Your bathroom mirror reflects light, makes the room feel more open, and ties the whole space together. If you just moved into a new home or you’re remodeling your bathroom, you might be tempted to tear out the mirror and start from scratch.

But if the mirror’s still in good shape, upgrading it with a custom frame can give the whole room a fresh look. And if you have a broken mirror frame, you don’t need to replace the whole mirror. We’ll explain how to replace a broken framed mirror the easy way ahead.

Keep reading for tips on when to upgrade your mirror and when to replace it. 

When to Replace the Entire Mirror

Sometimes damage is too extensive to save the mirror. Here’s when it makes sense to start fresh:

●       The mirror has a crack. A cracked mirror is an eyesore and a potential safety hazard. Cracks compromise the structural integrity of a mirror, and they can spread over time, especially in a humid bathroom. If you have a cracked mirror, replacement is the safest option.

●       Dark spots are everywhere. Desilvering can start small, but if those black spots spread across the surface of the mirror, it’s impossible to ignore. If the damage covers more than just the edges, a frame won’t be enough to restore the mirror’s appearance. You’ll either need to refinish the back of the mirror or replace it.

●       Your image is distorted. If the reflection looks warped or blurry, the mirror may have moisture damage or be warping from age. A distorted reflection can throw off your entire space and make daily routines frustrating. A new mirror will give you clarity again. If you go with a plate-glass mirror, you can add your own custom mirror frame to match the décor.

When to Frame/Reframe the Mirror

If your mirror is in good condition with only minor flaws, or if it just needs a style refresh, a frame can make a huge difference without the cost of replacement. Here’s when to frame/reframe the mirror:

●       Only the edges are desilvered. When dark spots appear just around the border, you don’t need to throw out the entire mirror. Instead, use a self-adhesive mirror frame to hide desilvered edges. Make sure to choose a thicker mirror frame style to completely hide the black spots, like the Pacifica White Cap Frame by MirrorMate.

●       You want a different style. If the current frame doesn’t match your updated vanity, lighting, or tile, you don’t need to remove the whole mirror. You can reframe it with a new style that complements your space. MirrorMate frames are designed to fit over your existing mirror—even if it’s mounted on a backsplash or extends to the edge of a wall.

●       The mirror looks unfinished. A plain, frameless mirror can make the bathroom feel dull or incomplete. For an instant bathroom refresh, upgrade your mirror frame with MirrorMate. Your mirror framing kit will arrive with everything you need for assembly and installation. It’s a quick and affordable update that makes a big impact.

Replacing a Broken Mirror Frame

If your mirror frame is the problem but the mirror glass itself is fine, you don’t need to replace the entire mirror. It’s easy to fix a broken mirror frame and give your bathroom a fresh new look.

Start by carefully removing the old frame. Use a flat-edge tool to loosen it from the glass. Once it’s off, upgrade the mirror with a custom-crafted MirrorMate frame that adheres directly to the glass. When measuring for your new frame, account for the frame’s width, especially if your mirror is close to a wall, ceiling, or backsplash.

If you’ve been trying to figure out what to do with a broken mirror frame, replacing it is a simple solution that will add polish to your bathroom.  

Refresh Your Bathroom With a MirrorMate Frame

A MirrorMate frame is the perfect way to salvage a bathroom mirror. Whether your mirror has minor chips or blemishes around the edges or you just want a fresh new look, our bathroom mirror frame kits come with everything you need for assembly and installation.

See how easy it is to install a MirrorMate frame, then shop our entire collection to find your style, from traditional to glam.