So often we overlook pieces we already have or things we find while we’re out treasure hunting because they aren’t in their original condition or being used as they were originally intended. Mirrors are often removed from dressers as people move or redecorate; sometimes they’re never reattached because hardware is lost, maybe a dresser is repurposed as a buffet or the piece is put under a window where the mirror would block it. Sometimes they’re simply removed because of the condition of the mirror.
Mirrors brighten & add depth to small spaces and some of these pieces have incredible detail that you’re just not going to find on most new mirrors.
This dresser mirror had been in my garage for 16 years… yes, 16 sweet years {overlooked in the shadows of treasures coming & going, just waiting to be rescued}! Below, it has been revived with a little Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan in Versailles under Old Ochre, a little light distressing to reveal the Versailles & some Annie Sloan Clear & Dark Wax.
I left the original hardware on the sides that would have held it in it’s frame allowing it to pivot, went to my local hardware store and purchased two simple iron hooks for it to rest on. Simple enough!
Since I wanted something to lighten up laundry days, I added this fun vinyl. This could also be done with an artist brush & any Chalk Paint®. And, the great thing about either option is that they can be removed allowing me to put this mirror anywhere in my home.
There were so many possibilities with this mirror, but absolutely love it in the laundry room. I think it would have been a beautiful addition to any room in our home just as a mirror or with a large vinyl or painted monogram. Maybe in one of the bathrooms over the vanity/sink. I could have easily painted the mirror with Chalk Paint® in Graphite or any other color & used it as a chalkboard. Chalk Paint® is Not chalkboard paint, but because of it’s incredible texture it takes chalk very well. Over time, any area that you write on will need to be re-painted.
Your vinyl will come with directions {follow them closely}. I always like to have on hand… Windex, paper towels, painter’s tape, my trusty level app and vinyl applicator or debit card.
Once you’ve positioned your vinyl, work out any bubbles with your vinyl applicator.
This gorgeous mirror was rescued from a storage trailer along with the dresser. I knew from the moment I saw them in all their dust & dirt glory that they would not remain together {insert the gasp from all the purists}. The dresser was scaled perfectly for me to paint the Union Jack, done in Chalk Paint® Napoleonic Blue, Pure White & Emperor’s Silk {maybe another post for another day}.
I absolutely loved how this cleaned up, so I didn’t paint the frame. But, years of being in an open storage trailer out on someone’s property in our ever humid Florida… definitely took a toll on the condition of the mirror itself {excuse my light fixture reflecting in the mirror}, so I decided to paint it with Chalk Paint® in Graphite & monogram it with chalk.
If you’re going to be using something as an actual chalkboard, apply three coats and Do Not wax. Remember also, you can use any of the Chalk Paint® colors to create a fabulous chalkboard!
If you’re as impatient as me, this will be the hardest part of this project… Yes, Watching the paint dry!
While I was waiting on paint to dry… I knew I wanted a fabulous monogram on it, so I headed on over to For Chic Sake to create a customized printable monogram to project onto my mirror turned chalkboard so I could chalk it. Some projects I freehand, but this one I wanted crisp & beautiful. I wanted a statement piece.
Not only do I love Chalk Paint®… I Love Chalk! Pick up a pack of artist chalk at your local craft supply store; it’s a little more expensive, but so easy to work with & love the colors! I also use plain white chalk & a chalk holder from the local teacher’s supply store. The chalk holder is worth the small investment, as it keeps the chalk from breaking {not necessary, but worth it}.
Any time I’m going to use a colored chalk, I like to test it out on a sample board. I knew that I wanted the primary initial to be this sophisticated grey, but still tried it out on my sample before moving forward. This color reminds me of Annie Sloan’s Paris Grey. The two smaller initials are done in white, reminding me of Annie Sloan’s Pure White. For something more permanent, the monogram could have been painted using these colors.
Whenever I’m using chalk, I keep sandpaper at hand. Occassionally there will be like a little grit that will feel like a drag or scratching against your piece. Just stop & run the chalk across the sandpaper to remove the grit. I also like to use the sandpaper to create sharp edges if needed, so I can get really straight lines.
And, the finished piece… tah dah… Love it! Now this is not the dresser that was rescued with the mirror turned chalkboard, but I think they look gorgeous together!
Hope this has inspired you to go dig those forgotten mirrors out of your garage. If it has, send us photos of your Before & Afters! Of course, include the details of what you did in your transformation!
Black Swan Bazaar 
