Mirror and Wall Decor: 14 Easy Hacks Everyone Is Copying Right Now

Mirror and wall decor can change the whole feel of a room in one afternoon, and the best part is that it rarely costs much. Think about the plain mirror you walk past every morning or the bare wall above the sofa that never felt finished. With a little plaster, rope, paint or a few thrift store finds, those tired spots can look like they came from a boutique. People everywhere are copying these ideas right now because they are simple, cheap and easy to undo if you rent. We picked the clever hacks that look expensive but only need basic tools and a free weekend. Grab a coffee, pick the wall that bugs you most, and let’s give it some love..

Mirror and Wall Decor Starts With an Arched Plaster Frame

This is the hack that has everyone talking. A plain store mirror gets a soft arched frame made from foam board and a thin coat of plaster or spackle, and suddenly it looks like a designer piece. A home decor video showing a similar budget mirror makeover drew hundreds of likes on MSN, and you can see that viral mirror hack here. The texture catches morning light beautifully. You do not need to cut any glass, since the frame simply sits on top..

You will need: A plain rectangular mirror, foam board, a pencil and string, a craft knife (adult use), strong mounting glue, lightweight spackle, a putty knife, fine sandpaper.

How to make it: 1. Trace an arch on foam board using a pencil tied to string. 2. An adult cuts the arch frame so it overlaps the mirror edges. 3. Glue the frame on and let it set overnight. 4. Spread spackle over the frame, smooth it with a damp finger and let it dry.

Add Rattan Cane Trim to a Round Mirror

Rattan instantly makes a room feel warm and relaxed. Buy a roll of cane webbing, soak it in warm water so it bends, and wrap it around a cheap round mirror frame. Hot glue holds it in place while it dries and tightens. The result looks like the boho mirrors that sell for big money in home stores. It is a lovely way to bring texture into a bedroom or entryway. This is one of the easiest mirror and wall decor wins on the list. Would it suit your dresser?

You will need: A round mirror with a flat frame, cane webbing, a tub of warm water, a hot glue gun (adult help), scissors, clothespins.

How to make it: 1. Soak the cane webbing for 20 minutes. 2. Cut a strip wide enough to cover the frame. 3. Wrap it around the frame and glue the back, clipping as you go. 4. Let it dry for a day so it shrinks tight.

Wavy Squiggle Mirror Made With Spackle

Playful wavy mirrors are everywhere right now, and you can make one yourself. Draw a squiggly outline on foam board a few inches bigger than your mirror, have an adult cut it out, then glue the mirror on top. Cover the foam edge with lightweight spackle to make it look like solid plaster. Paint it sage, blush or creamy white. It turns a plain wall into a happy little moment. This kind of mirror and wall decor makes guests smile. What color would you choose?

You will need: A frameless mirror, foam board, a craft knife (adult use), mirror-safe glue, lightweight spackle, acrylic paint, a brush.

How to make it: 1. Draw a wavy outline around the mirror on foam board. 2. An adult cuts the shape. 3. Glue the mirror to the center and let it set. 4. Coat the foam with spackle, let it dry and paint it.

Wood Bead Garland Mirror

A strand of wood beads is one of the cheapest ways to dress up a mirror. Glue one or two rows around the outside of a round mirror and finish with a little jute tassel at the bottom. The natural wood looks great in a farmhouse bathroom or a kid’s room. You can leave the beads raw or paint them in soft colors. Find bead garland at the craft store or in our favorite dollar store decor ideas. Easy mirror and wall decor like this takes under an hour. Ready to string it up?

You will need: A round mirror, a wood bead garland, a hot glue gun (adult help), jute twine for a tassel, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Lay the garland around the mirror to check the length. 2. Glue the beads on a few inches at a time. 3. Add a second row if you like. 4. Make a small jute tassel and glue it to the bottom.

Rope-Wrapped Coastal Mirror

If you love beach houses, this one is for you. Coil thick cotton rope around the edge of a round mirror and glue it as you go. Then add a rope loop at the top and hang it from a sturdy hook. It instantly gives a hallway or bathroom that breezy seaside look. Use a mirror with a frame so the glue has something to hold, and ask an adult to handle the glue gun. It is mirror and wall decor that feels like a vacation. Where would yours hang?

You will need: A round framed mirror, thick cotton rope, a hot glue gun (adult help), scissors, a heavy-duty wall hook.

How to make it: 1. Start at the bottom and glue the rope end to the frame. 2. Coil the rope around the frame, gluing as you go. 3. Tuck and glue the end at the back. 4. Tie a rope loop at the top and hang it on the hook.

Gold Leaf Frame Makeover

Thrift stores are full of ornate frames with chipped or tired finishes. A little gold leaf brings them back to life. Brush on a thin layer of sizing glue, wait until it turns tacky, then press on sheets of gold leaf and rub them gently with a soft brush. The carved details pop and the frame looks antique in the best way. Pop a mirror inside and hang it as a statement piece. Mirror and wall decor with a vintage touch never goes out of style. Have you seen an old frame worth saving?

You will need: An ornate frame, gold leaf sheets, leaf sizing glue, a soft brush, a cloth, a clear sealer.

How to make it: 1. Clean the frame and let it dry. 2. Brush on sizing and wait until tacky. 3. Lay on the gold leaf and smooth it with a soft brush. 4. Brush off the extra flakes and seal it.

Mosaic Tile Mirror Border

Mosaic tiles turn a boring bathroom mirror into art. Buy small glass tiles on mesh sheets so there is no cutting needed. Glue them around the edge of a framed mirror, let them set, then press grout into the gaps and wipe off the extra. Turquoise and gold feel fresh and beachy, while black and white looks classic. Wear gloves when grouting and keep kids at a safe distance. This mirror and wall decor idea brings color to any small room. Which colors would you pick?

You will need: A framed mirror, mesh-backed mosaic tiles, tile adhesive, sanded grout, a rubber float, a sponge, gloves.

How to make it: 1. Cut the mesh sheets into strips with scissors. 2. Spread adhesive on the frame and press the strips in place. 3. Let it set for a day. 4. Grout the gaps and wipe the tiles clean with a damp sponge.

Closet Door Mirror Turned Statement Piece

Those cheap frameless closet door mirrors can look very high-end with a simple frame. Paint four strips of wood black or gold and glue them around the mirror. Then hang it sideways above the sofa or lean it tall in the bedroom. A big mirror bounces light around and makes a room feel twice as large. Have an adult cut the wood and use proper anchors to mount it safely. It is one of the most budget-friendly mirror and wall decor ideas out there. Big or bold, which way will you hang it?

You will need: A frameless door mirror, four strips of flat wood trim, paint, mirror-safe glue, a saw (adult use), mirror mounting clips and anchors.

How to make it: 1. An adult measures and cuts the trim to fit the mirror edges. 2. Paint the trim and let it dry. 3. Glue the trim around the mirror and clamp it while it sets. 4. Mount it with mirror clips into wall anchors.

Picture Frame Molding Boxes on the Wall

Picture frame molding gives plain walls that elegant, old home look. Thin trim pieces are glued and nailed to the wall in rectangles, then everything is painted the same color. It looks amazing in hallways, dining rooms and behind beds. Pre-cut molding kits make it easier, but an adult should handle any saw or nail gun. Hang a single framed print inside one of the boxes for a gallery feel. Mirror and wall decor does not get more classic than this. Which room needs some charm?

You will need: Pre-cut molding kit or thin trim, a level, a pencil, construction adhesive, small finishing nails, caulk, paint.

How to make it: 1. Plan your boxes on the wall with painter’s tape. 2. Glue and nail the trim along the lines. 3. Caulk the gaps and fill nail holes. 4. Paint the trim and wall the same color.

Painted Wall Arch

No budget for architecture? Paint one. A tall painted arch behind a desk, bed or plant corner creates a cozy nook that feels built in. Tie a pencil to a string and pin it at the center to trace a perfect curve, then tape the straight sides. Fill it with a warm color like terracotta, sage or dusty blue. Hang a few small prints inside the arch to finish it. It is mirror and wall decor that costs only a sample pot of paint. What corner would you frame?

You will need: A sample pot of paint, a small roller and brush, a pencil, string, a pushpin, painter’s tape, a level.

How to make it: 1. Mark the center top of the arch and pin the string there. 2. Trace the curve and tape the straight sides. 3. Paint two coats and remove the tape while damp. 4. Touch up the curve with a small brush.

Painted Checkerboard Accent Wall

Checkerboard walls are having a big moment, and they are easier than they look. Paint the whole wall in the lighter color first. Then use a level and painter’s tape to mark a grid and paint every other square. Soft colors like cream and terracotta feel cozy rather than loud. Try it in an entryway, laundry room or behind a bench. It is a fun weekend project for the whole family, and older kids can help with the taping. Bold mirror and wall decor like this gets noticed. Are you brave enough to try it?

You will need: Two paint colors, a roller, a small brush, a level, a pencil, painter’s tape, a measuring tape.

How to make it: 1. Paint the wall in the lighter color and let it dry. 2. Mark a grid of equal squares with a level and pencil. 3. Tape off every other square. 4. Paint those squares, then peel the tape while the paint is wet.

Plate Wall Gallery

Grandma knew what she was doing with plates on the wall. A cluster of mismatched decorative plates looks charming in a kitchen, dining room or above a hutch. Collect them from thrift stores and yard sales, then use simple adhesive plate hangers on the back. Lay them out on the floor first to find a shape you love, then trace each one on paper and tape the paper to the wall as a guide. It is mirror and wall decor with a story behind every piece. Do you have plates hiding in a cabinet?

You will need: Decorative plates, adhesive plate hangers, small nails, kraft paper, a pencil, painter’s tape.

How to make it: 1. Lay the plates out on the floor in a pleasing shape. 2. Trace each one on paper and tape the paper to the wall. 3. Nail through the paper where each hanger will go. 4. Tear the paper away and hang the plates.

Black Frame Gallery Wall

A gallery wall in matching black frames looks tidy and smart, even if the art inside is a mix of family photos, kids’ drawings and postcards. The trick is to keep the spacing even, about two inches between frames. Cut paper templates for each frame and tape them up before you put a single nail in the wall. Add a lamp and a plant below for a finished look. This kind of mirror and wall decor grows with your family. Whose art will go up first?

You will need: Black frames in a few sizes, prints or photos, kraft paper, painter’s tape, a level, nails and a hammer.

How to make it: 1. Trace each frame on paper and cut out templates. 2. Tape the templates to the wall and adjust the layout. 3. Mark the nail spot on each template and nail through it. 4. Remove the paper and hang the frames.

Framed Fabric Art

A beautiful scrap of fabric can be art all on its own. Stretch a pretty tea towel, scarf or piece of vintage embroidery over a canvas or a board, staple it at the back and pop it into a frame. Bold birds and flowers look stunning, but simple stripes work too. It is a great way to show off a pattern you love without spending much. Change it with the seasons whenever you like. It is the perfect finish for our list of mirror and wall decor ideas. Which fabric would you frame?

You will need: A fabric piece, a blank canvas or foam board, a staple gun (adult help), scissors, a simple frame.

How to make it: 1. Iron the fabric flat. 2. Wrap it around the canvas and staple the back, pulling it tight. 3. Trim the extra fabric. 4. Fit it into the frame and hang it.