DIY

DIY: The Squiggle Mirror (From a £10 Charity-Shop Mirror)

Turn a plain rectangular mirror into the wavy statement piece everyone is obsessed with — using foam board and filler.

✦ 1 min read

Tall mirror with a wavy white frame beside a pleated lamp and a woven chair in a softly lit room
Photo by Eli Nguyen on Unsplash

Wavy mirrors cost a fortune. Plain mirrors cost a tenner at the charity shop. Here is how to get from one to the other.

You’ll need

  • A plain mirror, any size
  • Thick foam board or 6 mm MDF
  • A craft knife or jigsaw
  • Lightweight filler and sandpaper
  • Paint — we went glossy white, but hot pink is calling
  • Strong mirror adhesive

Steps

  1. Draw the wave. Trace the mirror onto the board, then draw a wavy frame 6–10 cm around it. Use a plate for consistent curves.
  2. Cut it out. Cut the outer wave and the inner opening, slightly smaller than the mirror.
  3. Smooth it. Fill the cut edges, let dry and sand until soft and rounded.
  4. Paint. Two coats, sanding lightly between.
  5. Fix the mirror. Glue the mirror behind the frame and leave flat overnight.

Time & cost

One afternoon plus drying time. Around £25 all in.