How to Create a Mirror Frame With a Chair Rail

If you have a large plain mirror and want to spruce it up, you can make a frame to give it some character. A frame also reinforces and protects mirror glass. You can use anything from old worn boards to grapevines for the frame. Give your frame a sophisticated look by using chair rail stock wood. Choose a carved chair rail design to match your decor.

• 1

  Measure the mirror's width and length and write the numbers down. Subtract ½ inch from the measurements. This is so the frame will be built smaller than the mirror, and the mirror won't fall through it.

• 2

  Measure and mark on the back of a piece of chair rail the width of the mirror minus ½ inch. Do not start the measurement from the end of the chair rail. Make your marks at least 4 inches from the ends of the chair rail. Mark the edge of the rail that you want to be the inside of the frame.

• 3

  Cut the chair rail on each end using a saw and a miter box to cut at a 45-degree angle. The marks should be your starting point and the cuts should go out from there, making the other edge of the board longer than the edge with the marks. Repeat this process with another piece of rail for the width, and with two pieces for the length of the mirror minus 1/2 inch.

• 4

  Place the chair rail pieces together face down in a box formation so that all the sides meet up and the angled cuts touch. Make sure they fit properly and use sandpaper to remove any rough edges.

• 5

  Hold each corner in place and use a staple gun to attach them together, making sure one end of each staple is on either side of the corner seams. Staple each corner several times.

• 6

  Place the mirror facedown on the frame.

• 7

  Attach hardware to the back of the frame to hold the mirror in place. Screw corner brackets in at the corners of the mirror, or hammer nails partway in and then bend them in toward the glass to secure it. If you don't plan on taking the mirror out, you can also glue the mirror to the frame.