Create beautiful mirror frames by hand and using natural materials

by Mark Bennett

May 23, 2022

Create beautiful mirror frames by hand and using natural materials
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When we put a mirror in a room it may be because it is an indispensable accessory, such as in the bathroom or in a wardrobe, or because we want to amplify the brightness of the room, thanks to the reflection of the light on it.

In this way, mirrors become a way to naturally add bright areas to the rooms, and then it is also true that they always have a charm of their own precisely due to the fact that they faithfully reproduce the images they reflect. So why not make them even more capable of attracting attention with some handmade decorations added to their frames? Here are some ideas for creating frames with natural materials:

Tutorial via remodelaholic.com

Tutorial via remodelaholic.com

Quartz inserts on a very simple frame: in reality the decoration of this mirror is not made with the famous white crystal, but with artificial glass versions, like those used to fill vases in flower arrangements displayed at home. This is a really creative idea to get a modern and original effect.

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Tutorial via diyeverywhere.com

Tutorial via diyeverywhere.com

River pebbles are also a perfect material for decorating a very simple wooden mirror frame. Instead of leaving the wooden frame bare, why not cover them with some sort of natural stone mosaic? You can use pebbles you collected or, more easily, buy them in bulk online.

Tutorial via instructables.com

Tutorial via instructables.com

For this frame, simple plywood was used, cut into the desired shape, and then plaster of Paris (scagliola, calcium sulphate) was trowled on, into which all the blue stones were set (these are stones usually used in aquariums). Obviously, it is sufficient just to change the color of the pebbles to get a completely different look that will match the home decor.

OakcraftDesigns/Etsy

OakcraftDesigns/Etsy

Even wood which has been aged by time - such as these thin, solid oak boards - can be used to make a simple frame, with a rustic flavor but which is also suitable for modern environments. In short, recycled wood can give one a lot of satisfaction!

Etsy

Etsy

Another material that lends itself perfectly to this type of project is drift wood. Pay attention to collecting this material, however, as there are certain areas where drift wood can only be gathered at certain times of the year and when there is explicit permission from the relevant municipality.

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vintagehappimillAT/Etsy

vintagehappimillAT/Etsy

Drift wood can also become a decoration to add in relief to any frame: since each branch is a real sculpture of nature in itself, it will always be a unique and unrepeatable piece.

DriftwoodTurkey/Etsy

DriftwoodTurkey/Etsy

Even the thinnest branches of drift wood can become incredible creations: look at what a beautiful impact they have arranged in a radial pattern around a small round mirror. They transform it from any bland accessory into a stunning wall decoration.

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ThalassophileVibes/Etsy

ThalassophileVibes/Etsy

Even sea shells can be a natural element of great charm used in projects like these: they can be easily purchased online or from authorized dealers, and there are also many artificial ones that are so realistic, it is difficult to believe that they do not come from the sea. Mixing various types together creates truly unique frames.

CreolePearl/Etsy

CreolePearl/Etsy

Have you ever thought that even bivalves - that is half of the "shell" of an oyster or muscle, for example - could become a decorative element for a DIY mirror frame? They also work on photo frames, not just on mirrors. And you could add some pearls, even artificial, colored ones.

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BarnOwlVintageFrance/Etsy

BarnOwlVintageFrance/Etsy

You can really use shells of all shapes and sizes, and also take advantage of their characteristics to create unique frame decorations.

Have you ever hand-decorated a mirror frame in a similar way?

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