Builder-grade bathroom mirrors are practical, but the clips that hold the mirror to the wall can make the space feel unfinished. If your eyes go straight to the hardware instead of the mirror, you’re probably researching how to hide mirror clips.

Thankfully, you don’t have to replace the entire mirror to give your bathroom a cleaner, more polished look. From quick DIY fixes to decorative mirror frames that completely cover mirror mounting clips, there are several ways to hide unsightly plastic or metal mirror clips and give your plate-glass mirror a finished appearance. We’re going to show you how ahead.

What Are Mirror Clips?

Mirror mounting clips are small plastic or metal clips that hold a plate glass mirror securely against the wall. They’re called “clips” because they grip onto the outer edge of the mirror, holding it in place. Builders like to use clips because they’re affordable, reliable, and quick to install. 

There are several styles, including rosette clips, metal J-clips, and screw-mounted clips, each designed to support the mirror while keeping it safely in place. Unfortunately, they’re not pretty to look at and they can be especially unsightly from the side view.

Should You Remove Mirror Clips?

If you’re trying to figure out how to remove mirror clips and wonder if it’s safe to do so, the reality is it’s best to leave them in place.

Mirror mounting clips are screwed directly into the wall to help support the mirror. Removing metal or plastic mirror clips can reduce the mirror’s support and increase the risk of the glass shifting or cracking.

Before you reach for a screwdriver, consider these options instead:

• Paint the clips. This is an affordable and easy option, but the clips are still visible after painting.
• Replace them with decorative clips. Decorative hardware looks more attractive than standard builder-grade clips, but it still leaves the mounting hardware exposed.
• Cover them with trim or molding. This creates a more finished appearance, but it requires careful measuring, precise cuts, and additional installation work.

If none of these solutions sound good, there’s a better way to hide mirror clips. Adding a custom crafted mirror frame not only covers up clips but also gives your bathroom a more polished look. We’re going to show you how.

The Easiest Fix: Frame Right Over the Clips

If you’re looking for a stylish and simple way to hide mirror clips, a MirrorMate frame is designed specifically for the job. Unlike standard mirror trim or DIY molding, MirrorMate frames are specially designed for builder-grade mirrors.

Every custom crafted MirrorMate frame features a patented recessed back that fits neatly over mirror clips and metal channels, creating a flush, finished appearance without removing any hardware.

MirrorMate frames work on virtually all square and rectangular mirrors. And since the frame adheres directly to the mirror with professional-grade adhesive tape, MirrorMate kits work with mirrors that rest on a backsplash or touch one or more side walls.

Upgrade your mirror in a few simple steps:

1. Measure your mirror. Measure the width and height of your existing mirror along with a few other measurements, then choose from more than 50 frame styles.
2. Order your custom-crafted frame. Enter your mirror’s dimensions, and your frame will be custom crafted to fit your existing mirror.
3. Assemble and install. Your DIY Mirror frame kit arrives with everything you need except a small hammer. Installation and assembly are easy and straightforward.

See how easy it is and search our complete collection to find your perfect custom-crafted MirrorMate frame!

FAQs

How do you hide mirror clips without removing them?

You can paint the clips or replace boring plastic clips with more decorative options. But this still leaves you with a boring, unframed plate glass mirror. MirrorMate frames are custom crafted to fit your mirror and feature a patented recess in the back that fits over clips. The result is a beautifully framed mirror with no visible clips.

Can you frame a bathroom mirror that has clips?

Yes. Many builder-grade bathroom mirrors can be framed without removing the clips. MirrorMate mirror frame kits are specifically designed to fit over existing clips and strips, making it easy to upgrade your mirror without replacing it.

Do MirrorMate frames fit over existing clips?

Yes, MirrorMate frames feature a unique recess in back that is specifically designed to fit over most small mirror clips. There are some exceptions. If you have large or bulky clips (especially decorative clips), you may need to replace them before installing your MirrorMate frame.

Measure your existing clips. If they are larger than 1” tall and 1” wide, simply indicate this during the ordering process and MirrorMate will send you replacement clips with your order. If your clips are smaller than 1”, you should not need to replace them.

Is it safe to permanently remove mirror clips from the wall?

In most cases, it is not a good idea to remove bathroom mirror clips. The clips help support the mirror, and most clips are screwed directly into the wall as part of the mounting system. Even when the mirror is glued to the wall, removing clips can reduce the mirror’s stability and increase the risk of the glass shifting or cracking.

What is the cheapest way to cover ugly mirror clips?

Painting the clips to match the wall or mirror frame is usually the least expensive option. While it helps them blend in, the hardware is still visible. If you’re looking for a more polished result, consider framing your bathroom mirror. MirrorMate frames are specially designed to fit over clips, and the frames work with virtually all square and rectangular mirrors—even those that sit on top of a backsplash or touch side walls.

Do mirror frames fit over plastic and metal clips?

Not all mirror frames are designed to fit over plastic and metal clips. MirrorMate frames feature a patented recessed back that fits over existing clips and metal strips, allowing the frame to sit flush against the mirror while concealing the mounting hardware.