Mirrored walls, once a staple of 70s and 80s design, can feel dated and overwhelming in modern homes. While they can make a room appear larger, the constant reflection can be distracting and sometimes even unsettling. If you’re tired of your mirrored walls but not ready for a full-scale demolition, you’re in luck! Covering them is a much more achievable and often less expensive project. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods, offering detailed steps and instructions so you can transform your space without breaking the bank or causing major construction chaos.
**Why Cover Mirrored Walls Instead of Removing Them?**
Before diving into the how-to, let’s explore why covering mirrored walls is a popular choice:
* **Cost-Effective:** Removing a mirrored wall can be expensive, requiring professional help to carefully detach the mirrors, repair the wall underneath, and dispose of the glass. Covering is significantly cheaper.
* **Less Disruptive:** Demolition is messy and time-consuming. Covering a mirror is a less intrusive process, allowing you to remain in your home with minimal disruption.
* **DIY-Friendly:** Many covering options are suitable for DIY projects, saving you even more money.
* **Flexibility:** You have a lot of creative freedom when covering a mirror, allowing you to choose materials that fit your personal style and budget.
**Choosing Your Covering Method**
There are several ways to cover a mirrored wall, each with its own advantages and considerations. Here are some popular options:
1. **Paint:** Painting over a mirror is a straightforward and cost-effective option, especially if you’re looking for a quick fix. It’s crucial, however, to properly prepare the surface to ensure paint adhesion.
2. **Wallpaper:** Wallpaper offers a wide array of patterns, colors, and textures, making it a versatile choice. It can add depth, character, and a unique design element to your room. Applying wallpaper over a mirror requires careful preparation and technique to prevent peeling or bubbling.
3. **Fabric:** Fabric provides a soft, textured, and visually appealing alternative to paint or wallpaper. You can use various methods to attach fabric, from stapling and gluing to creating custom fabric panels.
4. **Wood Paneling:** Wood paneling, available in various styles (such as shiplap, wainscoting, or plank) can create a modern and sophisticated look. While a more involved option, wood paneling completely transforms the wall, making the mirror practically disappear.
5. **Drywall:** For a more permanent solution, you can cover the mirror with drywall. This effectively creates a new, flat wall surface, providing a blank canvas for painting or wallpapering. This requires more time and effort than other methods.
6. **Large Art Pieces or Tapestries:** If you’re not ready for a more permanent solution, large art pieces or tapestries hung directly over the mirrored wall are a simple yet effective option, providing an attractive distraction while hiding the reflection.
**Detailed Instructions for Each Method**
Let’s break down the process for each covering method, step by step:
**1. Covering Mirrored Walls with Paint**
**Materials You’ll Need:**
* Degreaser or Glass Cleaner
* Lint-free cloths or paper towels
* Painter’s tape
* Fine-grit sandpaper (180-220)
* Primer (specifically designed for glass or smooth surfaces)
* Paint (latex or acrylic, depending on your preference)
* Paint rollers and brushes
* Drop cloths or plastic sheeting
**Steps:**
* **Clean the Surface:** Thoroughly clean the mirrored wall using a degreaser or glass cleaner to remove any dirt, grime, or fingerprints. Ensure the surface is completely dry.
* **Tape Off Edges:** Use painter’s tape to protect any adjacent surfaces, such as trim, ceilings, or walls.
* **Lightly Sand:** Use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly roughen the surface of the mirror. This will help the primer adhere properly. Avoid heavy sanding that can create deep scratches. Wipe away any dust with a clean, dry cloth.
* **Apply Primer:** Apply a thin, even coat of glass-specific primer. Allow it to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is an extremely important step to ensure good adhesion, and skipping it will often result in paint peeling down the road. Most experts recommend 2 coats of a primer designed specifically for glass and similar slick surfaces.
* **Paint the Surface:** Once the primer is dry, apply the first coat of your chosen paint color using a paint roller or brush. Allow it to dry completely, and add additional coats as needed until you achieve the desired opacity and coverage. Most paints require at least two coats. Allow the final coat to cure completely before removing the painter’s tape. Be patient. You’ll get much better results when you allow each coat to dry properly between applications.
**Tips for Painting:**
* Use high-quality paint formulated for smooth surfaces.
* Apply thin coats rather than one thick coat to avoid drips and uneven drying.
* Light sanding between coats can help create a smoother finish.
* Don’t be afraid to experiment with different painting techniques, like using a sponge roller or stippling.
**2. Covering Mirrored Walls with Wallpaper**
**Materials You’ll Need:**
* Wallpaper of your choice
* Wallpaper adhesive (paste)
* Wallpaper brush or smoother
* Tape measure
* Pencil
* Level
* Utility knife or razor blade
* Drop cloths or plastic sheeting
* Primer (specifically for non-porous surfaces. An alternative is a wallpaper size, which prepares the surface for wallpaper application.)
* Seam roller (optional)
* Sponge or damp cloth
**Steps:**
* **Clean the Surface:** Clean the mirror thoroughly with a degreaser and make sure the surface is dry.
* **Prime or Size:** Apply a coat of primer made for smooth surfaces or a wallpaper size. This creates a surface the wallpaper can better adhere to, as wallpaper does not adhere well to glass. Allow the primer or size to dry completely.
* **Measure and Cut:** Measure the height and width of your mirrored wall and cut your first wallpaper strip, adding a few extra inches at the top and bottom. This allows for minor adjustments. Repeat for subsequent strips, ensuring that the pattern matches up with previous strips, if applicable.
* **Apply Adhesive:** Following the manufacturer’s instructions, apply wallpaper paste evenly to the back of the wallpaper strip. Or, if your wallpaper is pre-pasted, wet the back according to instructions. Allow the paste to sit for the recommended amount of time to become tacky.
* **Position the Wallpaper:** Align the top edge of the wallpaper strip with the top of your wall, leaving a slight overlap. Use a level to ensure the wallpaper is straight. Carefully smooth the wallpaper onto the mirror, using a wallpaper brush or smoother to work out air bubbles and wrinkles, from the center to the edges. Avoid trapping air bubbles. Use firm but gentle strokes to push out air and smooth the paper. Use the seam roller along the seams, if necessary.
* **Trim Excess:** Once the wallpaper is smooth, use a sharp utility knife or razor blade to trim any excess wallpaper at the top and bottom. Use a straight edge or the edge of the wallpaper smoothing tool as a guide for a clean cut. Make sure your blade is sharp to prevent tearing of the paper.
* **Repeat:** Repeat these steps for each strip, ensuring that the pattern is aligned perfectly. Use a damp sponge to wipe off any excess paste.
* **Let Dry:** Allow the wallpaper to dry completely, usually 24-48 hours before moving furniture or adding decorations.
**Tips for Wallpapering:**
* Choose a durable wallpaper that is easy to clean.
* Practice on a small, inconspicuous area first to get the hang of it.
* Use a sharp blade for trimming to prevent tearing.
* Overlap or bookend the wallpaper pieces to prevent gaps or visible seams.
* Use a wallpaper smoother or seam roller to remove air bubbles and make the seams less visible.
**3. Covering Mirrored Walls with Fabric**
**Materials You’ll Need:**
* Fabric of your choice (consider pattern, texture, and weight)
* Measuring tape
* Pencil
* Scissors or rotary cutter
* Staple gun and staples (for a semi-permanent application)
* Fabric glue or liquid starch (for a temporary application)
* Pins (optional, for positioning)
* Drop cloth (optional, to protect floors)
* Wooden boards (if building a fabric panel)
* Batting (if padding a panel)
**Steps (Stapled Fabric directly to the Mirror):**
* **Clean the Mirror:** Clean the mirror thoroughly with a degreaser and make sure it’s completely dry.
* **Measure and Cut Fabric:** Measure your mirrored wall and cut your fabric, adding a few extra inches to each side for easy stapling.
* **Position the Fabric:** Position the fabric over the mirror, using pins if necessary to hold it in place. Ensure the fabric is evenly draped over the mirror.
* **Secure with Staples:** Starting with one corner and pulling the fabric taut, staple the fabric to the edges of the mirror. If you are stapling directly to a wall surface and not to trim, make sure your staples go deep enough to hold the fabric securely in place. Working from one staple, create a “star” pattern with the staples, pulling the fabric taught along each length. Work your way around the perimeter. Make sure that the fabric is tight, wrinkle-free, and taut.
* **Trim Excess Fabric:** Once all the edges are securely stapled, trim away any excess fabric.
**Steps (Fabric Panels):**
* **Build the Panels:** If you are making panels, construct the frame with wooden boards according to the desired size. Consider how you will mount the panel to the wall. If you plan on attaching it directly to the wall, consider mounting hardware at this time.
* **Attach Batting (Optional):** If you want to make the panels padded, attach batting to the front of the frame.
* **Cut and Wrap Fabric:** Measure and cut your fabric so it can be wrapped around the panel. Starting from one edge, pull the fabric taut around the frame and secure it with staples to the back. Continue until the whole frame is covered. Be sure to pull the fabric tightly to avoid wrinkles.
* **Attach Panels to Wall:** If mounting directly to the wall, install the mounting hardware to the wall. Then, simply mount your newly created panels. If you do not want to mount directly, you can use a high-strength adhesive to attach it to the mirror. Before doing this, be sure that the surface is clean and dry. Be sure to follow the adhesive’s recommended drying times for best results.
**Steps (Temporary Fabric with Liquid Starch):**
* **Clean the Mirror:** Clean the mirror and dry it thoroughly.
* **Cut the Fabric:** Measure and cut the fabric to the size of the mirror, adding a few inches of overlap to each side.
* **Apply Liquid Starch:** Spray a generous amount of liquid starch onto the surface of the mirror, working in sections. Do not saturate the fabric to avoid bleed-through.
* **Attach Fabric:** Carefully apply the fabric to the starchy surface, ensuring it’s smoothly attached and wrinkle-free. Work from the center of the fabric outwards, pressing to the edges. Repeat until the mirror is completely covered.
* **Allow to Dry:** Let the starch dry completely before disturbing the fabric.
**Tips for Using Fabric:**
* Choose a fabric that is durable and easy to work with.
* Use a neutral color if you plan on changing the décor often.
* If using patterned fabric, be sure to line up any patterns if creating panels.
* Use a staple gun with care. Be sure that the fabric is securely fastened without pulling or distorting the fabric itself.
* Use extra care when working with liquid starch to avoid drips or runs on the mirror.
**4. Covering Mirrored Walls with Wood Paneling**
**Materials You’ll Need:**
* Wood paneling of your choice (shiplap, wainscoting, plank)
* Measuring tape
* Pencil
* Level
* Stud finder
* Construction adhesive
* Finishing nails or brad nails
* Nail gun or hammer
* Miter saw or circular saw
* Spacers (for consistent spacing between planks)
* Caulk
* Paint or stain (if desired)
**Steps:**
* **Clean the Mirror:** Clean the mirrored wall and let it dry thoroughly.
* **Measure and Plan:** Measure the mirrored wall and decide how you want the wood paneling to lay. Plan for any outlets, light switches, or other obstacles. You may need to cut wood pieces to go around these obstacles. If using shiplap, for example, note whether you will start with a full panel or a half panel, as the look will change according to placement.
* **Locate Wall Studs:** Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall behind the mirror. This is important for secure fastening.
* **Cut the Paneling:** Cut the wood paneling to fit your wall, using a miter saw or circular saw. This is a delicate process that needs to be precise. Measure twice, cut once.
* **Apply Adhesive:** Apply construction adhesive to the back of the wood paneling. This helps secure the paneling to the mirrored surface.
* **Position the Paneling:** Align the first wood panel along the top or bottom of the wall (depending on your chosen design) and press it firmly against the mirrored surface. Use a level to ensure it’s straight.
* **Secure with Nails:** Secure the wood paneling to the wall studs using finishing nails or brad nails and a nail gun or hammer. If there are no studs available, you may use a high-strength adhesive as your primary source of attachment, but allow for extra drying time.
* **Use Spacers:** As you continue to attach the remaining wood paneling, use spacers to maintain consistent gaps between pieces.
* **Repeat:** Repeat steps 5 through 7 until the entire mirror is covered.
* **Caulk and Finish:** Caulk any gaps between the paneling and the wall or trim. Then, paint or stain the paneling as desired.
**Tips for Using Wood Paneling:**
* Choose a wood paneling that is appropriate for your space and desired style.
* Use a level to ensure that the paneling is straight and even.
* Measure carefully and cut accurately to avoid gaps and inconsistencies.
* Use spacers to ensure even spacing.
* Use a high-quality caulk for a smooth and professional finish.
**5. Covering Mirrored Walls with Drywall**
**Materials You’ll Need:**
* Drywall sheets (1/4-inch or 3/8-inch thickness recommended for this application)
* Measuring tape
* Pencil
* Drywall knife or utility knife
* Drywall saw
* Drywall screws
* Drywall mud (compound)
* Drywall tape (paper or mesh)
* Taping knife (various sizes)
* Screw gun or drill
* Drop cloth
* Level
**Steps:**
* **Clean the Mirror:** Clean the mirrored surface thoroughly and dry completely.
* **Measure and Cut:** Measure the mirrored wall and transfer those measurements to the drywall. Use a drywall knife or utility knife to score the drywall and snap it to the proper size. You may need to use a drywall saw for more precise cuts.
* **Attach Drywall:** Screw the drywall panels to the studs behind the mirror using drywall screws. Be sure that the screws are not too deep, which could break the paper covering of the drywall. Be sure to keep the screws a few inches from any edges to prevent cracking and to allow for proper taping. Overlap the edges of each section to create an overall smooth surface. Use a level to ensure your drywall is straight.
* **Tape the Seams:** Apply drywall tape over all seams and corners. Use a taping knife to press the tape into the drywall compound so that it’s flush with the surface.
* **Apply Drywall Mud:** Apply a thin, even coat of drywall compound over the tape, feathering the edges to create a smooth transition. Let it dry completely, then add another coat of mud. Sand between each coat, ensuring a smooth finish. It often requires multiple applications and drying periods before the surface is ready for painting or wallpapering.
* **Sand:** Once the drywall mud is dry, use sandpaper (fine grit) to smooth the surface and remove any imperfections. Be careful not to sand too deeply, which may damage the paper covering of the drywall.
* **Clean the Area:** Remove any sanding dust with a damp cloth or a shop vacuum.
* **Prime and Finish:** Prime the drywall and then paint or wallpaper as desired.
**Tips for Using Drywall:**
* Use thin drywall for easier application and to minimize the impact on the room’s dimensions.
* Take your time with taping and mudding, as this is the most crucial step in achieving a seamless look.
* Use a quality drywall compound and drywall tape for optimal results.
* Sand gently to avoid damaging the surface.
* Do not attempt to do this project if you are uncomfortable working with drywall, it is a process that requires patience and attention to detail.
**6. Covering Mirrored Walls with Large Art Pieces or Tapestries:**
**Materials You’ll Need:**
* Large art pieces or tapestries of your choice
* Measuring tape
* Picture hanging hardware appropriate for the weight of your chosen art piece (hooks, nails, wire, command strips, etc.)
* Level (optional but recommended)
* Pencil
**Steps:**
* **Plan Placement:** Measure your mirrored wall and determine the best placement for your art or tapestries. Consider the overall composition of the room and the effect you want to create. Be sure to choose a piece that covers the mirror, but also works with the other elements in the room. You can also cover it with multiple smaller pieces to create an intentional “gallery wall” look.
* **Measure and Mark:** Use a measuring tape and pencil to mark the position where you’ll hang your art or tapestries. Be sure to take into consideration the picture-hanging hardware, if applicable. Be sure to use a level to keep your art piece hanging straight.
* **Install Hardware:** Install the picture hanging hardware according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to choose hardware that is appropriate for your art or tapestries weight.
* **Hang Art or Tapestry:** Carefully hang your art or tapestry on the wall, ensuring it is secure and level.
**Tips for Using Art Pieces or Tapestries**
* Choose artwork or tapestries that are visually appealing and complement your personal style.
* Consider the scale of the artwork or tapestries in relation to the size of the mirrored wall.
* Use high-quality hardware to prevent damage or falling.
* Periodically inspect the mounting to ensure the hardware is still secure.
**Final Thoughts**
Covering mirrored walls is a fantastic way to update your space without a major overhaul. Whether you choose to paint, wallpaper, use fabric, add wood paneling, or install drywall, with careful planning, proper preparation, and a bit of patience, you can achieve a transformation that reflects your unique style and needs. Remember, safety should always be your top priority. If you’re not comfortable working with certain tools or materials, it’s always best to consult a professional. Good luck with your project, and enjoy your newly transformed space!