The thrill of the hunt at a thrift store is an experience every decor enthusiast cherishes. There’s an unspoken rule among seasoned thrifters: when you spot something remarkable, especially a pair, seize the opportunity! While I might still regret passing on those quirky neon monkey lamps once upon a time (a story for another day, perhaps with a self-deprecating laugh), some finds are simply undeniable keepers. And these vintage mirrors? They fell squarely into that category.
Admittedly, they weren’t a perfectly matched set in the strictest sense. Yet, their similar dimensions and complementary shapes suggested a beautiful potential – an eclectic, intentionally mismatched charm that could elevate any space. For this month’s “Trash to Treasure Tuesday” challenge, transforming these forgotten mirrors into something new and functional felt like a wonderfully simple yet rewarding project. You’ll find links to other inspiring thrift store transformations from my fellow bloggers at the end of this post, so be sure to check them out for more creative ideas!
The decision was further solidified by the unbelievably low price tag: a mere $3 for each substantial frame. That’s an absolute steal for pieces with such potential! These weren’t just mirrors; they were canvases waiting for a new purpose, and I couldn’t resist the opportunity to breathe new life into them.
An Honest Review of Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Home Paint
For months, I had been eagerly anticipating the chance to try out Joanna Gaines’ highly anticipated paint line, Magnolia Home Paint. Ever since receiving a thoughtful care package filled with some of her delightful goodies, I knew these vintage frames would be the perfect first project to put the paint to the test. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect for this DIY transformation.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BEep7gJLI3b/?taken-by=blesserhouse&hl=en
I chose the color “One Horn White” for this project, and it truly exceeded my expectations. This shade is a magnificent antique white – it strikes that elusive balance of being neither too starkly white nor too overtly yellow. Instead, it presents itself as a beautifully nuanced, soft cream that exudes warmth and sophistication. It was precisely the elegant, timeless hue I envisioned for these frames, and the perfect complement to a cozy, farmhouse-inspired aesthetic.
Supplies for Your Vintage Mirror Frame Makeover
To recreate this project and give your vintage finds a fresh, new life, gather the following supplies. (Affiliate links are provided below for your convenience. Please refer to my full disclosure here for more information.)
- Magnolia Home Paint in One Horn White
- 2 vintage mirror frames (or similar thrifted frames)
- Fine grit sandpaper
- 1.5″ angled Purdy paint brush
- Mod Podge
- Art prints/posters – (I used Antique Ballerina Study I and Antique Ballerina Study II)
- Gray ribbon
- Hot glue gun
The Transformation Process: Prepping, Painting, and Personalizing
Prepping Your Frames for a Flawless Finish
The first step in any successful paint project is proper preparation. I began by giving both vintage frames a thorough yet quick sanding. This crucial step ensures that any leftover grime, dust, or old finish is removed, creating a smooth and receptive surface for the new paint. Even if a piece looks clean, a light sanding can dramatically improve paint adhesion and the final finish, preventing peeling or uneven coverage down the line.
Painting with Magnolia Home Paint: An Insider’s Look
With the frames prepped, it was time to apply the paint. It’s important to clarify that Magnolia Home Paint is not a chalk paint. While chalk paint often boasts a “no prep” feature, I strongly recommend sanding your piece first if you’re using this paint on furniture or other high-traffic items. However, a significant advantage of Magnolia Home Paint is its built-in primer. This feature saved me a step, eliminating the need for a separate priming application, which is a wonderful time-saver for any DIY enthusiast.
I ended up applying three coats of “One Horn White.” While this might seem like a lot, it was entirely expected given that I was covering a very dark, aged wood with a light, creamy white. Each coat went on smoothly, and the paint offered excellent coverage despite the color transformation challenge. The drying time between coats was reasonable, allowing for a steady progression of the project without excessive delays. The finish is remarkably durable and has a lovely, subtle sheen that enhances its antique charm.
One characteristic of this interior paint is that it is not self-leveling, meaning brush strokes will be visible. For some, this might be a concern, but I personally find it adds to the authentic, handcrafted feel that is so inherent to Joanna Gaines’ signature farmhouse style. Those subtle brush strokes lend character and warmth, reinforcing the idea of a lovingly restored piece rather than a factory-perfect finish. If, however, you prefer a perfectly smooth, brush-stroke-free surface, Joanna’s line also includes a dedicated cabinetry and furniture paint that *is* self-leveling, offering an alternative for different project needs.
Crafting the Vision: Olivia’s Bedroom Decor
It’s funny how a room can feel “finished” yet still whisper for a little something more. A solid year after completing my daughter Olivia’s bedroom makeover, the wall behind her bed continued to feel a touch sparse. It lacked that focal point, that personalized touch that truly makes a space sing. These repurposed mirror frames, now beautifully painted in “One Horn White,” presented themselves as the perfect, elegant solution. They weren’t just frames; they were an opportunity to infuse more personality and charm into her sanctuary.
To fill these beautiful new frames, I embarked on a search for the perfect art prints. Knowing Olivia’s adoration for all things ballet, I scoured countless options for charming ballerina sketches. My quest happily ended at Art.com, where I discovered these exquisite Antique Ballerina Study I and Antique Ballerina Study II prints. They were exactly what I had envisioned – delicate, timeless, and perfectly suited for a little girl’s room, especially with a delightful 20% off promotion!
Adhering Art Prints with Mod Podge for a Seamless Look
Transforming the mirrors into picture frames involved a simple yet effective technique using Mod Podge. First, I carefully removed the mirrors from their frames. Then, working on the back side of what was once the mirror, I brushed a generous, even layer of Mod Podge onto the glass surface. Promptly, I centered each art print on top of the Mod Podge, pressing it down firmly. The key here is to work quickly and methodically, smoothing the paper from the center outwards to eliminate any creases or air bubbles. A useful trick I’ve learned is to use a credit card or a squeegee to gently but firmly press and drag over the surface, effectively pushing out any trapped air or excess Mod Podge, ensuring a perfectly smooth and adhered finish. This technique creates a beautifully integrated look, making the print appear as if it was always meant to be part of the frame.
Adding the Finishing Touch: Elegant Ribbon Detail
To give the newly framed art a polished and refined edge, I opted to add a subtle gray ribbon trim around the perimeter of each print. This small detail makes a significant difference, creating a clear, finished boundary between the art and the frame. Using a hot glue gun, I carefully applied a thin bead of glue along the edges of the art print, working in small sections to ensure precision. Then, I gently pressed the gray ribbon onto the glue, ensuring it was straight and securely attached. This seemingly minor addition elevates the entire piece, making it look much more intentional and professionally finished, rather than a simple DIY.
The Final Reveal: A Charming Addition to Olivia’s Room
The transformation was complete, and the results were even better than I had imagined. The painted frames, now adorned with beautiful ballerina sketches and delicate ribbon, looked absolutely perfect on Olivia’s wall. It’s as if they were custom-made to coordinate with her existing bedroom decor – a truly delightful happy accident that often brings the most joy in DIY projects.
What I love most about this project is the inherent versatility of these frames. The ballerina prints are charming and perfectly suited for her current age and interests, but I know children’s tastes evolve. My hope is that these prints will grow with her, and when the day comes that she moves past her ballerina fanatic phase, it will be incredibly simple to swap out the art for something new that reflects her evolving passions. This makes the repurposed frames a long-lasting and adaptable decor solution.
Sometimes, I still ponder if I should add another element to this wall. Like…dare I say it? Shiplap? The thought frequently crosses my mind, envisioning how it might further enhance the farmhouse aesthetic and add texture to the space. It’s a project for another day, perhaps, but the beauty of DIY is that there’s always room for growth and new ideas.
To this day, Olivia absolutely adores her room. It’s her personal retreat, a place where her imagination can soar. Anytime we have visitors, she invariably asks, “Want to come see my pretty rug?” Which, of course, is her charming way of inviting (or rather, playfully compelling) them to witness her beautiful room and then, inevitably, to become her captive audience for hours of toy-playing fun. Good thing she’s such an adorable little kidnapper!
If you also have a little princess in your life and are curious about all the projects and details that went into creating this whimsical space, you can explore the full reveal and every single DIY element in our comprehensive ballerina girl bedroom makeover post. It’s packed with inspiration and tips for crafting a magical room for your child.
Share Your Thrifting Stories & DIY Adventures!
What are your personal “thrift club” rules? Do you have a beloved item you stumbled upon and knew instantly it was meant for you? Or perhaps you have a little “swirly twirly princess ballerina” of your own, always dancing through life from point A to point B? And for my fellow DIY enthusiasts, have you had the chance to try out Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Home Paint line yet? I’m incredibly impressed with its quality and finish, and I’m already eager to experiment with more of her beautiful colors in future projects. Share your experiences in the comments below – I’d love to hear them!
For more fantastic inspiration, don’t miss out on the other incredible “Trash to Treasure Transformations” from my talented blogger friends. Their creativity is truly boundless, offering unique ideas for upcycling and repurposing everyday items into stunning home decor:
(Left to right): Prodigal Pieces | Girl in the Garage | Artsy Chicks Rule | Confessions of a Serial DIYer
If you’re hungry for more budget-friendly and creative ideas, you can explore all of our past Trash to Treasure makeovers here. There’s a treasure trove of inspiration waiting to help you transform your own forgotten finds.
Don’t forget to save this inspiring post for later! Pin it to your favorite DIY or home decor board so you can easily reference it when you’re ready to start your next repurposing project:
