1 of 5
2 of 5
3 of 5
4 of 5
5 of 5
Sunburst mirrors are a stylish classic that serve as decor and art. They add sparkle and interest to any room and dress up a boring space.
If you would like to add an architectural element to your mantel, above a headboard, or any other area of your home but don't want to spend hundreds of dollars to do it, here are two gorgeous examples for under $30:
Cost: Approximately $30 (I already had spray paint in my basement)
Supplies:
Round mirror (Hobby Lobby)
Wood shims (Around 17 packages depending on how large you would like your mirror. $1.48 per package at Lowe's)
12"x12" square of thin masonite
Wood glue or Gorilla glue
Spray paint
Hanging hardware/small nails
Hammer
Painter's tape
Steps 1 & 2
Gather your supplies beginning with your wood shims and glue.
Steps 3 & 4
Decide on the arrangement you would like. I did groupings of 7 and stacked them so that there was one long piece to create the burst effect. You can do this 2 ways, either glue them first in the groupings of 7 and then glue together to create your round mirror, or glue them individually around your circular mirror piece by piece to create the pattern as you go, as shown in image 4.
Be sure to make sure all the shims are even and flat against your surface as you glue. I don't recommend hot glue for this project. I actually tried it first and it was not strong enough to secure the entire mirror. The wood glue is absolutely worth the patience and much easier to adjust as you go.
Step 5
Continue gluing your shims till you have created a tight circle. Allow to dry several hours. Don't worry if you have to add an extra shim here or there to make your mirror tight and secure. It won't be obvious in the end. It might help to add painters tape to secure and hold things in place while drying.
Step 6
Once your mirror is dry, very carefully turn over and gently nail thin masonite board to back to stabilize.
Step 7
Add hanging hardware. This mirror is somewhat heavy so make sure whatever you are attaching to the back is strong enough to hold it.
Step 8
Spray paint your mirror in well ventilated area. Once thoroughly dry, glue mirror to front with Gorilla glue. Weight with several books and allow to dry for several hours.
Once dry, your mirror is complete and ready to add some sparkle to your room, and the best part is you made it yourself! Congrats!
Cost: $5-$10
Supplies: Bamboo (I bought mine at the dollar store and used three bunches) Small round mirror (Dollar Store or Hobby Lobby depending on how big you want your mirror) Hot glue Scissors/ garden Clippers Cardboard or Foamcore Wire Pencil
I recently demonstrated just how fun and simple it is to make this version of a starburst mirror on Great Day St. Louis. Watch my quick and easy tutorial here.
These are just two suggestions, but the variations are endless. Try wood skewers, spoons, I've even seen porcupine quills! Jonathan Adler was brave enough to do one in Barbie dolls, so feel free to have some fun and get creative!!!
By Trenna Travis, Trenna Travis Design Studio
