A NEW LOOK FOR AN ANTIQUE MIRROR

Remember last summer when I brought this mirror home from the thrift store? If you're new to Woodbank Lane or you missed that post, catch up on the details here. 

It wasn't in the best shape. It had a few bangs and bruises, and the patina was really uneven.

Originally I had planned to spray paint the mirror, but I wanted it to retain its vintage look. Luckily, when I shared a picture of my new "thrift score" on Instagram, many friends suggested I use Rub 'N Buff to spruce it up.

Rub 'n Buff

I had heard of Rub 'n Buff but had never used it. It worked great, and it only took the tiniest amount to cover the mirror. I still have plenty left for another project that might come my way. It would be perfect for touching up picture frames or just adding another color to any object.

I used antique gold, but it comes in many other shades. I ordered mine from Amazon, and it looks like the price has gone up slightly. Boo!

It was so simple to apply. I used an old t-shirt and just a little paint at a time. It was easy to spread on, and it looked just as I had hoped--vintage, just cleaner and with a bit more shine.

Ideas from this post

Rub 'n Buff Antique Gold  //  Grecian Gold  //  White lamps 

  Ginger jar  //  Planter  //  Vase  //  Mirror  //  White bowl

Mission accomplished! Have you used Rub 'n Buff? 

On to the next project... :-)

MIRROR, MIRROR SOON TO BE ON THE WALL...

I'm starting this post with a confession: I bought something that I didn't need, something I didn't even have a place for, but the price was so low, and the potential was so high, it had to come home with me. Please tell me I'm not alone, and you have done that a time or two as well.

After three trips to look at it, I bought a mirror--an old, pretty mirror, and I can't wait to use it to create a new vignette that's floating around in my head.

Here are two pictures that came to my mind when I spotted the mirror in the antique mall.

The first photo is from The Pink Pagoda. I came across this one years ago. I have always loved this photograph. The chest, the art, the leaves, the blue and white lamp all look fabulous together.

The Pink Pagoda

The next one is from Jennifer Griffin. She's a blogger at Dimples and Tangles. She redid this powder room for a One Room Challenge. She adores color and chose a bright pink for her mirror. Doesn't it look great in her room?

Dimples and Tangles

Then I saw this one on Pinterest. I'm not sure of the source. 

via Pinterest

The finish is not terrible but will certainly need work. It's flaked off in a few spots, but I think it can be freshend up fairly easy. By that I mean a little sanding and a few cans of spray paint.

When I bought the mirror, it had a sticky note on it that read "1960."

I did a little research and discovered this particular mirror is considered Hollywood Regency style. What is Hollywood Regency style you ask?

"Hollywood Regency decor is exactly what it sounds like; high-octane everyday glamor infused with the requisite high-shine lacquered finishes, metallics, and precious fabrications with a nod to Art-Deco decadence and Mid Century Modern practicality. Think dramatic, sensual, modern, uncluttered, and carefully edited with a mix of delicate and bold for a gender-neutral setting that's timeless in appeal."  

I found a great article that explains all of that! You can read it here. Take a look at what (I'm assuming are original) mirrors from that time period are going for. I'm also assuming the one I found is a reproduction. 

                               1stdibs  //  1stdibs //  Charish  //  Charish  //  Fleur de Lis 

Off to buy spray paint and hope for less humid weather so I can get started.
Have a great weekend!

Kathryn

FEDERAL MIRROR FOLLOW UP

When I was putting together my anniversary post last week, I came across the pictures of my federal mirror I found last year and realized I've never posted about how it turned out or how I ended up using it.

I've always loved the look of a federal mirror, and I shared some pictures that inspire me here.

First things first...

I had to prep it for painting because I wanted it to be gold. Like the other round mirror I painted, it took a bit of extra prep time thanks to the shape and angles. I followed the same procedure as before. I used a small strip of tape, pressed it down against the edges with my thumb nail, and used a razor blade to trim the excess.

The paint I like to use for a really pretty, gold metallic finish is this one by Rustoleum.

Just like expected--nice and gold.

I'm using it in my dining room which was my plan all along. It feels slightly small for the spot I chose. But, I like it just as well for now.

Here are three other mirror projects I've shared.

Going Gold: Bedroom Mirror Before and After

Thrift Store Mirror Before and After

A Mirror Swap

Thanks for stopping by. Hope it's a great Saturday!

A ROUND MIRROR BEFORE AND AFTER

I recently painted my first round mirror. For those of you who have been reading along for a while, you know I've painted many mirrors over the years without too much trouble. If you're new to Woodbank Lane, you can see those projects here, here, and here. The round one was a bit more tricky to paint than the others and required a little more prep work. 

The mirror has primarily been in our foyer, but I've used it some in the dining room over the years as well. Here it is in the foyer with a spring look.

I always liked the silver color and details, and the hints of red were pretty, too.

So, about that prep work...

Very few areas of the mirror would allow me to simply slide the paper under.

I had to use the painter's tape on the spots with no space between the glass and the edge of the wood. And I couldn't use a big piece; only small pieces would work because of the angle. Once the tape was on, I used my thumb nail to make a firm crease.

Next, I used a razor blade to carefully trim off the tape.

The mirror is 36 inches.

The color of the paint I used is Indigo by Valspar. I picked mine up from Lowe's. It covers well, but takes its time drying. 

 

One more before look in the foyer...

And here's the after in the dining room. Blue!

It's a little hard to photograph; the lighting is only good for about an hour a day in the room. It looks darker to me in the picture. It turned out just like I hoped it would, and I love the navy with the brass lamps (more about those here) and green apples. It also looks good with a pile of blue and white in front of it. :-)

My husband thinks I'll grow weary of the blue. He may be right. But for now, it fits right in. You can see more of the room here. 

Hope you have a great weekend!

And Happy Birthday to my daddy who is 70 years young today!

Kathryn

FEDERAL MIRROR--I FOUND ONE!

What do you think about federal mirrors? I like them. They feel classic and traditional and add just the right splash of formal to a space without making it feel overdone. They look good in any room and will work just about anywhere in a house.

In this Pottery Barn photo, the mirror is the perfect wall art. The contrast of the gold and navy is such a clean, timeless look.

Image: Pottery Barn

Over a mantel as a historical focal point for a room like this one from Traditional Home is striking.

Image: Traditional Home

But the look I find myself loving the most is a smaller version hung as an accessory on a book shelf.

Image: I Suwannee

Image: Simple Details

Image: Emily A. Clark

As luck would have it, I found one of the convex, bulls eye mirrors back in May at one of my regular thrift shops. It isn't in perfect shape, but the imperfections are minor. And for the price, I couldn't pass it up.

I originally had it pictured in the dining room, but after getting it home, I'm considering three or four different places. It will first need to be dusted off and cleaned up, and then it will get some fresh paint. I want it to have a gold finish like in the pictures above (not too crazy about the wood look). I'll use the gold *Rustoleum spray paint that I used on this mirror in my back entrance and this mirror in our master bedroom. It really is my favorite for going gold.

Now, if the rain would stop and give me a pretty, sunny day, I could get it finished.

Kathryn

*Affiliate link used

A MIRROR SWAP

Even though I was in the midst of finishing the dining room, which I hope to give you an update on soon, I managed to paint a mirror and change up our back entrance.

This was our fall mantle last year. 

I loved it, but I really like a softer feel for the space. I decided to do some swapping around.

This is the mirror I like best over the mantle, especially for the summer months. It was a thrift score from a couple of years ago. You can see the before and after here. It was one of the first projects/"before and afters" I did when I started my blog.

So, using Rust-Oleum spray paint, I painted the dark brown, rectangular mirror.

I never thought too much about the pretty little detailing. It's much more obvious in the gold shade.

Afterwards, the two mirrors swapped places. The curly one left the back entrance...

...and for now it's over the mantel.



The newly painted rectangular mirror is now hanging in the back entrance off the garage.

I had to look high and low for a small, narrow table. This hallway is tiny.

I finally found this one several years ago at Kirkland's. They still have similar ones in other colors.

For now, this is home, sweet home for the mirror. But, I will go ahead and tell you, I bet it makes an appearance in the newly painted dining room. :-)

Kathryn