From Forgotten to Fabulous: Giving a Mirror a Second Chance
Today’s transformation features a mirror I had all but given up on that had been tucked away in our basement for over a decade. Sound familiar? You probably have a few pieces like that—decor you loved once but outgrew, or items that just didn’t fit your current style anymore. But here’s the thing: you can change them. You don’t need to toss what you have. With a little paint and imagination, your outdated decor can feel brand new again.
A Bit of Backstory: The Mirror and Its $19.99 Origin
Let’s rewind for a moment. Years ago—probably more than 20, if I’m being honest—I snagged this mirror as part of a Saturday morning deal at Lowe’s. Back then, they had a markdown section right at the front of the store, and I’d head there first thing every Saturday. I ended up bringing home a table, lamp, and mirror set for just $19.99. Yes, I still remember the price. I may not recall what I did five minutes ago, but I can absolutely tell you what I spent decades ago on home decor. Priorities, right?
That set lived in my entryway during my single gal days for years. It wasn't until recently—while digging around in the basement—that I spotted the mirror again and thought, why not give it a second chance?
Staying True to My Style
Now, if you’ve been hanging around Vintage Style Gal for a while, you know I don’t follow trends. I like timeless pieces and classic charm that won’t feel dated when the latest trend says to swap it all out. Let’s be real—who has the energy or the budget to constantly redecorate?
This dining room refresh is shaping up to be my favorite makeover yet, and I have a feeling it might even spill into the foyer. (You’ve been warned.) But before we jump ahead, let’s talk about how I transformed this mirror with just a few supplies and a bit of elbow grease.
DIY Mirror Makeover: Step-by-Step Instructions
Materials:
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Old mirror (bonus points if it’s been gathering dust in your basement)
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Black chalk paint (we’re sticking with what works!)
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Antique gold Rub ’n Buff
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Chip brush and small detailing brush
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Windex and a soft cloth or rag
Instructions:
Step 1: Clean Thoroughly
This mirror had been in the basement for years, so the first step was a deep clean. I used Windex and a rag to wipe down all surfaces, and a Q-tip came in handy for reaching into those ornate nooks and crannies.
Step 2: Skip the Tape (or Don’t)
You can tape off the mirror if you prefer, but chalk paint wipes off glass easily (ask me how I know this). I decided to skip the tape this time and go carefully around the edges with a small brush.
Step 3: Apply Rub ’n Buff—Then Change Course
I initially reached for my go-to Rub ’n Buff and started applying it directly to the frame, like I did with the coordinating table years ago. But I quickly realized I wanted more contrast—more drama—so I pivoted.
Step 4: Paint It Black
Next came the black chalk paint. I applied a full coat over the Rub ’n Buff, using the smaller brush to get into every detail. It covered beautifully, and I didn’t need to worry about taping off the glass.
Step 5: Add Antique Gold Accents
Once the paint dried, I took a page from my recent clock makeover and dipped my brush into a small dab of Rub ’n Buff. I brushed most of it off before lightly dry brushing the gold onto the mirror frame, focusing near the glass and on the decorative leaf corners. This gave just the right amount of vintage charm.
Step 6: Style Your Space
Once dry, I styled the mirror in its new home—right on top of our china cabinet. Originally, I intended it to sit vertically on top of the china cabinet, but it looked better horizontally in that spot. Sometimes plans change, and that’s okay!
Sentimental Styling: Telling Stories Through Decor
If you’ve seen my dining room before, you may recognize the Air Castle fan I bought from my grandmother’s auction. It still works, and I’ve grown fond of seeing it every day—it’s earned its spot on top of the china cabinet.
I also gathered some vintage wooden spools and arranged them like treasures in an old tailor’s shop. One spool even found a home on top of a repurposed lamp part from last Christmas. My imagination runs wild when I decorate. Each piece has a past, and I love imagining where it came from or who might’ve used it.
I even worked our old dairy cooler into the space with a flower arrangement tucked inside. I debated putting our oversized pinecones away, but then I thought—why do we limit pinecones to fall and winter? I say they’re a year-round natural element. They look right at home nestled among the florals in that dairy cooler too.
Design With What You Have: A Gentle Reminder
If you take nothing else away from this post, let it be this: you don’t have to spend money to update your space (sounding like a broken record here). Your home should reflect who you are, not what the latest catalog says is trendy. Look around. That mirror you stashed in the attic or the end table gathering dust? It may just be the thing that pulls a whole room together with a little paint and creativity.
And if money is tight (trust me, I get it), try walking around your neighborhood before trash day. You’d be surprised at what people leave out. One person’s trash is another’s treasure—something I’ll be diving deeper into next week. I cannot wait for you to see what’s coming!
Upcycled Mirror, Updated Dining Room
This mirror makeover was simple, budget-friendly (you have to love free), and added so much warmth and character to our dining room. Best of all? It cost me nothing but time. Projects like this remind me that the heart of home decorating isn’t in buying new things—it’s in reimagining what we already have.
So, the next time you pass by that dusty mirror in the basement or the lamp with a broken shade, ask yourself: Can I make it work? More often than not, the answer is yes, or at least it is here, and I enjoy every step in making it new again.
Until next time, friends—keep creating, keep imagining, and keep rescuing those forgotten pieces. You just might fall in love with them all over again.
If you have missed any of our updates in the dining room, you can find them below.
