My overmantel mirror project is completed!
(Cue the choir of angels and the Alleluia Chorus.)
If you care to read about the background of this project…some of the options, and how I came to decide on this particular version, you can read about it here.
As I noted in the last post, Mr. D&D was not keen on this idea. However, he recently told me that was because he didn’t think it would turn as well as it did. The first thing he said when I finished the top was “wow, I would never have guessed you could do that. It looks great.”
Believe me, I wasn’t offended…I felt the same way about his backyard wall project. I wasn’t crazy about the idea, but I loved the result.
So, I’m pretty glad I persevered and finished the job.
I spent a good chunk of this week’s free time culling all my pictures and steps along the way…zzzzzzz! Reading it, I even put myself to sleep.
I’d rather get to the fun part.
Ready? Here we go.
Before…
After!
I was curious about how my computer mock up would compare to the finished product.
Here’s how I did:
The only real change I made to the design was to eliminate the very top shelf. Also the “real-life” bevels are much more apparent in person and in daylight.
For a thousand reasons, I am thrilled this project is DONE!
And now…once I clean the house and put away all my drill bits…I am moving on to the next big change to this room!
One other thing: the actual mantel shelf is not very deep (about 8″.. 10″ on the far sides). So If anyone has suggestions as to how you would decorate it, I’d LOVE to hear them!!
Hi!
I realize this is a question about a really old blog project and blog post, so hopefully you can still remember and respond. 🙂
Anyway, did you attach these mirrored tiles directly to the wall above your mantle or did you use some type of backing attached to the wall first? I love this look and want to do something similar in our workout room, BUT we have textured walls.
Thanks!
Hi, Lauri…
Let me tell you, I think I remember EVerything about this project! Seems like it was just yesterday…(like childbirth but a tad less uncomfortable).
I did indeed attach the tiles directly to the wall. The walls were painted but not textured, however. When I was originally devising the HOW, I was going to affix it to a thin layer of wood with mirror adhesive so as not to gunk up the walls. This might be an option for you since you could put a thin sheet of ply right over the textured walls.
Then, you could choose whichever adhesive best suits your needs. Command strips (which I used) have to be on a cleaned and sealed surface…ie, raw wood would not be ideal, but perhaps if it was sealed/painted (one call to the 3m 800 number should answer that.) I am also still neurotic about testing them regularly to make sure they are very secure. On the plus side, it makes me keep them clean.
THANKS for the visit!
Thank you Em. for showing me the complete picture. Now I feel completely satisfied. (It’s a scale issue you see:) It is a wonderful project as I said before on Home Talk. As for decorating, I’m no expert. Simple would seem better to me because of the many reflections you will see in the mirror. Maybe a nice quality plant for some green color (not sure which artificial or live) and tall candles. I’m a Christmas person so I always in my mind decorate anything for Christmas first. Very nice garlands across each mantle with lights if possible with accessories of choice. But again simple. And with the chandelier reflection maybe mixed greenery with berries draping it would add to the middle of your mirror. This is just judging from pictures. Seeing this in person, this may not be possible. Thank you for letting me spill my opinion. Linda Jones
A Christmas person!? Us TOO!!! You’re totally speaking our language! I’ve been thinking about that as well, but didn’t even think of doing the “top” mantle…wheels are spinning!
Spill your opinion anytime…it’s always welcome!
Em!!!
It is perfect beyond words!! I think what really makes it work so well, is that you copied the molding from the mantel to the top portion. And the scale, of course. It needed something that massive to fill the space!
As for decorating the mantel—I’m not entirely sure you need anything. I almost think that this should be the focal point (at least for awhile to admire your handy work)!!
You rock, girl!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thank you, Jodie! Definitely excited to see it finished!
Also appreciate your suggestion to leave it as is. Can’t argue with easy. (And when the queen of accessories says to let it be, I listen!)