In a world saturated with cheap home goods, you might be tempted to toss out an old mirror and start fresh. But there are lots of good reasons to give an outdated mirror some TLC.

Large mirrors are pricey. DIY fixes and upgrades are the way to go whenever possible. You’ll be doing your part to keep waste out of landfills, and it’s a chance to put your creative skills to test.

You might be surprised at how easy it is to breathe new life into an old or outdated mirror. For inspiration, we’ve put together five mirror update ideas to transform a boring mirror into something special.

1: Frame your bathroom vanity mirror.

Builder-grade mirrors are common in many homes. As the name suggests, these unframed plate-glass mirrors are cheap and easy for builders to install, but they make the whole room look unfinished. Thankfully, you don’t have to replace a plate-glass mirror in the bathroom to give it a style boost.

Instead, use a DIY frame kit. MirrorMate frames are custom cut to the exact dimensions of your mirror and adhere directly to the mirror surface. Each kit comes with everything you need to assemble and install your new mirror frame, and you can choose from a range of styles and colors, from shimmering metallics to paintable frames that let you get creative.

2: Use a stencil to add detail.

This is a fun project you can do in an hour or two to transform a mirror. Use etching cream and a stencil (like Rub N Peel or Peel N Etch) to decorate a glass mirror in the design of your choice. The etching cream creates the look of frosted glass, contrasting with the mirror’s natural surface. A geometric pattern is perfect for minimalist décor. An intricate floral design adds a touch of romance.

Frosted glass spray is another quick and easy option—use it to create a simple border on your mirror in minutes. A third option is to use vinyl decals. You’ll find tons of them online, and it’s an instant way to spruce up your mirror.

3: Give your modern mirror a vintage look.

If you love a well-worn look, why not take a plain modern mirror and make it antique? It may seem counterintuitive to damage a mirror’s surface and frame, but that’s exactly how to give it the timeworn look of a classic antique.

You can find all the items you need to antique a mirror at your local hardware store. These items include paint stripper and muriatic acid to remove some of the mirror’s reflective surface. If you’re a seasoned DIYer, odds are you already have some of the items you’ll need at home. Curious about how to do it? Watch this tutorial on DIYing antique mirrors.

4: Frame your medicine cabinet.

Most medicine cabinets are just basic wall-mounted or recessed boxes with a simple mirrored surface and stainless-steel frame. Boring! Framing your medicine cabinet adds instant style, turning this overlooked bathroom fixture into a focal point. MirrorMate’s custom cut frames work on most medicine cabinets, even some recessed units.

In a few easy steps, you can order a custom frame for your medicine cabinet to match your vanity mirror. If your vanity mirror is also unframed, it’s the perfect opportunity to frame both at the same time. Don’t forget to pair your frame to your fixture finishes.

5: Glam it up with a metallic sheen.

Turn an understated wall mirror into a focal point with the simple addition of gold leaf or copper leaf paint, or loose leaf sheets. Whether you want to fix up a thrift store find or you have a full-length mirror that’s been collecting dust in the attic for years, applying gold leaf can add just the right amount of glam. Your new mirror will look like a beautiful museum showpiece.

You can cover the entire frame in gold or copper leaf paint or use it more sparingly to create a distressed look. It’s all a matter of personal taste and preference. Whatever you decide to do, have fun with it!

Start Your Project with MirrorMate

Have a bathroom mirror that could use some TLC? MirrorMate makes it easy to give an unframed vanity mirror a fresh new look.

Our mirror frames are custom cut to the exact dimensions of your mirror frame and install in just minutes. Choose from a huge range of colors and styles, from coastal to farmhouse. Find your perfect frame by exploring our collections today.