What do you get when you take a few inexpensive IKEA mirrors and some wood trim? You guessed it! A statement wall feature that brightens up your space for under $50.
Nilesh wanted to create a high-end wall feature, and he found the perfect solution with IKEA’s BLODLÖNN mirror. You get a four-pack for only $12.99, and you don’t need a ton of other supplies, making this hack affordable.
Mirrors are an excellent way to brighten up a room or make it appear larger. They bounce light around the space, multiplying it and creating a sense of openness. And Nilesh’s DIY version looks elegant and upscale, making it a steal at the low price point.
What You’ll Need
- 6 IKEA BLODLÖNN mirrors — 12” x 12” (Two four-packs, giving you two extra mirrors)
- 2 Finger-jointed pine S4S boards (5/16” x 11/16” x 8’0”)
- Wood stain or paint
- Miter saw
- Nail gun or hammer and nails
- 120-grit sandpaper
- 400-grit sandpaper
- Level
- Tape measure
Step-by-Step: Wood Trimmed IKEA Grid Mirror Hack
1. Make the Frame Pieces
Cut the wood trim to size using the miter saw. Use a 45-degree angle for the outside pieces and straight cuts for the inner pieces.
The hack calls for using S4S boards (surfaced on 4 sides). These boards are smooth, sanded, primed, and ready to paint on all sides, eliminating quite a few steps.
Nilesh recommends finger-jointed boards, which offer stability and are resistant to warping. Therefore, you can get nice, straight pieces for your frame to keep things looking sharp.
Nilesh created a SketchUp drawing to plan out the design. He went with a 2×3 mirror layout. Check out his IKEA mirror hack tutorial on his Wonder Writes blog for specific measurements if you want to replicate his design.
2. Stain or Paint
After cutting all of your frame pieces and making sure they’ll fit how you want them to, it’s time to paint or stain the wood. Use the 120-grit paper first, then follow with the 400-grit. Remove all dust, then apply the wood stain or paint of your choice.
Nilesh suggests using thin, even coats, letting them dry thoroughly according to the product’s instructions. Take your time to get a clean, durable finish.
3. Assemble the Mirror
This step is almost like you’re putting together a puzzle. Your assembly may look different if you choose an alternate design, but this is how Nilesh did his mirror.
Attach the top frame piece to the wall, using the level to keep everything straight. Nail the left vertical piece in place, then paste the top left mirror into position. Add the first inner horizontal strip below the mirror.
Paste and repeat with the second and third mirrors, then add the bottom frame piece. Install the inner vertical strip, then repeat the process on the right side, working your way up to the top frame piece. Finally, attach the right vertical frame strip.
Tips to Make Your IKEA Grid Mirror Hack Perfect
Nilesh advises using a level throughout the process to maintain alignment. He used construction adhesive behind the frame pieces and mirrors to add extra strength.
However, make sure you consider whether you ever plan to relocate the piece. You could end up taking off a chunk of drywall with it if you do.
If you want the piece to be movable, you could repeat the same steps on a thin piece of MDF or plywood. Make one large mirror that you can then screw or hang on the wall.
Let There Be BackLighting!
Nilesh suggests adding an LED strip behind the frame for subtle backlighting. What do you think? Would you incorporate some lighting into this mirror hack to give it some extra shine?
If you recreate this project, or have one of your own, share your hack! We’d love to see it, and maybe your project will appear next on IKEA Hackers!