Repurposing an Antique Mirror

Antique mirrors hold an irresistible charm that makes it difficult to dispose of them, particularly when they are family heirlooms or are full of memories. Repurposing antique mirrors gives them a new lease on life and helps save the planet -- discarded mirrors end up in landfills. Perhaps a renovation renders them useless, even though mirrors are still in good condition. They could be stained and ugly or even broken. Repurposing such antique mirrors continues the beloved tradition of keeping antique heirloom mirrors within the family for the next generation to enjoy.

Glue for metal and wood
Antique hand mirror
Silver antique food tray
Collection of earrings, bracelets, lotions and perfumes
Coffee table
4 to 6 small glass dipping bowls
Antique vanity mirror
Full-length antique mirror
Any free-standing sculpture, blown glass sculpture or crystal glass sculpture
Picture-hanging kit
Track lights
Rags
Water
1 tablespoon vinegar
Small bowl
Floral border wall decals
1-inch floral/snowflake decals
Work gloves
Glue gun
Sander
Flower pot
Wooden food tray
1 to 6 packs binding craft mix
Pail of water
12 cup hooks
4 antique cabinet pulls

Instructions

- 1
  
  Antique hand mirrors are worth saving.
  
  Create a vanity mirror tray. Glue a hand mirror on the bottom of a silver antique serving food tray. Fill the mirror’s surface with a collection of earrings, bracelets, bottles of lotions and perfumes.
- 2
  Add a touch of glamor to any coffee table. Turn 4 to 6 glass dipping bowls upside down. Space them equally apart on top of a coffee table and glue them down. Next, glue the antique mirror on top of these dipping bowls, mirror side up, for a refurbished coffee table.
- 3
  
  Antique mirrors perfectly reflect artwork details from behind.
  
  Show artwork in its full glory. Place the antique mirror behind any free-standing sculpture, blown glass or crystal figurine to show off details from behind that would not be seen otherwise. Add track lights to create a gallery feel.
- 4
  Hide stains around the edges by sticking floral decals on the mirror’s entire border. Follow the decal’s package instructions.
- 5
  Cover little spots randomly scattered all over the antique mirror with 1- or 2-inch snowflake decals; this transforms mirror into a wall accent piece.
- 6
  
  A sander or hot glue dulls sharp edges from broken shards.
  
  Smooth the sharp edges of broken shards, using hot glue or a sander at the edges. Create a mirror mosaic on a flower pot, tray or accent wall. Pour some binding mix into a bowl and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Coat a clay pot, tray bottom, wooden box, planter or wall with binding mix. Stick the shards into a mosaic pattern onto the mix while damp. Let it dry.
- 7
  Reuse the antique mirror’s frame as a picture frame, key holder, or coat rack. Screw in cup hooks or antique cabinet pulls to hold up keys or coats.

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