Take Your Boring Shelf Unit From Blah To Bam With A Glitzy Mirror DIY

Are you tired of looking at outdated thrifted furniture that's tempting you to toss it out in favor of something glitzy and new? With how fast it seems like trends can change, the pressure to switch up a home's design for nearly every season can feel overwhelming, and the cost of doing so can add up fast. In fact, many freestanding shelving units from big box retailers like Lowe's have price tags of over $100. But instead of running to the store, you can transform an old shelf unit into a piece of glitzy, glamorous decor by using a mirror to frame the sides and back portion of the shelf. The final result is a shiny and reflective piece that rivals those available for purchase.

While there are numerous easy ways to revitalize thrifted furniture, one of the most important elements of any project is preparation and being sure to have all the needed materials on hand before starting. In addition to the shelving unit, you'll need four rectangular mirrors, construction adhesive, plywood, an electric saw, screws, and shelf brackets. Keep in mind that you may need additional items if you want to add some design flair to this shelf DIY, including paint, crushed crafting glass, mosaic tiles, particle board, and battery-powered lights, like the SIXDEFLY Wireless Color Changing LED Puck Lights.

The first step of this budget-friendly designer-dupe shelf DIY is to paint the shelf unit if you aren't satisfied with its current color. After the paint dries, you can attach the mirrors. One mirror will be used on each side of the shelf, while two mirrors will be used to cover the back. Grab a product like Liquid Nails Extreme Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive to secure the two back mirrors together on one piece of sturdy plywood cut down to a suitable size. Next, use the adhesive to attach each side mirror to the unit. Screw the back mirror panel directly into the shelving unit to complete this bulky portion of the project. 

While the reflective aspect of the mirrors is key to a glam design, there are other ways you can tap into this niche style. For example, adding metallic embellishments and jewel tones can bring glam to your house. Try this out with a DIY mosaic for the mirror, or you can even use particle board to build out a faux frame to embellish. Finally, place the LED lights on each shelf to add a touch of elegance and a pop of brightness against the reflective glass. A glitz and glam home decor style is all about a luxurious appearance, and this DIY mirror shelf is sure to deliver.