How To Turn An Old Mirror Frame Into A Decorative Storage Solution

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There is something magical about transforming something old into something useful, and framed mirrors are one of the many household items that can be repurposed into unique home decor. By adding some wooden shelves, a coat of paint, and some hanging hooks, you can turn that old frame into a stylish storage solution that showcases your tiny figurines, jewelry, or plants. As an added bonus, you'll also get started on decluttering your attic!

Older frames can bring a lovely visual character to a room, but they are also functional and practical when used as shelving. If your old framed mirror ended up in storage because you've grown out of the look, however, don't fret. You can be as creative with this project as you'd like, using paint and stains to customize the final product to your current tastes. Decorate the frame with little painted hearts, glue on some embellishments to dress it up, or paint it a color that seamlessly blends in to your space. You can also paint the wall behind and around the frame as a way to make it feel more intentional and built-in.

To create this wall shelf, you'll need a framed mirror, some wooden boards, a saw, wood screws, a drill, paint or stain in the color of your choice, and some handy hooks if you're planning to hang jewelry, like these EIENHOSHI Screw Hooks. 

You'll first want to cut your boards to build a simple rectangular shape that will sit behind the frame. Cut two pieces of wood that are the same height as your frame and four boards the same width as your frame to create the top of the rectangle, two shelves, and the bottom of your rectangle. Then, use the wood screws to attach the pieces together and create a simple shelving unit — you should be left with a rectangular box with two shelves running the width inside. 

Once you've got your frame built, you can paint or stain the boards and your old frame to match. Use your wood screws to attach the old frame and your box frame together, creating one solid piece. If desired, attach some screw hooks into the underside of one of your shelves to create a space to hang your jewelry. 

Finally, position your frame into place on the wall with a level, and screw or hang it where you want it. Add your tiny treasures, signs or plants to the shelves. While this design is perfect for storing knickknacks and small jewelry pieces, it's also possible to turn a frame into the perfect solution for your hair clips. Get creative and make a few tweaks, and you'll be able to create a custom storage solution for just about anything you need.