Step 1

Decide which type of frame to use. Wood frames are classic and can be built and finished before mounting mirrors. Tile frames are convenient for bathrooms; they can match existing tile and withstand the constant heat and humidityAnother option is a metal framing kit that consists of folded metal that is slid onto the edges of a wall-mounted mirror. It's secured with clips called "rosettes" that hold and conceal the edges. Wood and tile frames can also be applied in place on large mirrors.

Apply tile frames to a mirror that has been mounted on a bathroomwall. Purchase enough bull-nosed tiles to go around the entire circumference of the mirror plus four corners. "Back-butter" each tile with mastic or tile adhesive and form a frame, using plastic "spacers" to leave an eighth of an inch between each tile for grout. Use a tile cutter to score and snip tiles to fit the frame and make adjustments for mounting clips with a hand grinding tool. Let dry overnight before removing spacers and grouting.

Apply wood frames directly to large, wall-mounted mirrors. Cut frame sections with a miter box so that the "in" side of each 45-degree-angled corner measures about an inch shorter than the side of the mirror it will fit. If corners aren't flush, "back cut" a bit of the wood behind the face of the cut with a coping saw. Cut a notch, called a "rabbet," along each side about half an inch into the inside edge to hang over the edge of the mirror. Make the rabbet deep enough so the frame sits flat on the wall. Dry-fit everything and make adjustments, then use some construction adhesive on the pieces and place around the mirror. Countersink wood wood screws every foot or so along the frame. Fill the screw holes with wood filler or "buttons."

Build a wood frame at a frame-it-yourself shop where they'll cut the frame and help you assemble it. They also have the specialized equipment (like miter clamps) to hold corners square as you secure them with glue and wedges (sharp, wavy metal joiners). Frame pieces come with the rabbet pre-made so you won't need a router. If you can't find a frame shop, you can order frame parts from an art supply firm or cut and rabbet the pieces yourself. Once the mirror is in the frame, put a backing of thin wood or heavy paperboard to back the mirror, secured with wood strips or oversized glazer's points and cover the whole thing with paper.

Take care when hanging framed mirrors---hanging one requires more than the average picture hanger nail. Most framed mirrors should have two hanging eyelets, mounted on the frame, for safety. Hanging points should be screws in heavy-duty wall anchors. If you're fortunate enough to have a picture rail, it's the perfect place from which to hang a framed mirror.