It took some work to get this beast of a mirror hangable. (PS I wasn’t sure if this mirror was really “vintage” like the listing stated, but that tape on the back was definitely decades old. Nasty stuff.)
I ended up reusing the hardware that was already installed on the mirror. It was installed for the mirror to hang horizontally, so I unscrewed and moved the D-rings so the wire could run the opposite way.
I wanted to hang the new mirror on the screws that were already in our wall for the scrolly mirror (in the studs from when we filled in the giant H wall above the fireplace), so I installed the D-rings and strung the wire so the mirror would hang right where I wanted it on the wall.
When you’re stringing the wire for a large mirror or piece of art, make sure your wire is a heavy enough gauge to support the weight (it will tell you on the package), and also that the wire is long enough to tightly thread through the D-rings at least three times. You want the weight of the mirror to be supported at the rings and not dependent on your wire-twisting capabilities (which are not that great in my case).
We needed three adults to hang the mirror and we were all a little wiped out by the whole undertaking. It was intense! But I was so happy with how the mirror looks on that wall. It’s one of my favorite things to hang something up, walk away a few steps and then turn around and, Ta-dah! The big reveal in the context of the space! (come on, tell me you know what I mean here) This was a fun one to turn around to. :)
I am on the fence about changing the finish of the frame though. Part of me likes it as is, but I sort of also feel like it’s too heavy and dark.
If I do change it, I’m thinking I would lime or whitewash the carved part and then gold leaf the very inside lip.
What do you think? That could be good, right?
(Man, I need to finish that skirted sofa table so I can hide that little sliver of fireplace that peeks out from behind the sofa!)
It looks amazing! Every time I see this room, I just think, "If those bachelors could see it now!" The transformation has been so fun to follow.
I absolutely love this room. I wish you had reason to spend more time in Boston, I would love some help around my home! xo
The mirror looks great as is. But then again, gold leafing sounds intriguing…
the mirror fills out the space beautifully! I like it the way it is for now. I say wait till summer and then decide :)
Pretty! Leave as is! It almost has a Moroccan feel in that finish. Whitewashing it is sort of Belgian which I don't think is right for the lines of the mirror. Love it!
I love the wood tone. Beautiful! I think I've painted almost every mirror we own and I totally regret it now.
I say leave it as-is! The wood looks lovely with the black bookshelves and the leather couch. Whitewashing might make the carving look too twee and eliminate the awesome presence it has in the room!
stunning! absolutely stunning! I'm all over mirrors right now, can't have enough which is kinda odd, but I'm going with it!
Don't paint it!!!!!
I like the natural element it brings since there are a lot of painted things in there. Although lime does sound fun!
It looks great. I don't think the wood should be covered, but sanding it so it's bare wood or very lightly limewashing it would look nice.
Just an FYI: It's hard to say how old this mirror is, but it doesn't look that old. It is definitely made in the area of India or Pakistan, and it's made with their tell-tale exotic hardwood (could be sandalwood, but I'm not sure, it's the same stuff that incense and trinket boxes are made with). I'd say it's no older than 20 years old.
My 5 cents (sorry we don't have pennies in Canada anymore, haha) on the mirror is that I do love the current old wooden patina and look that it has, but I wouldn't be heartbroken if you modified it a bit. I'm not sure if I'm that fond of white-washing it, but maybe the interior edge gold leafed (and then maybe with an ebony gloss black band just next to it) could spruce it up a bit. That, or maybe just a spotlight on it.
It looks so fabulous! I love it as is, but I'm sure some gold leafing wouldn't hurt. Anything you do always looks great. I wish you would come to Nashville and help me mix things up in my ranch style house. I know what I love when I see someone else do it (like here), but I'm lost when I try to decorate my house.
I say leave as is. I don't think it's too dark and it looks beautiful in the space.
I agree with previous posters that either the photo is dark or if it really is dark in person, I'd change the dark on the bookcases first. . I just really love the natural warmth it brings to the space
I really like the way the wood balances all of the color in the room. Lovely!!
Amazing mirror! Paint it!
Jenn
http://jramseygeorge.tumblr.com
Beautiful. Great proportions. I'd leave it as is though. It looks expensive with the wood finish. Why mess with perfection?
The mirror looks perfect on that wall. I love it as is, but I also like both refinishing options you mentioned.
I just discovered your blog and thanks to your step by step guides am now thoroughly inspired to take on more projects! This mirror is fantastic & adds just the right warmth to the room so I'd say keep it as it is :)
I just discovered your blog and thanks to your step by step guides am now thoroughly inspired to take on more projects! This mirror is fantastic & adds just the right warmth to the room so I'd say keep it as it is :)
I just discovered your blog and thanks to your step by step guides I'm now thoroughly inspired to take on more projects! This mirror is fantastic & adds just the right warmth to the room so I'd say keep it as it is :)
I just discovered your blog and thanks to your step by step guides I'm now thoroughly inspired to take on more projects! This mirror is fantastic & adds just the right warmth to the room so I'd say keep it as it is :)
I am so obsessed by this mirror…Loved it..its stunning..
Android Developer
I hate to break it to you, but this mirror is not vintage. I have similar one and I had it made. However, on the flip side, from the quality of the threads of the wood, I can tell you that it's Teak and you have something that's on it's way to becoming a collectible! :)
Here's my one, if you'd like to see it. http://shalinistyle.blogspot.in/2013/02/im-not-wallflower-kinda-girl.html
I agree with the other commenters: Please leave the mirror alone. Step away from the paint bucket and leave the mirror alone.
Absolutely lighten up that mirror. It is large and dark which calls attention to itself.
Sofa with longer legs, fireplace hidden. You can easily replace them.
Love your blog. Ann
It looks absolutely perfect!
K. Akhi
http://www.intensepursuits.com
Love it! I think you should paint the mirror, it is heavy!
Goodness gracious your space is looking spectacular!! Love the mix.
Leave it natural! That is a gorgeous frame. Remember your ratio of painted to wood! 1:1 and all I see are painted pieces! navy blue bridesmaid dresses
Green Bridesmaid Dresses
don't paint it!!! it's gorgeous the way it is and you might regret it! i think it helps ground the room.
I love the wood this time! It looks beautiful, well done!
I love the wood this time! It looks beautiful, well done!
It looks perfect! I think the colors adds a sense of warmth to the room. But whichever you decide it'll be lovely!!
I love the depth and bit of rusticity the wood adds, especially next to the blue/green sofa. There are other things to which you could apply that treatment so maybe you could scratch your itch on something else.
It's hard to go back to wood and that wood is beautiful. It just brings the room to life, while somehow grounding it. CTD
I love the depth and bit of rusticity the wood adds, especially next to the blue/green sofa. There are other things to which you could apply that treatment so maybe you could scratch your itch on something else.
It's hard to go back to wood and that wood is beautiful. It just brings the room to life, while somehow grounding it. CTD
Dont touch that mirror! It looks beautiful as is!! I so want that whole room in my house!
I love it just how it is! The size and finish are perfect. What a great find.
clearly going against popular opinion here but i say change it. i agree it feels a bit too heavy and dark. plus it could be fun to prove everyone wrong :)
The dark mirror with the bright sofa and rug is beautiful. It is gorgeous.
I think I like it unpainted! It's a nice balance against the light walls and couch. I LOVE how this room has evovled! Such a great job!
I know that this post is all about the mirror, but i can't help not to say a work about those books neatly stacked in your shelves. The books and the shelves are just divine. ~ ilikesheds.com
ohh i really love your room! thats so inspiring!
I was going to comment saying "I'm so glad you didn't end up painting it!" and then I got to the bottom of the post and saw you're still considering it… I vote no! :) The piece is so beautiful as is and I think it is very majestic!
I'm not one of those who freaks out any time people paint wood furniture/mirrors, but I have to say that in this case I'm loving the natural finish. I'm sure it'll look great whichever way you end up going, though. :) Can't wait to see the living room with the sofa table!
Love the mirror and your amazing blog! I have been looking everywhere for a vibrant rug like yours and haven't had any luck! Do you have any suggestions or can you share where you found yours?
Follow your awesome design instincts and change up the mirror, I think you are right on!!
the warm wood looks so great behind the 'cool' sofa…
You have extraordinary taste, go with your gut. Whatever you do will be awesome. You never dissappoint. I love your blog.