Craft Your Own Elegance: A DIY Trumeau Floor Mirror with PureBond Hardwood Plywood
Every homeowner dreams of personalizing their space, and for us, that dream began with our master bedroom. A floor-to-ceiling mirror was high on the wish list, promising to expand the room’s visual space and add a touch of grandeur. However, the reality of retail prices quickly set in; quality mirrors often come with a hefty price tag, making a custom, full-length piece seem like an unattainable luxury.
Our journey to an affordable yet stunning mirror took an inspiring turn when we stumbled upon a tutorial from Blue Roof Cabin detailing how to craft a trumeau mirror. We were instantly captivated by the elegance and timeless appeal of these mirrors. While we initially didn’t know the specific term “trumeau,” the concept of a grand, decorative mirror for our bedroom became an obsession. It turns out, “trumeau” is a French term, historically referring to mirrors hung in the space between two windows, adding light and architectural interest to a room. This discovery only deepened our desire to create our own unique version.
Fast forward over a year since pinning that initial inspiration, the idea of a DIY trumeau mirror still resonated strongly. The quest for an inexpensive yet sufficiently long mirror finally led us to the Ikea STAVE mirror, a perfect base for our ambitious project. This marked the true beginning of bringing our vision to life, transforming a simple, utilitarian mirror into a bespoke piece of furniture that perfectly complemented our bedroom aesthetic.
Why PureBond Plywood is the Ideal Choice for Your DIY Projects
Our journey was significantly enhanced by a fortunate encounter at Haven, where we connected with the remarkable team behind PureBond® Hardwood Plywood. Their passion for sustainable and high-quality materials was infectious, and we quickly learned why PureBond stands out in the world of woodworking.
PureBond plywood isn’t just any ordinary material; it’s an all-wood plywood proudly manufactured right here in North America. What truly sets it apart is its commitment to health and the environment: it’s entirely formaldehyde-free. Traditional plywood often uses adhesives containing urea-formaldehyde, a known indoor air pollutant. PureBond, however, utilizes a soy-based, formaldehyde-free adhesive, ensuring your home remains a healthier living space. This eco-friendly approach aligns perfectly with modern sustainability values, making it a responsible choice for any DIY enthusiast.
Availability is another key advantage. PureBond Hardwood Plywood is readily accessible at most Home Depot stores, making it convenient for crafters and builders to source. Furthermore, it comes in a variety of beautiful wood species, including birch (which we used for this project) and red oak. For those seeking something truly unique, specialty species like walnut, cherry, and exotic woods can be special-ordered, even in single sheets. This flexibility allows for incredible creative freedom, ensuring your project perfectly matches your vision. We were so impressed that we’ve taken the PureBond pledge, committing to build exclusively with formaldehyde-free wood going forward. We invite you to take the PureBond challenge and discover the difference for yourself!
Essential Supplies for Your Trumeau Mirror Transformation
Embarking on a project of this scale requires careful preparation and the right tools. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need to create your own elegant trumeau floor mirror:
- Ikea STAVE Mirror (15-3/4 x 63″): The foundation of your mirror.
- (1) 3/4″ sheet of PureBond® Hardwood Plywood in birch: For the sturdy backing and frame structure.
- Saw horses: Essential for safe and stable cutting.
- Variety of moulding: To create the decorative frame design.
- Titebond Wood Glue: For strong and lasting joinery.
- Silicone Brush: For even application of wood glue.
- Nail Gun & Air Compressor: For securely fastening molding quickly.
- BEHR 520-E Velvet Mourning, eggshell paint: One of your chosen colors for the frame.
- BEHR Volcanic Island (Brown), flat paint: For the base distressed layer.
- BEHR Antique White, flat paint: The primary top coat for an aged look.
- Plaster of Paris: For creating or modifying ornate decorative elements.
- Water: For mixing plaster.
- Frog Tape: To protect the mirror surface during painting.
- Measuring Tape & Pencil: For precise measurements and markings.
- Clamps: To hold pieces securely during cutting and gluing.
- Hand Saw: For delicate cuts, especially on plaster.
- Miter Saw: For accurate angled cuts on molding.
- Circular Saw: For straight cuts on larger plywood sheets.
- Chalk Line: To mark long, straight cut lines on plywood.
- Orbital Sander: For efficient sanding and distressing.
- Shop Vac: To keep your workspace clean and dust-free.
- Minwax® Paste Finishing Wax: To protect and enhance the finished paint job.
- Cotton Cloths: For applying and buffing wax.
- Command™ Clear Medium Hooks: For optional necklace storage behind the mirror.
- Vaseline or Wax: For the distressing technique.
The Transformation Begins: Building Your Trumeau Floor Mirror
For several months, our Ikea STAVE mirror sat patiently, awaiting its transformation from a plain, functional item into a stunning decorative piece. This is where the real fun began, combining careful planning with hands-on craftsmanship.
Preparing the Plywood Base
Our project started with a single 3/4 inch thick sheet of PureBond Hardwood Plywood in birch. Its smooth surface and durable composition made it an ideal canvas for our mirror. Mr. Woodsy began by setting up the saw horses, ensuring a stable and ergonomic workspace. Handling a full sheet of plywood can be challenging, but with proper technique (and a little help, even if just for the photo op!), it was carefully lifted and placed onto the saw horses.
The next crucial step involved precise measurement. The STAVE mirror was laid directly onto the plywood, allowing us to accurately mark its outline. Mr. Woodsy meticulously calculated the dimensions to ensure the mirror would be perfectly centered and evenly framed by the plywood base. Once the measurements were finalized, a chalk line was snapped, creating a clear guide for the upcoming cuts, ensuring a straight and professional finish.
Designing and Crafting the Decorative Frame
One of the most exciting parts of this project was selecting the molding and decorative elements that would give the mirror its trumeau character. Our garage, a treasure trove of woodworking supplies, offered a wide variety of wood and moldings. We experimented with several combinations, laying out different designs on the plywood to visualize the final look. This trial-and-error approach is invaluable, allowing you to refine your design before making any permanent cuts. The possibilities are truly endless, limited only by your imagination.
A key decorative element we wanted to incorporate was an ornate plaster of Paris wall hanging. However, its original length proved to be too long for our planned mirror frame. Faced with the dilemma of not using it or attempting to modify it, we chose the latter. With careful consideration, Mr. Woodsy clamped the delicate plaster piece securely and, using a hand saw, painstakingly cut off the excess. This required a steady hand and patience to avoid damaging the intricate details.
With the plaster piece modified, attention turned to the wooden moldings. Using a miter saw, Mr. Woodsy precisely cut the molding pieces to the required lengths and angles. Each cut piece was then test-fitted against the plywood to ensure a perfect fit, a critical step to achieve a seamless, high-quality frame.
Precision Plywood Cutting
Cutting large sheets of plywood accurately can be daunting, but with the right technique, it becomes much simpler. For making long, straight cuts with a circular saw, a straight edge guide is indispensable. Mr. Woodsy used a spare piece of straight wood, ensuring it was at least the length of the plywood being cut. This guide was then clamped firmly in place, taking into account the circular saw’s offset from the blade (in our case, an inch and a half). Double-checking the alignment of the saw against the clamped guide before making any cuts is a golden rule: “Check three times, cut once!” With the guide in place, the circular saw was kept flush against it, ensuring a perfectly straight cut along the chalk line. As Mr. Woodsy believes in a clean workspace, the shop vac was immediately deployed to clear away all the sawdust, ensuring both safety and a tidy environment.
Assembling the Frame and Preparing for Paint
Once the plywood base was perfectly cut and cleaned, it was time to assemble the decorative frame. Mr. Woodsy’s preferred method for gluing involved a silicone brush and Titebond wood glue, ensuring an even and strong bond. After applying glue to the back of the molding, each piece was carefully positioned and secured to the plywood. For additional reinforcement and to prevent movement while the glue dried, a nail gun was used to strategically fasten the molding pieces. To give the top of the mirror a more finished and substantial look, the molding was cleverly wrapped around the edges, creating a seamless transition.
With the frame taking shape, the next step was to attach the Ikea mirror to the plywood. Pilot holes were drilled, and the mirror was temporarily secured. However, before the final attachment, the mirror needed preparation for painting. The laminate finish of the STAVE mirror presented a challenge. A light sanding around the mirror frame was attempted in hopes of improving paint adhesion. While it helped, we later discovered that multiple coats of paint would be necessary to achieve full coverage and a consistent finish. To protect the mirror surface itself from paint, Frog Tape was meticulously applied around its edges.
The Art of Distressing: Painting for an Antique Look
The painting phase was where the mirror truly began to take on its antique, rustic charm. We started by gathering all our painting supplies, beginning with the plywood base. A thin, sporadic coat of brown paint (BEHR Volcanic Island) was applied. In hindsight, painting the entire plywood sheet brown would have provided a more consistent base for distressing, but even with a sporadic application, the desired effect was achievable. Once the brown paint dried, a coat of blue paint (BEHR Velvet Mourning) was applied, adding another layer of depth to the future distressed look.
To achieve the desired distressed finish, we employed a clever technique learned from other DIY blogs: applying Vaseline. After the blue paint dried, thin layers of Vaseline were applied to specific areas where we wanted the underlying colors to show through after sanding. This acts as a resist, preventing the top coat of paint from fully adhering. With the Vaseline applied, Mr. Woodsy then prepared a batch of chalk paint using BEHR Antique White. He began by rolling the chalk paint onto the larger, flat surfaces of the plywood. For areas not easily reached by the roller, a Purdy paint brush was used to ensure thorough coverage. It was challenging for Mr. Woodsy to accept that areas with heavy Vaseline application wouldn’t fully cover with paint – a necessary part of the distressing process!
After allowing the plywood to dry for a full day, the distressing began. Initially, hand-sanding was attempted, but it quickly became clear that an orbital sander would be more efficient for achieving the desired effect without excessive “elbow grease.” A quick, light pass with the orbital sander strategically exposed the underlying brown and blue layers, creating a beautifully aged and worn appearance. Once sanding was complete, the modified plaster of Paris decorative piece was permanently affixed to the plywood using wood glue. To ensure a strong bond, it was lightly clamped and allowed to dry overnight.
The Finishing Touches: Waxing and Functional Elegance
The final step in the transformation was applying a protective and enhancing finish. We opted for Minwax® Paste Finishing Wax, known for its ability to add a subtle sheen and durability to painted surfaces. Using a clean cotton cloth, the paste wax was rubbed onto all painted areas. After allowing it to dry for approximately 15 minutes, a fresh, clean cotton cloth was used to hand-buff the surface, revealing a rich, smooth finish. This waxing not only protects the paint but also deepens the distressed effect, giving the mirror a truly heirloom quality.
Finally, the mirror was securely attached back onto the plywood frame. To add a practical and charming touch, Command™ Clear Medium Hooks were strategically placed behind the mirror. This ingenious addition provides hidden storage for necklaces, turning the back of the mirror into a functional accessory organizer – a delightful surprise for anyone who discovers it!
The Stunning Reveal: A Custom Trumeau Floor Mirror
The culmination of our hard work and creativity resulted in a truly stunning and impressively tall trumeau floor mirror. It effortlessly integrates into our bedroom design, reflecting light and adding a profound sense of depth and elegance. The distressed finish and ornate details evoke a sense of history and charm, making it a focal point in the room.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the mirror offers a delightful secret: open it up, and you reveal beautiful, organized necklace storage! The clear Command Hooks are practically invisible and, best of all, they can be easily removed without damaging the painted surface of the mirror. This thoughtful detail adds both functionality and a personalized touch that mass-produced mirrors simply can’t offer.
We are incredibly pleased with how all the accents – from the hand-cut moldings to the antique-finished plaster piece – converge to give this mirror an abundance of character and uniqueness. It’s more than just a mirror; it’s a statement piece, a testament to the joy and satisfaction of DIY craftsmanship.
Cost Breakdown and Inspiration
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was the significant cost savings achieved through DIY. While a comparable store-bought trumeau mirror could easily cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars, our custom creation was remarkably affordable:
- Ikea STAVE mirror: $39
- PureBond Plywood: $47 (retail price in Florida; we received ours for free as a product collaboration)
- Moulding, tools, paint, etc.: Free (already on hand from previous projects or small purchases)
- Time: Priceless (the joy of creating something beautiful with your own hands)
Grand total: $86 (or even less if you already have some supplies on hand!)
We sincerely hope this detailed tutorial inspires you to embark on your own DIY journey and create a custom trumeau floor mirror that brings both beauty and functionality to your home. The satisfaction of crafting a unique piece tailored to your taste is truly unparalleled.
We are thrilled to share our project here and with communities that celebrate creativity and repurposing: My Repurposed Life, Home Stories A to Z, Uncommon Designs.