Welcome, fellow thrifters and DIY enthusiasts! If there’s one golden rule in the world of secondhand finds, it’s this: when you stumble upon a unique pair of anything, seize the opportunity! Or, at least, that’s my general philosophy. Though, I must admit, I still regret passing on a spectacular pair of neon monkey lamps once – a whimsical thought, I assure you!

However, some finds are simply undeniable. And this particular duo of mirrors? They were keepers, destined for a new life beyond their original reflection.

Admittedly, they weren’t a perfectly matched set in the strictest sense. But their similar sizes and complementary shapes hinted at their potential. I envisioned them working together beautifully, creating an eclectic, intentionally mismatched vibe that adds character and charm to any space. This vision made them the ideal candidate for this month’s “Trash to Treasure Tuesday” challenge – a project promising simplicity with a delightful outcome. (You’ll find links to other inspiring thrift store transformations at the end of this post, so keep reading!)

And let’s be honest, the price tag was irresistible. Just $3 for a substantial vintage frame? That’s what I call a win-win situation for budget-friendly home decor. These mirrors were practically begging for a creative refresh.

Giving Vintage Mirrors a New Purpose: From Reflections to Art Displays

For months, I had been eagerly anticipating the chance to try out Joanna Gaines’ acclaimed Magnolia Home Paint line. I received a thoughtful care package filled with some of her delightful products, and I knew these frames would be the perfect canvas for a first test drive. This project allowed me to combine my love for thrifting, DIY, and exploring new design products.

I decided to begin with the color “One Horn White.” This particular shade turned out to be an absolutely stunning antique white – it strikes a perfect balance, avoiding being too starkly white or too yellowish. Instead, it offers a beautiful, creamy hue that evokes a sense of timeless elegance and warmth. It’s a versatile color, ideal for creating a farmhouse-inspired or classic look, which aligns perfectly with the aesthetic I often aim for in my projects.

Supplies You’ll Need for This DIY Repurposed Frame Project:

Supplies Used: (Affiliate links are provided below for convenience. For more information, see my full disclosure here.)

Magnolia Home Paint in One Horn White
2 vintage mirror frames (or similar thrifted frames)
Fine grit sandpaper (220-grit recommended for smooth finish)
1.5″ angled Purdy paint brush
Mod Podge (Matte or Gloss, depending on desired finish)
Art prints/posters (e.g., Antique Ballerina Study I / Antique Ballerina Study II)
Gray ribbon (or a color coordinating with your prints and decor)
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Soft cloth for cleaning
Credit card or squeegee for smoothing prints

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Repurpose Your Vintage Mirror Frames

Prep Work: Cleaning and Sanding for a Flawless Finish

Before diving into the paint, proper preparation is key. I started by thoroughly cleaning both frames to remove any dust, dirt, or grime that had accumulated over the years. A damp cloth with a mild cleaner usually does the trick. Once dry, I gave each frame a quick but thorough sanding with fine-grit sandpaper. This step is crucial, as it helps create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to, ensuring a professional and long-lasting finish.

Painting with Magnolia Home Paint: An Honest Review

With the frames prepped, it was time to apply the “One Horn White” Magnolia Home Paint. It’s important to note that this particular interior paint isn’t a chalk paint, so the texture and application differ. If you plan to use this paint on furniture, I highly recommend a light sanding beforehand, as I did with these frames, to ensure optimal adhesion. The good news is that this paint boasts a built-in primer, which saved me an entire step and considerable time – a huge plus for any DIY project!

I applied the paint using a quality 1.5-inch angled Purdy brush, known for its ability to deliver smooth strokes and excellent control. Despite the built-in primer, I found that I needed three coats to achieve the desired opaque, even coverage. This was largely due to brushing a light white paint over the frames’ original dark wood finish, which is a common occurrence with color transformations of this nature. Each coat was applied thinly and allowed to dry completely before the next, ensuring a durable and beautiful result.

One characteristic of this interior paint is that it is not self-leveling, meaning you will likely see subtle brush strokes in the finished product. For me, this is part of the charm, especially when aiming for Joanna Gaines’ signature farmhouse style, which often celebrates handcrafted touches and rustic elegance. If you prefer a completely smooth, brush-stroke-free finish, Magnolia Home also offers a cabinetry and furniture paint that is self-leveling, which might be a better option for those particular projects.

Bringing Art to Life: Transforming Mirrors into Personalized Picture Frames

After completing Olivia’s bedroom makeover last year, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the wall behind her bed still felt a little sparse. It was missing that perfect finishing touch, something personal and elegant to complete the space.

So, a full year after declaring her room “finished,” these repurposed mirror frames emerged as the ideal solution. My vision was to convert them into oversized, unique picture frames. The next step was finding the perfect art. I spent considerable time searching for just the right ballerina sketch prints – something delicate and timeless that would complement Olivia’s room. I finally discovered this beautiful piece and this complementary sketch at Art.com, perfectly timed with a 20% off promotion!

Applying Art Prints with Mod Podge

The process of adhering the art prints to the mirror surface was straightforward. Using Mod Podge, I brushed an even layer onto the cleaned mirror surface. Then, I carefully positioned the art print on top, starting from one edge and slowly pressing it down to minimize wrinkles and air bubbles. To achieve a smooth, professional finish, I used a credit card (or a dedicated squeegee) to gently press and drag across the surface of the print, working out any creases or trapped air bubbles from the center outwards. This technique is surprisingly effective for achieving a flawless application.

Adding a Decorative Ribbon Edge for a Polished Look

To give the newly framed art a polished and finished appearance, I decided to add a delicate gray ribbon around the edges of the art print. This simple detail elevates the entire piece, making it look custom and refined. Using a hot glue gun, I applied a thin bead of glue along the perimeter of the print, pressing the ribbon onto the glue as I went. Working in small sections ensures greater control and a neat finish. The gray ribbon perfectly ties in with the subtle tones of the ballerina prints and the antique white frames, creating a cohesive and elegant look.

I truly adore the subtle yet significant detail the ribbon adds. It transforms the edge from a simple cut paper line to a beautifully finished border, enhancing the overall aesthetic and making the frames look far more intentional and high-end than their thrifted origins might suggest.

The Perfect Addition to Olivia’s Ballerina Sanctuary

Once hung, these newly repurposed picture frames looked as if they were always meant to adorn the wall above Olivia’s bed. The antique white paint harmonized flawlessly with her existing bedroom decor, creating a cohesive and serene atmosphere. It was a total happy accident how perfectly they coordinated with the bedding and overall color scheme.

My hope is that these charming ballerina prints will grow with her, providing a sweet backdrop for her childhood. Should her interests change one day, the beauty of this DIY project is its flexibility. It will be incredibly simple to swap out the prints for new artwork or photos that reflect her evolving passions, ensuring the frames remain a cherished part of her room for years to come.

Sometimes I still ponder adding another element to this wall. Perhaps a touch of shiplap? The thought has crossed my mind more than once! It’s always fun to consider how a space can continue to evolve and reflect new design ideas.

Even now, Olivia absolutely adores her room. Any time a visitor comes over, her first question is, “Want to come see my pretty rug?” This is her charming way of inviting them into her beautiful space, which inevitably leads to hours of delightful playtime. She’s quite the cute little kidnapper when it comes to playtime!

If you have a little princess of your own and are curious about all the projects and details that went into creating this whimsical room, you can explore the full reveal and every single DIY step in my dedicated Ballerina Girl Bedroom Makeover Reveal post.

Join the Thrift Club: Share Your DIY Inspirations!

So, what are your personal “thrift club” rules or go-to tips for finding hidden gems? Do you have a “swirly twirly princess ballerina” in your life who inspires your decor choices? And for my fellow DIYers, have you had the chance to experiment with Joanna Gaines’ paint line yet? I’m genuinely excited to try out her other beautiful colors for future projects! Share your experiences in the comments below.

This project is a fantastic reminder that with a little imagination and some elbow grease, overlooked thrift store finds can be transformed into stunning, personalized pieces that enhance your home’s character and tell a unique story. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about sustainable living and creating something truly special.

For more inspiration, make sure to check out the incredible “Trash to Treasure Transformations” from my talented blogger friends. Their creativity is always a source of endless ideas!

(Left to right): Prodigal Pieces | Girl in the Garage | Artsy Chicks Rule | Confessions of a Serial DIYer

And if you’re hungry for even more thrifty ideas and DIY makeovers, you can find all of the past Trash to Treasure makeovers here. There’s a whole archive of inspiration waiting for you!

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