Looking for a way to update a wall mirror? This is such an easy way to make a DIY full-length wood bead mirror. Here’s the step-by-step.
Find a full-length mirror like this and transform it in under 15 minutes. All you need are these instructions and this wood bead garland.
Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale.
A tale of a DIY.
And spoiler alert?
It’s a GOOD ONE.
It all started when I had an idea for a DIY. It was in my mind and I didn’t know if it was possible so I went on the hunt. I needed wood bead trim and my local hardware stores didn’t have exactly what I was looking for, so I did what every DIY’er does when they are faced with a hiccup in the DIY process.
I googled.
And do you know what happens when you google?
Sometimes SOMETHING SHOWS UP THAT YOU NEVER KNEW YOU WERE LOOKING FOR.
Like this wood bead trim.
Did you even know that something like this existed?
Oh, good.
Me, either.
And WAIT until you see what I did with it.
Wait.
I’m getting ahead of myself.
Before the trip to the hardware store.
Before the googling.
Before the wood bead trim.
There was this mirror.
I have this giant oversized mirror leaning against the wall in the bedroom.
And I love it.
I’ve never really had a full-length mirror like this before.
Just between us?
I didn’t really want to see myself from head to toe sometimes.
But after I lost the 105 pounds, I wanted to put together outfits and I realized the incredible importance of seeing your feet.
So I bought this mirror.
You can see it here (it’s SUCH a good value for a mirror of this size) and painted it white.
Here’s a close-up of the trim on the mirror.
It’s so pretty and has the prettiest details and I love it.
But the walls are white and the mirror is white and it kind of fades into the background, so I wanted to make it stand out a little more.
At first, I was going to make it gold with Rub-N-Buff (you can see how I used Rub-N-Buff on other projects here in case you have a mirror you want to make gold.)
But then I thought that gold might be too much.
So I decided I wanted to add a little bit of wood trim to the inside of the mirror and the wood bead trim hunt ensued.
Which led me to this.
A strand of wood beads in a trim at Hobby Lobby.
I found it online, but I actually went to the Hobby Lobby store to purchase it (to make sure it was actually as cute as it looked online). I’ve seen individual wood beads before and I’ve seen strands of larger beads, but I’ve never seen a roll of wood bead trim like this.
And it’s SO AFFORDABLE.
It comes in 8mm and 6mm beads and it’s between $4.99 to $5.99 (before the 50% off sale).
Can you imagine all the possibilities for this?
Christmas tree trim and wood bead trim and picture frames and garland and on and on and on.
But back to our mirror.
Here’s what I did with it.
Full-Length Wood Bead Mirror DIY
supplies:
wood glue
wood beads
full-length mirror
Step one: add a thin layer of wood glue
Originally I was going to use hot glue, but sometimes I haven’t had the best luck with hot glue and wood, so I decided to use wood glue instead. You don’t need that much glue for this step.
I kind of over-did it in a couple of places.
And I realized after I did this entire project it might bave been easier to lay the mirror flat and add the wood bead trim–I was just so excited that I wanted to get the wood bead trim on right away.
I added the glue right where I envisioned in the trim—right there in the curve of the trim.
Step 2: Add the wood bead trim
It took 2 1/2 rolls of wood bead trim to add to the mirror.
I started at one corner and kept going until I had added the wood to the entire edge of the mirror.
I added a little glue, placed the wood bead trim on the glue and added a piece of tape to keep it in place.
Step 3: Let glue dry
It took about 30 minutes to set up.
Step 4: Remove tape
I checked an area of the tape to make sure the wood beads were glued to the mirror.
Then I pulled off the rest of the tape carefully.
Make sure to pull off with care so you don’t dislodge the wood bead trim.
Step 5: Remove any excess glue
Clean up any spots of glue on the mirror and the frame.
I adjusted the full-length wood bead mirror against the wall and added this cute embroidered polka dot trash can and this cute embroidered polka dot hamper next to it.
That’s it.
It was so simple and such an easy project.
But now I need your help.
I am truly, truly, truly stymied as my grandma used to say.
I was going to paint over the wood trim and make it all white and add a layer of stain.
But now?
I’m not sure?
Maybe I should leave it like this?
So I pressed pause on the project and came to you to ask: to paint or not to paint.
If this were your mirror what would you do?
PS Here’s a link to a SUPER short video I made of the process.
disclosure: affiliate links are used in this post. If you purchase something through my links, I receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting Thistlewood.
I would leave the wood bead trim natural. It goes well with your room and is more noticeable than it would be painted white. It looks great just as it is.
Congratulations on weight loss..I would pain..thanks for all your amazing ideas..
That’s paint..darn auto correct
You use white a lot, and the beads do show up in their natural color, but you might give the beads a whitewash of watered down white paint. Maybe wipe it on and off to see how that looks. The beads aren’t large. With a whitewash on them, it might look like an additional layer of molding trim blending in with the existing mirror trim, to look wider overall. And you could then hang one of your beaded robes looped over a corner of the frame.
I would definitely leave it the natural color - it pops against the white trim! I think if you painted the beads white you’d lose the effect! Excellent DIY project, KariAnne!!🌺
I love it!!!!!! ( and thank you for the wood trim tip!!!) Because of the cute baskets I would leave the mirror as is for the time being. The natural trim provides a nice little pop!
Ok, I guess I DO have an opinion! (imagine that?!) At this point I'd leave it natural...love the look, love it in that room. BUT.....later if you wanted to move it, the beads could be painted NAVY!! (ok, that's just me projecting....) And put in your living room or where ever you love the blue and white! Mic and ps....105 different congratulations!!! You deserve one for each and every # girl! I'd say, "you go girl" but I know you already are...and at warp speed!
I would ok eave it natural!!! Thanks for the idea!!!
You could try several different things. Either stain the beads darker to match the dark tone in the chair legs and the art piece diamond that is being reflected in the mirror (it would pop more). Or you use the same tone as the beads, and paint it on that outer decorative edge of the mirror’s moulding (just a very thin line). It really depends on how much you want the mirror to stand out. As it is now, it is very subtle and that may be the look you are going for after all.
This is inspired! I definitely would leave it as it is. No paint. 🌻
I would do a very very light white wash. Kind of the best of both. Really you can’t go wrong either way. It is darling and once again, your idea is genius!
So, here’s my two cents for what it’s worth. 🤗 The mirror is fabulous! Love that you painted it white. The bead trim is cute and certainly adds a bit of pizzazz. However, I find it looks rather raw against the smooth white paint. I would probably have stained the bead trim a light golden oak color and sealed it with a matt finish before applying it to the mirror frame. Had I glued it to the frame in it’s raw state, I would most likely have proceeded to whitewash the bead trim or painted it the same white as the frame. Should you opt to paint the trim, I’m sure you could tape off the existing trim and mirror leaving just the bead trim exposed and spray or hand brush it. Look forward to seeing what you decide…you’re always full of surprises!
Indeed, clever!
Great idea! I need some of that trim! And regarding the color of the wood beads? I like mixing all colors of wood in a home. I have light, blonde pine and all the way to a dark mahogany colored antique sideboard. The more, the merrier!
So cute! I would whitewash the beads to have it blend just a bit more/ look cohesive with the frame. Just my 2 cents! Love your creativity!
Love this idea. Like how it ties in the wood with the rest of the room.
Love it and please leave it as is. The warm, wood time looks great!
The beaded mirror is great. I am so going to try this! I love the beads natural with the baskets.
Light rub of Rub n Buff in gold over the beads.
What a fantastic idea! And so unexpected! Frankly I was getting bored with the same suggestions over and over and when I read your idea I got a jolt of inspiration! Thank you! it's not my mirror to decide but I do have a few I would like to spruce up a bit for a slight change and this is what I am going to do!
Mixed wood and white is a nice contrast. And a perfect spot to hang the mirror (??) - just above the baseboard, for symmetry with door height.
Three words - Do Not Paint!
Leave it! It's perfect..
Think of how it would look with the beads and frame in the same color. Either the beads painted white or the frame in the wood colour. Hmmmm...
I think you should leave it for a while. Then, if you decide to change things up, have at it! xoxo
KariAnne, I never knew there was wooden bead trim. Oh my gosh you are right the possibilities. I'm heading to hobby lobby. This is such a cute idea and I'd like to share a link on Sunday's Dirt Road Adventures. You are the best.
Such a great inspiration! It looks really cute with the baskets. But hmmm...what to do. In the pictures, the beads seem to fade away. I'm sure they show up better in person. Soooo...I think I might stain them a little darker to go with the chair legs and the other baskets. And if you didn't like it, you could always do a whitewash over them or paint them white or another color. I think it's a great idea and sparks the imagination for some other things to do with the beads. Whatever you do, will be genius and perfect! 😍
I like the organica look the beads give to the mirror. If you get bored with it,paint trim then...Karen
Since you have trim left over, you could experiment with dry brushing white or gold, or paint another color on a strip. Hold that up to the mirror to see what you think. Since it’s already glued on, I think anything other than dry brushing would be reallllllllly tricky to not mess up the rest of the mirror and frame. I love your fresh ideas
I’d leave ygeynatural wood for now and then paint it down the road (as my grandma used to say) for change if I want it.
I like the natutal look. It looks great. Congrats on the weight loss. I need..no I WANT to lose 40 pounds. Im going to take inspiration from you. Have a great weekend. Thanks for entertaining all of us.
I like the contrast of the natural wood against the white mirror and it also plays off the natural color of the baskets. Leave as is.
Love it just as is! And just ignore those saying to paint it gold or brush it gold. That’s so 90’s! This has a fresh, beachy look just as she is!
Leave it. It looks great. It is so FRESH!!!!
I REALLY love the idea of painting it white and then rubbing a light layer of wood stain into it. I think it would end up looking very professional. That is my vote!!!
Let it be!!! Let it be. Then later on you can change it!!! Lol
I would paint beads white.
I agree!
I would leave the wood beads natural. It goes well as an accent with the polka dot baskets. You can always paint later if you want too!
Leave it as is. Like it!!!!
Paint it.......have it all go together and the impact will be there just the same. To do otherwise, looks like you stopped with the project. Good luck with whatever you decide because you'll be the one living with it in the end! =)
I love the timber contrast but think it would look great with a light white wash just to soften the look. You're looking fabulous by the way so you definitely need a good full length mirror ❤️
It looks awesome!!
What an easy and beautiful upgrade to a mirror! I am going to try this!
I'd leave it natural - I love the contrast! Super clever furniture makeover, thanks for sharing it!
I would leave it for now! So pretty.
At first I thought paint it white, but once I saw it natural, I think I would just leave it. You can always paint it later.
I would have stained the beads dark before gluing it on. But now that it’s on I’d leave it. Painting it white will give you texture but no contrast. Or tape off the mirror and frame as good as you can and paint the beads black or gray? I’m sorry now I have you more confused! 🥰
I imagine it might be hard to do but wouldn't it be cute if you painted every other bead white.That would match the polka dots on the hamper and trash can. Same color combo too, white and natural.
Hi, maybe if you have any section of beads leftover paint them white and hold it up or place it along the other line of beads and see what you think?
I would leave the wood beads in their natural wood tone. They go nicely with the polka dot hamper and what not and add warmth to the space.
The wood bead trim on the mirror looks great! Since you asked, I would paint it the same color as the frame to give it a more unifying design and a more classic, yet interesting, appearance. It looks awesome as is, but I believe it would be perfection all one color.
Leave it natural---goes so well with the hamper. But if you must paint, do a white wash so some of natural shows thru. Love all your ideas. Blessings,
You know what I'm thinking...I'm thinking it looks good but I think it would also look awesome with another row around the outside edge to tie it all together, and then either way, painted or left natural, it would look purposeful and awesome! :D Also, you do have the other round mirror over your desk w/beaded trim on it that is painted and it looks nice, so that should give you some idea of whether you might like it painted the same as the frame or not. I'm sure whatever you choose it will look FAABULOUS DAARRLING! ;D
I never knew one could buy bead trim so thanks for the idea, Also, I like the mirror as it is !!!