DIY Anthropologie Inspired Mirror

We’re sharing a quick and easy DIY Anthropologie Mirror today as we celebrate Week 6 of the One Room Challenge. 

As always, a big shoutout to the One Room Challenge with media partner, Better Homes and Gardens for hosting this biannual event!

If you’re new to the One Room Challenge, featured designers, guest bloggers and social media participants have been working to makeover their spaces from top to bottom in 8 weeks. 

We’re currently at the end of Week 6 and so far, we’ve completed:

• Guest Bedroom Makeover Plans & Design Ideas (Week 1)
• How to Add Patina to a Metal Bed Frame (Week 2)
• Paint and Furniture Changes Progress Update (Week 3)
• How to Paint a Bathroom Cabinet Using General Finishes Milk Paint (Week 4)
• French Country Dresser Makeover (Week 5)

Now that the French Country Dresser Makeover is finished, I’ve been thinking about what style mirror to use on top. 

This room only has one window so maximizing the light is critical.

I tried the DIY European Farmhouse Mirror Makeover we’ve been using in another bedroom. Everyone loved it and thought it went really well with the dresser. 

But there was something about it that was throwing me off.

I checked my stash of goodies in the garage to see if we had any mirrors and found this one.

At first glance, it’s pretty plain.

But I love the curvy lines and immediately thought about those beautiful Anthropologie-inspired mirrors I had seen online and all over social media.

So, I set about trying to come up with a plan to make my own and it was a lot easier than I expected.

Here’s a look at how to create a DIY Anthropologie Inspired Mirror of your own…

DIY Anthropologie Inspired Mirror Supplies:

• Mirror
• Wooden Appliques (we used a large one for the top and 2 smaller ones for the bottom)
• Strong Adhesive (we used E6000, but you could also use a product like Liquid Nails)
• Rub n Buff (we used Antique Gold)
• Dark Furniture Paste Wax
• Brushes, optional (we one for the Rub n Buff application + a wax brush if desired)
• Lint Free Cloth (we used this for the dark wax application)
• Painters Tape, optional (to protect your mirror)
• Fine Grit Sandpaper (we used 120-grit)
• Tarp (to protect your work surface)

DIY Anthropologie Inspired Mirror Steps:

Gather your supplies and place a tarp down to protect your work surface.

Using a stencil brush, place a small amount of Rub n Buff (we used Antique Gold) onto the bristles and apply it to the mirror. 

Work your way around the mirror in small sections, until the mirror is covered with Rub n Buff.

If you want a patinaed look, lightly sand the mirror.

This will expose some of the paint and will take some of the Rub n Buff off allowing the dark furniture paste wax to ease into the nooks and crannies of your mirror.

Repeat the same process with your wood applique pieces.  We found the large applique at Lowes and the smaller appliques at Hobby Lobby.

This is how they look in the package…

with an application of Rub n Buff…

and lightly sanded after the Rub n Buff application.

Next, use a wax brush or a lint-free cloth to apply a layer of dark furniture paste wax to those same pieces.

Again, work in small sections and rub the wax into the mirror and appliques. Allow the wax to cure to a haze and gently brush or wipe off any excess wax.

Finally, use a strong adhesive like Liquid Nails or E6000 to apply the appliques to the mirror.

Both Liquid Nails and E6000 have an offensive odor so you’ll definitely want to do this step in a well-ventilated area.

You’ll also want to use caution and care during the application process, taking necessary safety precautions as directed on the label of the product you choose. 

Allow the adhesive to properly cure before handling.  

Keep in Mind…

Keep in mind, places like thrift stores, charity shops, estate sales, and antique malls usually have mirrors like this at reasonable prices.

Especially, if they were once attached to a dresser like this one was!

This entire DIY Anthropologie Inspired Mirror makeover process was only 4 steps – Rub n Buff application, sanding, wax application, and applique attachment.

Save for the curing time, it took less than an hour to complete.

It was way easier than I imagined it would be and the mirror is really neutral, so I know we’ll be able to use it in multiple rooms if we ever decide to change things up again.

That’s all for now. I can’t believe we’re only 2 weeks away from the final reveal!

Let us know if you’ve made a DIY Anthropologie Inspired Mirror for your house and don’t forget to check out what the rest of these fabulous creatives have been up to this week by clicking here!

Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo