How to Make a DIY Beaded Mirror (High-End Look With Thrifted Finds)

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What Are Some Ideas For Adding Beads To Home Decor?

Home decor with beads is very on-trend for all design styles. The good news is that it’s easy to add this beaded idea to thrift store finds to create budget-friendly yet stylish decor. Beaded wood mirrors are extremely popular, but you will also see beads on picture frames, clocks, lampshades, vases, and more. Here are some items to look for in thrift stores to update with beads.

• Trays
• Picture Frames & Mirrors
• Lampshades
• Vases
• Clocks
• Large Plates or platters
• Candlestick Holders
• Large Bowls

The Popularity of Hobnail and Bobbin

One reason beaded decor is having a moment is the resurgence and popularity of the milk glass hobnail and bobbin styles. Hobnail milk glass has a pattern of raised knobs over the surface of the vase, bowl, etc. Bobbin furniture is also having a moment. Bobbin furniture, also known as spool furniture, comes in many forms, from candlesticks to bedposts.

For another beaded idea, I recently added these same beads to a lamp base for a Ballard Design Lamp knock-off. The full tutorial is at Thrifted to Chic: Create a Textured Lamp with Faux Hobnail Design.

Supplies For Beaded Mirror Makeover

• Old Mirror or Picture Frame – Mine has a gold finish.
• Split Wood Beads
• E6000 Glue
• White Chalk Paint
• Antique Gold Rub N Buff (optional)
• Small Paint Brush
• Painters Tape

How To Prepare Thrift Store Mirrors

First, you need to prepare your thrift store mirrors for the update.

1. Clean to remove any oily residue, and remove the mirror if possible, or cover it.
   • The mirrors I purchased have a professional backing, and I didn’t want to damage it, so I used painter’s tape to cover the mirror.
2. Next, paint the frame with a coat of white chalk paint. (You may choose any color you desire.)
3. I recommend painting at least one coat of paint before applying the beads. After the beads are attached, it’s harder to paint around them.

How To Add Beads To Wood Mirror Frame

Once the paint is dry, you can apply the split wooden beads to the frame using glue. This beaded idea can vary depending on the shape and design of your frame.

Begin by laying the beads on the frame to determine the spacing and number of beads per row. Then add glue to the backside of the bead and press it onto the frame. Continue until you have the desired coverage.

Paint The Beaded Area

Follow the glue instructions for drying time, and then paint the beads with a small brush. Be sure to get in between and around the beads on all sides.

You don’t need heavy coverage on the beads; one coat should be sufficient. Allow the paint to dry before proceeding.

How To Wax and Distress The Beaded Frame

Although I wanted white frames, I did want to expose some of the original gold color. I used clear wax and rubbed it onto the frame. Rubbing the wax vigorously helps to remove some paint and expose the original gold paint & natural wood on the beads.

How To Add a Touch of Gold

To enhance the frames with a touch of gold, I used Rub n Buff antique gold.

• Apply a small amount of Rub N Buff to a paper towel.
• Press the towel to distribute the material evenly.
• Lightly rub over the tops of the beads.
• You can add some of the antique gold to other areas of the frame if you want more gold exposed.

Finishing Touches

When you have added the desired amount of gold, use a soft cloth or a dry paper towel to buff over the gold and clear wax. Rub over the entire surface of the frames until you have a matte shine.

Finally, remove the tape from the mirror and decorate it with your new beaded mirrors.

How To Decorate With Small Beaded Wood Frame Mirrors

I love collecting small thrift store mirrors to decorate with. They are perfect for adding to shelves, creating small vignettes, and so much more. Here are a few ways to use these decorative beaded wood frame mirrors.

First, I added both of them to the entry table.

This beaded idea has one frame hanging on the wall, while the other serves as a base for a vintage candlestick holder.

They also look stylish grouped together on the wall or hanging from a pegboard.

You can also tuck them into a tray or a cabinet, as in this bathroom vignette. If you look closely, you can see the mirror inside the cabinet.

You can also add interest to a wall-hanging display by adding a mirror to the shutter, which is filled with vintage milk glass bud vases.

Tuck a decorative beaded wood-frame mirror behind a grouping to reflect light all around, drawing attention to your shelf vignettes.

These two mirrors were only $4.00 at the thrift store and cost less than $5.00 to update. Not bad for only $9.00. I’ll be tucking them into my decor for years.

Thank you for stopping by, and I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you!

Related Articles

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• Simple Chalk Paint Furniture Makeover
• 3-Step Flea Market Flip
• Paint It! Thrift Store Flips For Beginner’s
• How To Chalk Paint Furniture
• Thrifted to Chic: Create a Textured Lamp with Faux Hobnail Design