13 DIY Bathroom Mirror Frames That Won't Break The Bank

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If you're looking for an affordable way to upgrade your bathroom, putting a frame around the mirror is one of the best DIY projects. It's one of those small changes that have an obvious impact. Suddenly, your builder-grade mirror looks way more expensive than it is. The best part? You don't have to spend a fortune. With a few simple materials and a little creative inspiration, you can transform that basic mirror in as little as a weekend (or even an afternoon), all without blowing your budget. 

Most home bathrooms come with those boring, frameless mirrors that feel a little... meh. Sure, they do the job, but they are bathroom features that don't look as good in real life as they do in photos. However, installing a brand-new mirror with a pretty frame can get pricey really fast. But building your own frame right over the existing mirror lets you keep what you have and elevate it the way you want. Even the most seemingly impractical products can be turned into a frame, like chair rails, for example. Clever, renter-friendly peel-and-stick borders also have so many different ways you can put them to good use.

Whether your bathroom mirror is just a medicine cabinet or doesn't have much space to work with, you can quickly and affordably put a frame on it. So, if your builder-grade bathroom mirrors just won't do, these clever bathroom mirror ideas will make yours look extra special without a lot of effort.

For a mirror frame that takes some extra steps to achieve but is totally worth the effort in the end, a wood archway frame will bring architectural vibrance to your bathroom. What starts as an ordinary rectangular mirror can be transformed into a custom-built arch mirror that looks way more expensive than it is. You won't have to remove your existing mirror — you're just covering it up a bit to make a whole new and stunning shape.

When you have leftover lumber scraps, you can build a frame for a fraction of the cost of buying a new mirror. But even if you don't, stores like Lowe's and Home Depot do, and they'll even cut the wood to the size you need. Then you can get creative with the color and finish. Whether you go rustic, modern, or classic, a hardware store mirror frame will make your bathroom pop without draining your wallet.

Peel-and-stick wood grain trim is both a permanent and renter-friendly way to frame a bathroom mirror. It's an easy DIY that brings an upscale look to a plain mirror, without the need for power tools or even major skill. Be sure to look for a brand that's waterproof or moisture-resistant, like the budget-friendly Teemall wood grain border on Amazon for under $8.

If you thought chair rail molding is just for walls, think again. It's actually a great, budget-friendly way to frame a bathroom mirror. Its decorative appearance makes a plain mirror look way more custom. Whether it's used on its own or combined with a wider trim, twisted rope chair rails will make your mirror look that much more special. You can paint or stain it to match your bathroom style, and it's light enough to cut and install yourself.

Add sparkle, depth, and a little glam to your bathroom with rhinestone tiles to frame your existing mirror. They bounce light around in your space, making small bathrooms feel brighter and more open. You can find these tiles in classic square shapes, like the Biutityer Self-Adhesive Rhinestone Tiles, but there are other fun designs, such as these Zonon Diamond Rhinestone Strips. Most are peel-and-stick, which makes installation a breeze.

It's pretty common to use wood onlays to add extra oomph to plain furniture, so why not add it to a boring bathroom mirror? They come in a slew of different designs and sizes, which makes creating a frame even more fun. To give the onlays something to hold onto, you have to add pieces of cut wood in whatever size you want. Use spray paint to make the wood pieces match your vibe. If you're renting, use double-sided tape to hold the wood pieces to the wall.

Crown molding trim might be known for ceilings, but it also makes the perfect trim as a statement frame for bathroom mirrors. Its curved, detailed profile adds a high-end, custom look that can give even the most basic mirror a dose of elegance. No matter what look you're going for in your bathroom, traditional, dramatic, or upscale vibe, crown molding is a great choice. If you have enough left over, use it to make your plain wall stand out, too.

To make sure the frame looks extra perfect and the measurements are correct, order a mirror frame kit and install it yourself. Most kits come with detailed instructions and all the required hardware to help streamline the entire process, so there's no room for second-guessing. You could visit the Frame My Mirror website or shop at their store on Amazon for budget-friendly kits in different sizes and shapes.

Get a trendy and affordable fabric mirror frame to bring a whimsy, cottagecore effect to your bathroom space. Grab some lace fabric in a color that matches your decor or pick a patterned fabric. You can add ric-rac, ribbon, or other kinds of trim to give it a unique, personalized look. This super-easy DIY doesn't need any power tools or ripping out your existing frame. You simply need adhesive to surround the mirror with lacey details.

Flexible crown molding is a total game-changer for everything DIY. For bathroom mirror frames, especially if you're working with curves, rounded corners, or uneven surfaces, it helps make the process smoother and the outcome flawless. Made from bendy materials like polyurethane, flexible crown molding bends without cracking, making it perfect for arch-top mirrors or slightly warped walls. The best part is that it's peel-and-stick, which makes it an ideal upgrade for renters.

Using foam board over an existing mirror frame is a super affordable, lightweight, and beginner-friendly DIY option that can totally transform a basic bathroom mirror. It's perfect if you want a custom look without power tools, heavy materials, a big budget, or making it permanent. Plus, you can even paint cute designs on them, so allow your creative juices go wild with this DIY.

Lightweight, flexible, and mimicking the look of real mirrors, 3D stickers add extra sparkle to the frameless mirror in your bathroom — without the commitment. They come in a variety of shapes, like hexagons, circles, squares, or even geometric patterns like these Jocaluyia 3D Wall Mirror Stickers. Just peel, stick, and you're done. You're left with a mirror border that looks like it came that way.

Plastic garden fence panels might not be the first thing you think of for a bathroom DIY, but they make fun and dazzling mirror frames. Lightweight and super affordable, these fences have pretty scrollwork or picket designs. Just cut them to size, paint if you want, and stick them around your mirror with strong adhesive strips. It's a creative, low-cost way to add personality to your space without a lot of effort. Perfect for renters or anyone who loves a clever upcycle.