How to Remove (and Reuse) a Large Builder Grade Mirror

Discover safe and easy methods to remove and repurpose your bulky builder grade mirror for a fresh home update.

If you like this post you might also like Large Round Mirrors Under $75, Easiest Technique to Make a DIY Antique Mirror, and How to Make a Modern Sunrise Floating Mirror.

How to Remove (and Reuse) a Large Builder Grade Mirror

We’ve shown you how to frame a basic builder grade mirror (and here’s another method), and it is one of the easiest jobs to DIY in a bathroom makeover. But our guest today not only framed her mirror, she moved it to behind the tub to make this gorgeous space!

If you’re going to be replacing your builder-grade bathroom mirror, consider doing what Amanda did and using it somewhere else in your bathroom or home. Large mirrors aren’t cheap, and a big mirror can add so much light and depth to any room.

Here’s Amanda to tell you all about her tricks for removing a builder grade mirror.

(Note: since this tutorial was first published in 2014, Amanda has quit blogging and shut down her site, so links to her site have been redirected to an archived version of her site.)

Hello, I am Amanda and I blog at mommy is coocoo.  My blog is all about fun!  I am a design lover, DIY’er and addicted to trash-to-treasure transformations.  I am most known for my EASY to Understand Chevron Stripe Tutorial.  The tutorial is so easy my five year old can do it.  Make sure you check out our video! My How to Make a Christmas Ornament Wreath is one of my most popular tutorials.  If you’ve ever thought about making an ornament wreath you’ll love this step-by-step tutorial.

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How to transform your builders basic vanity mirror into a full-length wall mirror

You will need to use your imagination in this post but it’ll be worth it so you can see how I turned my builders basic vanity mirror into the stunning mirror behind my bathtub for free!

Before my bathroom mirror was unframed and hung horizontally.  My contractor wanted $150 to remove and dispose of the mirror.  My contractor said it was nearly impossible to remove large mirrors like these without breaking them.

But I buy a lot of mirrors for my free-standing doors with mirror so I know it’s not completely impossible.  I also know a mirror this size is worth several hundred dollars.

So, I decided to call my mirror / glass expert and I asked him to make a house call.  I’ve bought mirrors for several years from the same company and they were happy to help.

On the way home from work, mirror man stopped by with a friend.  They brought four vacuum suction cup lifters for granite & glass lifting (see below) and after expertly placing them on the glass they gently wiggled and then lifted the mirror off the wall.

The entire process took about ten minutes.

• I saved a lot of money (by not having to pay for mirror removal) and ended up with a beautiful result.
• My contractor didn’t have to remove the mirror and learned something new.
• With minimal effort Mirror Man made $40 on his way home from work.

To attach the mirror to its new spot mirror man advised using Gunther Premier Mirror Mastic (special glue) rather than construction adhesive – and you can find it at your local hardware store or here on Amazon.

To complete the look, I purchased two different styles of trim pieces and used paint and glaze I already had to make a frame for the mirror. Of course you could spray paint or stain wood molding, too, for this part of this project.

Contractor framed the mirror, with mitered angles at the corners of the frame for really nice looking double mirror frames. All you need is a miter saw for the miter cuts and a tape measure, then you can use construction adhesive on top of the mirror and hold the trim in place along the edge of the mirror using painter’s tape for a couple of hours while the glue dries. Alternatively, use two-sided tape along the mirror edge and skip the glue.

For this mirror placement behind the tub, the trim covers the top of the mirror and the mirror’s length but I didn’t even cover the entire perimeter of the mirror since it will be hidden behind the tub. My ever present assistants help me to caulk, fill in the nail holes and apply touch-up paint to the trim.

The Finish Product

The mirror (something most people would have ended up throwing away) has become the focal point of my master bathroom!

Isn’t this gorgeous!

While not everyone has a mirror man in their lives the point of this post is – be resourceful when remodeling!!!

Nearly everyone has access to a glass / mirror shop in their area.  Why not give them a call?

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Lovely, Amanda! Thanks for being our guest!

More Projects Like This

When it comes to updating a bathroom mirror, you have lots of options, to fit any style, any budget. Framing the existing mirror costs very little (and doesn’t take a lot of DIY skills or tools!)

How to Frame a Large Bathroom Mirror

This bathroom from Remodelaholic boasts a classic double vanity with a framed mirror, adding a touch of elegance to the space. The DIY mirror frame is best way to dress up a builder-grade bathroom mirror!

Rustic Bathroom Vanity

This shows a close-up of a rustic bathroom vanity with a white vessel sink and a framed mirror, showcasing a stylish and affordable way to update your bathroom decor. See this bathroom and 7 more beautiful bathroom makeovers here.

or you can spend a little bit more and replace the builder grade mirror with a new framed and beautiful mirror like these:

Oval Mirror Framed in Reclaimed Wood

I absolutely adore this rustic oval mirror framed in reclaimed wood from The Corson Cottage! It adds a touch of warmth and character to the bathroom, and the white vanity and countertop provide a clean contrast.

Ornate Gold-Framed Mirror

This bathroom by Vintage Romance is absolutely stunning! The large, ornate gold-framed mirror is the perfect focal point, and the intricate details are just breathtaking.

Single to Double Vanity Bathroom

This beautiful and functional bathroom renovation from Remodelaholic exudes a sense of calm and sophistication. The use of classic elements combined with modern touches creates a timeless and elegant space.

or you can add both style and functionality and put in a recessed mirrored medicine cabinet (or three!)

Serene Green Bathroom with Built-in Storage 

This bathroom renovation from Batchelors Way has a classic and elegant style with its white cabinetry, marble countertops, and dual sinks. It offers both functionality and beauty, providing ample counter space and storage while creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.