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Decorate a Mirror the Easiest Way Possible

This is the easiest method ever to decorate a mirror! Add a little DIY flair with Mod Podge and your favorite wrapping paper or napkins, then finish with a wood background. Learn how here!

Skills Required: Beginner. It helps to have used Mod Podge before since you maybe using it on thinner materials (especially wrapping paper). However, it’s an easy project if you have crafting experience.

decorate a mirror with Mod Podge

Hi there! I love sharing tips on how to spice up boring dollar store supplies and basic finds . . . the easy way. Quite possibly one of the most boring necessities out there is a mirror.

I’m not necessarily talking about a wall mirror or a framed mirror, though this method could absolutely be used to decorate a mirror like that.

But what I’m referring to are the small round mirrors (about 6″ or so) you can get at Dollar Tree or even at craft stores – round or square. These type of mirrors need a little “oomph”, especially if they are going to be sitting on a desk or vanity.

I’m going to show you how to decorate a mirror like this. The easiest way possible! And like I said, you can use this method on bathroom mirrors, full sized vanity mirrors, wall mirrors . . . you’re just adding a bit of flair with Mod Podge.

Not only is it a very quick project, but you can use designs from wrapping paper, magazines or even printouts to make unique decoupaged designs on small mirrors.

how to decorate a decoupage mirror

Here are two concerns you might have about decorating a mirror so I wanted to get those out of the way first!

Can I Still Use My Mirror?

By gluing designs only to the edges of the mirror, it does not take away from the space you have to see reflections in the mirror, but it turns a plain mirror into a beautiful piece of décor.

In order to hang it more easily, you can glue the finished DIY to a piece of balsa wood that is slightly larger and hammer it into your desired spot on the wall.

If I Decorate My Mirror – Can I Eventually Remove It?

Absolutely! If you use Mod Podge, you’ll be able to remove it from the mirror. You’ll have to soak the paper floral embellishment (or whatever it is) with water, so that portion will be ruined.

But the mirror will be fine. You’ll simply spray the area with warm water and let it soak a little bit so the Mod Podge reactivates. Then you can scrape away the glue.

If you find any resistance a razor blade and/or a little bit of elbow grease really helps. Mod Podge is very tough but the Gloss formula can absolutely be removed from glass surfaces (including mirrors) if you soak it long enough with water.

Now let’s jump into the tutorial! First you need to grab your supplies.

Wrapping paper, Mod Podge, paintbrush, scissors, and a mirror

Gather These Supplies

Notes on This Project

You don’t want any unnecessary Mod Podge on the mirror as it will cloud the reflection, plus you’ll be able to see it. You can wipe it away when it’s wet, or scrape with a razor when dry.

The balsa wood makes the mirror easier to hang. For small, lightweight mirrors, you can simply use a Command Strip to hang the mirror.

decorate a mirror

It gives me such a thrill to makeover a dollar store find! Would you ever decorate a mirror like this? I’d love to know your experiences. Leave questions and thoughts in the comments!

Get the printable how-to card below.

decorate a mirror
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4.50 from 2 votes

Decorate a Mirror

Learn how to decorate a dollar store mirror with wrapping paper and decoupage medium! Perfect for bedroom or dorm room decor.
Prep Time10 minutes
Active Time45 minutes
Dry Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 55 minutes
Yield: 1 mirror
Cost: $5

Materials

  • Small round mirror
  • Mod Podge Gloss
  • Wrapping paper or magazines
  • Round balsa wood optional

Instructions

  • Carefully cut out the design(s) you want to place on the mirror. They can either stand alone or overlap like a collage.
    Cutting designs from wrapping paper
  • Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the backside of the paper cutouts and carefully place on the front of the mirror. Leave overlap if you like.
    Applying Mod Podge to the design
  • Repeat with additional pieces as desired. If any Mod Podge smears on any other areas of the mirror, quickly wipe it away with a damp towel.
  • Once your design is final, apply another thin layer of Mod Podge on top of the paper, painting it so that there is only a very thin border of Mod Podge around the paper. Allow to dry completely.
    how to decorate a decoupage mirror
  • If desired, apply hot glue to the back of the mirror and stick to a piece of balsa wood that is slightly larger than the mirror for an added accent.
    decorate a mirror with Mod Podge

Video

Notes

Tip: use a razor blade or craft knife to remove excess Mod Podge from the mirror surface once it’s dried.

If you enjoyed this easy mirror craft, you might also enjoy these other dollar store crafts:

4.50 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)
Project Rating




Abigail

Monday 29th of January 2024

How do you clean the mirror without ruining the modge podge seal?

Shelley Collison

Wednesday 28th of February 2018

It looks so pretty!