You have probably seen these classic mirrors in antique shops, but maybe you thought they were too expensive. Now, you can recreate your own trumeau mirror at home. Trumeau mirrors were first popular in 18th century France. This type of mirror is characterized by a large frame with an inset mirror that has a decorative panel of artwork above it. This decorative panel may be made of fabric, tile, or a piece of artwork. There is usually decorative wood trim above the panel and along the bottom corners. Making this classic looking trumeau mirror at home can be done in eight to nine easy steps:
Step 1:
After deciding the size of your trumeau mirror, purchase the properly cut high quality plywood, trim molding, and mirror.
Step 2:
Cut the angles needed for the outside trim molding and the pieces that will frame the inset mirror and decorative panel.
Step 3:
Attach the outside edge trim molding with recessed finishing nails.
Step 4:
Stain all of the wood. You may choose to paint it if you would rather have a matching color instead of a wood grain. Don't forget to do the pieces that will later surround the mirror and panel.
Step 5:
Using mirror adhesive, attach the mirror to the inset area.
Step 6:
Attach the decorative panel in a manner appropriate for the type of material you have chosen. Fabric can be attached with spray adhesive, but tile will need adhesive normally used for laying tile.
Step 7:
Frame the decorative panel and the mirror inset with the already stained or painted trim molding. Again, recess the finishing nails. Note: you can hide the holes by filling them with wood putty and staining or painting over the putty to match.
Step 8:
Add the decorative trim to the top (centered above the decorative panel) and the bottom corners. This trim should have been stained or painted also.
Step 9:
If you stained the wood, you will need to seal it with polyurethane.
You don't have to wait to afford an original trumeau mirror. Now, you can easily build your own to match your existing dˇcor.