop, it depends on the inductor you are using.

You can use electronic chokes, then you do not need starters and capacitors, but they are much more expensive.

All this can be replaced with LED strip with power supply. It is much easier to work with it, although the brightness of the backlight will be lower. I did it the old fashioned way and therefore used fluorescent lamps, I would recommend you an LED strip.

Stage 3: Decorative frame (framing)

For framing I used 80x25mm maple board. You can use a cheap baguette (if you can find it) or any other board.



Making a framing board is as easy as 1,2,3 - as long as you have access to a stationary circular saw.

It is necessary to make two parallel cuts to make room for the mirror and plywood and a third cut to remove all unnecessary.

Here's a tip, once you've got everything set up for the first cut, make it on all the boards at once so you don't have to re-adjust everything for each board and ensures that the board surfaces match up.

Once you're done with the cuts, it's time for finishing.

First, sand the surface with sandpaper number 220-240 to get rid of minor defects and burrs, then remove dust with a rag (use an old T-shirt).

  1. One coat of wood conditioner
  2. Three coats of stain (color of your choice)
  3. One coat of varnish

Stage 4: Installing the mirror


Now it's time to screw the plywood sheet to the main frame (with lights) and attach the mirror to the plywood.

I cut the plywood 65mm larger (on all sides) than the base frame to hide all the electrical without darkening it too much.

I laid the frame on a sheet of plywood in the center, circled the frame with a pencil inside and out, then drilled holes between the resulting lines.

After that, I flipped everything together, made sure the holes were on the frame, and bolted the plywood to the frame with countersunk screws. Make sure the screw head is fully embedded in the wood. The mirror will be glued to this surface.

I cut a mirror of the required size from an old wardrobe mirror and glued it to the plywood with Liquid Nails.

Stage 5: Mounting


Almost done!

While the glue dries, we have time to assemble the decorative frame. To do this, it is necessary to cut down all the pieces of the profile at 45 degrees in order to dock them.

The trick is to attach the decorative frame to the plywood with self-tapping screws, but the self-tapping screws themselves are not visible. The easiest way to achieve this is to drive screws from the back of the plywood.

Just drill pilot holes in the plywood every 10 cm with a drill, place a decorative frame on top and fasten with small screws from the back so that they do not go through the decorative profile.

How do you hang a mirror now?

As you probably already imagined, the mirror assembly turned out to be quite heavy. To attach to the wall, I took a board 80x25, cut off 1/3 of the upper part at 45 degrees. Then I screwed the smaller piece to the mirror support frame and the larger piece to the wall. Look at the picture, I think it is clear from it.

That's all!

It took me about 20-25 hours to make over a couple of weeks. I think you can do it much faster. You can ask questions in the comments, I will try to answer them.