Mantel Makeover: Add an Arch!

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ByJeanette, DIY & Decorating Blogger Updated
6 Comments
wood arch overlay on top of an existing mirror over mantel

Mantel Makeover Made Easy: Add an Arch Overlay To An Outdated Mirror

Modifying a built-in, oversized mirror can be as easy as adding a wood overlay. We cut an arch out of wood and secured it overtop of the existing mirror to give it more architectural interest.

Affiliate links are included in this post to help you source similar items and recreate this look!

After 4 years of thinking, rethinking, and overthinking…we finally found a simple solution to modify the oversized mirror over our mantel. The big mirror had us stuck for a long time.

Even contractors didn’t really want to help us remove it for fear it would break into a million pieces.

Here is the mantel when we moved in. Our dark and moody mantel makeover using paint was a good first step to make it stand out, but it wasn’t quite as dramatic as I was hoping it could be.

mantel with large mirror before paint
Our first day (sleeping on the floor) in the Picket Fence House
Dark Moody Mantel Makeover by Snazzy Little Things
After paint. See “Dark & Moody Mantel Makeover” for paint colors

We have nothing against mirrors – but this particular mirror is a huge focal point in the room and it felt slightly dated. It also provided a perfect view of the messy chaos upstairs on the landing (the landing is another work in progress). I enjoy changing the mantel with the seasons, but its large presence limited my options (other than using a suction cup to attach a wreath).

Adding the Arched Wood Overlay

Finally a simple solution and it looks like it’s been part of the house for years. We cut a wood arch using a Jasper jig and placed it overtop of the mirror to give it a slightly more modern look.

First we made a template out of leftover cardbard
Mark made the cut but needed to shorten it just a bit
To keep the wood secured to the mirror we added velcro
Velcro in place, now it’s time to add wood trim it into place
Definitely spruced up our holiday mantel
A paint touch up of the entire mantel was in order
More changes coming to the adjacent rooms.
Fresh coat of paint + winter decor. All finished!

Slow design is a great way to describe us. We aren’t rushing. Only doing what feels right and fits our commitment to classic styling. And we HOPE this look has staying power for years to come!

arched mirror over mantel
Shop to recreate this look. I’ve added the exact paint color + similar items in this space:


Our new Arhaus couch comes TODAY! Once we have our living room re-arranged the way we want I’ll post a new update! New window coverings, new wall trim, and family photos are all happening next. Finally, our living room is starting to feel more like us.

Jeanette is an Ohio-based designer and DIY expert with an eye for simple projects that add value to your home. She focuses on high-impact low-cost interiors that are timeless, easy to achieve and beautiful. Furniture refinishing, millwork, paint and budget room remodels are her specialty. Jeanette has appeared on a guest on the Rachael Ray Show, WCPO Cincinnati Lifestyles and has been featured in Better Homes & Gardens , Country Living, Men's Health and a number of home and garden publications.

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6 Comments

    1. Jeanette, DIY & Decorating Blogger says:

      Thanks, Theresa!

      Reply
  2. Paula Pugh says:

    What a great idea! So simple too. Thank you for taking your time to find good, solid design changes.

    Reply
    1. Jeanette, DIY & Decorating Blogger says:

      Thanks – we do move slowly on our projects but eventually we find solutions that we hope make sense!

      Reply

  3. Love how this turned out. You’re lucky to have had the large frame already in place. It makes it all the more interesting.

    Reply
    1. Jeanette, DIY & Decorating Blogger says:

      Thank you, such a simple solution that finally hit us. I was happy to avoid removing that mirror, too!

      Reply