• 8 square wooden dowel rods, 3/8 inch thick and 26 inches long. These will form the geometric frame.
• 14-inch diameter beveled edge mirror. The beveled edge adds a touch of elegance.
• Stain + Poly in Espresso (or your preferred color). This will give the wooden frame a rich, finished look while also protecting the wood.
• 4-inch long wooden 2×4. This will serve as the mounting block on the back of the mirror.
• Measuring tape. Essential for accurate measurements and ensuring the frame fits the mirror perfectly.
• Trash bag or plastic drop cloth. To protect your work surface from stain and glue.
• 8-inch long piece of wire. For creating the hanging loop.
• Wire cutters and pliers. To cut and bend the wire for the hanging loop.
• (2) 1-inch wood screws. For attaching the wire hanging loop to the wooden mounting block.
• Wood glue. For securely attaching the wooden dowels to each other.
• E6000 glue. A strong adhesive for attaching the frame and mounting block to the back of the mirror.
• Disposable paint brush. For applying the stain and polyurethane.
• Picture hanger for mounting. For hanging the finished mirror on the wall.
• Electric drill or screwdriver. To attach the wire hanging loop and picture hanger.
• Rubber gloves. To protect your hands from the stain.

Step 1: Staining the Dowel Rods and Mounting Block

Begin by staining your wooden dowel rods and the small 2×4 mounting block. Protect your work surface with a trash bag or plastic drop cloth to prevent any accidental staining. Put on your rubber gloves to protect your hands. Open a window or work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the fumes from the stain. Apply the stain evenly to all surfaces of the dowel rods and the mounting block, following the instructions on the stain can. Allow the first coat of stain to dry completely, then apply a second coat for a richer, more consistent color. The staining process is crucial for achieving the desired aesthetic and protecting the wood from moisture.

Step 2: Assembling the Geometric Frame

Once the stain is completely dry (it’s best to wait a day or two to ensure thorough drying), it’s time to assemble the geometric frame. Arrange four of the dowel rods on a flat surface in the shape of a hashtag (#). Lay out the first two parallel to each other, then place the next two on top, perpendicular to the first two. The square formed by the dowels should be slightly smaller than your mirror so the mirror can sit securely on the top dowels. Aim for a space of about 13 inches between the parallel dowels. Test the mirror’s fit before applying any glue. Once you’re satisfied with the arrangement, apply a small dab of wood glue at each connection point. Wipe away any excess glue to prevent unsightly buildup. Let the glue dry thoroughly. Repeat this process with the remaining four dowels to create a second identical hashtag-shaped frame. This careful assembly ensures a sturdy and visually appealing frame for your vanity mirror.

Step 3: Creating the Mounting Piece

While the dowel frames are drying, you can prepare the mounting piece. Take the 8-inch piece of wire and bend it to create a loop at each end. Attach these loops to the 4-inch wooden mounting block using the 1-inch wood screws. Screw them in approximately 3/4 inch from the bottom of the block. Ensure the loops are securely fastened, as they will bear the weight of the mirror when it’s hung. The mounting block provides a stable anchor point for hanging your DIY vanity mirror.

Step 4: Joining the Dowel Frames

Next, carefully glue one of your hashtag-shaped dowel sets on top of the other. The two frames will only connect at two points each, so apply a generous amount of wood glue to these areas. Ensure the frames are aligned properly before the glue sets. Wipe away any excess glue to maintain a clean finish. Allow the glue to dry completely, providing ample time for the bond to strengthen. This creates a thicker, more robust frame for your mirror.

Step 5: Attaching the Frame and Mounting Piece to the Mirror

Now, carefully place the mirror face down on your work surface. Apply E6000 glue to the two dowels on the lowest layer of the frame and carefully position them on the back of the mirror. Ensure the frame is centered and aligned correctly. Next, apply E6000 glue to the mounting piece and attach it to the back of the mirror, ensuring it touches the top dowel of the frame. It’s crucial to position the mounting piece with the wire loop on the bottom, towards the center of the mirror. This placement prevents the picture hanger from being visible above the mirror when it’s hung. Let the glue dry completely, following the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal bonding. The E6000 glue ensures a strong and permanent connection between the frame, mounting piece, and mirror.