The Adored Abode

The design in our closet called for a floor length mirror on the back wall. Fortunately we had an old frameless mirror that used to be attached to our old closet door. We used this frameless mirror to re-create something similar to this West Elm Wood Frame Ledge Floor mirror, for much less! Below is how we created this DIY West Elm mirror, including the supplies needed, the process we used and what we would do differently if we were doing it all over again.

Supplies Needed

• Frameless mirror
• 1×2″ square edge whitewood boards (16 ft total – dependent on mirror size)
• Plywood (slightly larger than mirror)
• Stain of choice
• Liquid nails
• Mitre saw or circular saw
• Corner clamps
• Nail gun (optional)
• French Cleat hanging hardware (optional)

Total cost for the supplies required (not including the tools!) is around $75, compare to the West Elm mirror at $600. If you do not have any of these tools you could buy used tools on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, or borrow from a family member or friend.

The Process

Cutting the Wood

We started by cutting a piece of 1/8″ plywood to use as a backing for the mirror. We cut the plywood 3/4″ wider & longer than the mirror all the way around. This cut plywood will be glued to the back of the mirror to attach hardware to hang the mirror on the wall (if necessary), the extra 3/4″ edge all around the mirror will be used to attach the frame that surrounds the mirror.

After the plywood is cut attach to the back of the mirror using liquid nails, ensure the mirror is centered on the plywood (remember the plywood will overhang the mirror).

Next, while the glue dries, cut the 1×2″ board with a 45 degree mitered end to the length of each side of the mirror. The mitered edges will join at each corner of the mirror. We had 4 boards total, 1 for each edge. 2 of the boards were exactly 6′ long (for the sides) and 2 were exactly 2′ feet long (for the top and bottom). Now is the time to dry fit the boards to make sure they join cleanly in the corners and cover the overhanging plywood. Do not attach the mitered boards yet.

This step is optional if you are hanging the mirror: Thinking ahead to prepare for adding hanging hardware to the mirror we also added 2- 1×3″ boards to the top and the bottom of the mirror back. The top one is intended to later attach the mirror hardware, the bottom board is to make the mirror hang evenly and ensure the mirror sits flat against the wall.

Stain & Attach the Frame

Once the boards are cut you are ready to stain the frame! We chose a dark walnut stain, mostly because we had it on hand. We applied a light coat of stain and immediately wiped the stain off with a rag.

After the stain has dried, attach the frame pieces to the plywood mirror backing! The idea with a frame ledge mirror is that the frame sticks out in front of the mirror, rather than having the frame recessed behind the mirror.

To achieve this look use liquid nails to attach the frame boards around the mirror, securing the boards to the plywood backing with clamps while the glue dries. We also chose to nail in a few brad nails on each board to ensure they are secure.

Add Hanging Hardware to Back of Mirror (optional)

We wanted the mirror to be secured to the wall for a certain toddlers safety. We chose to use a french cleat because we felt it provided the most secure and flush attachment to the wall. We secured half of the french cleat to the mirror according to the instructions and made sure it was level so the mirror would hang level.

We then secured the other half of the french cleat to the wall and ensured it was level and centered. Now we were ready to hang the mirror!

Step back and admire your new floor length mirror, that cost substantially less than buying from a retailer!

Let us know if you try this DIY!