Painted Furniture
Long Hidden Treasure
A vintage dresser mirror from 1935 is restored, repainted, and given a new purpose in the upstairs hallway at House 173.
Sometimes the projects that mean the most are the ones that spend years waiting their turn.
The mirror featured in this megapost came into our lives as part of a dresser we picked up. Before long, it ended up tucked behind the television in our bedroom, where it remained hidden and largely forgotten for years.
Occasionally, I would spot it while moving furniture or cleaning and think, "I really should do something with that someday." As anyone with an old house knows, though, "someday" can take a long time to arrive.
Eventually, it did. What began as a simple plan to reuse an old mirror grew into a project involving restoration, repairs, mounting challenges, and plenty of decisions along the way.
This megapost brings together the entire journey, from the earliest planning and restoration work to the finished installation upstairs.
So let's get into it!
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The Upstairs Hallway Mirror - Part 1
March 10, 2025
Painted Furniture
Upcycling a 1935 Classic
Sometime way back around 1998 or 1999-ish, I picked up an old dresser and mirror from The Salvation Army store to use in one of the bedrooms. It's really quite a solid, well-built piece and I got it for about $25. All these years it's been a great piece for the house. However, in recent years, a very large TV was a put on top of that dresser, almost completely covering the mirror. At some point I realized there really was no need for that mirror. So, we removed the mirror and stored it in the study for the last... I don't know, maybe year or so.
Then a week or two ago, it dawned on us that maybe we should do something with it. It's a rather pretty mirror and it was being wasted, just sitting in a corner of the study. So, we decided to put it in the upstairs hallway. Of course, it was old and some of the styling was a bit dated so we thought - let's do something different with it. And that's what I'm gonna tell you all about now...let's get into it.
The Back
First, let me point out my favorite thing about this mirror... the dog in its reflection! Charlie almost acted as if he knew it was him looking back. Little guy's a bundle of joy.
That out of the way, I started this Prineville by removing the back cover of the mirror. It was surprisingly substantial at 1/4" of old-school plywood.
It also has mounting hardware on both sides. I don't plan to use them but thought it's a nice touch... they'll stay.
Once opened, the level of quality craftsmanship of the build was immediately apparent. As you can see...wooden wedges rather than framer's points...
There were also several wads of cotton along the sides and at the corners between the mirror edge and the wood. My Sherlock-like skills of deduction deduced that these cotton wads were there for cushioning!
Some of those wads fell out when I took the back off the mirror, so I pulled pulled out a piece of fiberglass insulation and rolled up bits to replace the missing wads.
And because I have sausage fingers, I just very gingerly pressed the new fiberglass wads into place using my trusty old putty knife.
All that done, I reinstalled the back. I reused some of the same small nails, but I also added some very small screws, just to give it a little bit more teeth into the frame. Of course, I was very, very careful and predrilled the holes for the screws, being sure not to drill too deeply. After the back was reinstalled, it seemed to lay much flatter and tighter against the frame, and a lot more secure as well.
And just for fun, I wanted to point out that, as with just about every single project here at 173, I used a lot more tools for this simple task than I would have ever imagined. But that's just how I roll!
1935!
And I just wanted to take a moment to point out this great stamp that was on the back of the mirror. The most significant thing here is that it was apparently made back on April 11, 1935! Ol' House 173 was a mere eight years old! It's been around a long time, so it made me think that I really want to be careful, and protect this mirror during this process so I don't break it.
I don't say that lightly because well, back in 1999-ish, I was putting this beautiful Art Deco style full length mirror back on the wall after painting the hallway and, as I was tightening the screws on the holders that held the mirror to the wall, I turned the screw just one turn too many and the mirror snaped right in half. I was a beautiful and heavy older mirror and I still think of it from time to time. Anyway, this time I'm being extra careful!
The Decorative Tacks
In 1935, and probably for many years after, the decorative tacks running across the top of the frame (and in the dresser too) were stylish.
However, in 2025 they had long since taken on the character of being tacky (see what I did there?).
.heic)
As much as I like to keep things as close to original as I can, in this case we're changing the entire look anyway so... out came the tacks.
Of course there will be a little repair work to do, but nothing big at all.
Literally less than two minutes and the holes were repaired...
She left the web, she left the loom,
She made three paces through the room,
She saw the water-lily bloom,
She saw the helmet and the plume,
She look'd down to Camelot.
Out flew the web and floated wide;
The mirror crack'd from side to side;
"The curse is come upon me," cried
The Lady of Shalott.
- Alfred Lord Tennyson, The Lady of Shalott
Last of the Prep Work
I decided that before I started sanding and really getting into any further into this, it was time to protect the mirror itself.
So I started with some painter's tape around the edge just to make for less scraping after the painting was done. And before we move on...I love mirror pictures like this next one - looking up at the joists where I store a lot of wood and other odds and ends.
And because there would be a lot of work going on so close to the mirror, I decided to cover the whole thing with some paper to help prevent scratches and keep reminding me that I couldn't just casually plop things down on there with any force.
From there, I used one of those spongy sandpaper blocks and spent, I don't know, I guess 15 or 20 minutes sanding the frame, basically just getting the gloss off and sanding down where I had to used the wood filler on the old tack holes. And that's really all, it didn't take much to get it ready for painting.
That's where we end it for this stage of the project. The next steps include painting, antiquing and topcoating... and I can't wait. This little project is moving so quickly I'm getting downright giddy!
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The Upstairs Hallway Mirror - Part 2
March 15, 2025
Painted Furniture
Wrapping Up
We're really getting there now. When last we met the mirror had been all prepped, taped off, sanded, cleaned up and ready for paint. Now it's time to make it look good, clean it up and hang it. Let's get into it.
Priming
I guess there's not much to say about this phase. While I did sand the mirror frame, I didn't spend a lot of time on it so I chose a good primer. Probably a bit of overkill but I didn't want to take any chances so I gave it a couple light coats.
Hardware!
Just as I was getting ready to put the first coat of paint on, I realized I should probably put the hardware on the back of the frame first. I decided to go with the French cleat system to hang this mirror. A French cleat hanger uses two interlocking, beveled pieces of metal (one mounted to the wall and one to the object) to securely hang items like mirrors, artwork, cabinets, or shelves. I've never used one so I'm a little anxious, but at the same time... confident that it'll work just fine! The key though, was mounting the hardware so the mirror is level on the wall. We'll see how that came out shortly!
Painting
Painting the mirror frame, while not difficult, came with a bit of a challenge. It started when I pulled out three cans of red paint from this collection of paints in the workshop:
So I grabbed what I thought was the right can, but as you can see in this picture...it wasn't! Look how bright it was...not at all what I had in mind - just a happy little accident I guess!
Then I ran test samples of all the red paints I have, including spray paint, and Rustoleum reds I've used with some tool restorations, but I just wasn't coming up with anything of the color I had in mind. But at some point I just happened to pull out my Swiss Army knife and noticed that it was exactly the color I wanted!
Life is a painting, and you are the artist. You have on your palette all the colors in the spectrum - the same ones available to Michaelangelo and DaVinci. - Paul J. Meyer
In this next picture you can see my knife tucked in the back of my valet and, even though computer screens don't pick up the exact colors, especially with red, it's a pretty close facsimile. So I took the knife to Lowe's and had them do a color match which turned out pretty darn close!
Because I already had a coat of paint on the frame, I thought I could get away with one coat, but it didn't work out that way. To get the full effect of my Swiss Army knife shade of red, I ended up putting two coats over the first red paint. And with that... it was beginning to look the way I originally imagined.
Next it was time for glazing. A few years ago I picked up a can of Valspar mis-matched glaze for $5.00. What a great opportunity... today they're over $20! I have to admit... this is one of the best glazes I've worked with.
Anyway, I really enjoy painting furniture pieces and I've gotten pretty good at glazing - just wish I had more opportunity to do it. As you can see, we're on a roll at this point...
An attempted closeup... one of these days I'm getting a real camera...
I love how the glaze enhances the architectural interest and gives some attractive definition in a piece like this.
The Topcoat
Then, finally, I gave it one coat of Polycrillic just to protect the glazing. Typically, you would apply a topcoat on pieces that get a lot of wear and tear, like the dining room table, that gets a lot of use and you could stand the possibility of rubbing the glazing off.
Nonetheless, I went ahead and put a coat on the frame just to protect the glazing. You never know when you get to dusting or cleaning or something - just sayin'.
It's Natural Habitat
I suppose all that's left to do is to show you the mirror and its natural habitat. This mirror is now in the upstairs hallway, as you could tell by the title of the last two posts. So, let me give you a brief tour of the hallway. First is a long shot picture of the hallway. What you'll see on the left is some kind of plaster sculpture we got a maybe 25 or so years ago at Pier 1 Imports. Across from that is where the mirror will be hung, where there was some kind of Greek or Roman scene that we've had just as long, also Pier 1.
Also in the hallway is the light. We put it in back when we finished the stairwell and hallways back in 2018. It's a Craftsman style, and the shade is yellow, green and red, and ended up dictating the color scheme up there.
Wow. I really got off track here, so let's get back to it. So here's a couple shots of the new-old mirror in its natural habitat! This first one, obviously, is facing toward the stairwell.
And the second picture is pointing toward the end of the hallway with the lamp and table... all complimenting one another.
And now you've seen the mirror in its natural habitat. This was a quick and fun project, and like I said earlier, I wish I had more opportunity to paint furniture but retirement's not too far down the road!
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Looking back, it's hard to believe this mirror spent so many years hidden behind a television.
For nearly three decades, it was one of those things we owned but rarely thought about, quietly waiting while other projects took priority.
That's what makes the finished project so satisfying.
The best part isn't simply restoring an old mirror—it's finally giving it a purpose. After years of sitting unused, it now hangs where it can be appreciated every day and serves as a functional part of the house once again.
Projects like this remind me that worthwhile restorations don't always involve major renovations. Sometimes it's about recognizing the potential in something you've had for years and finally giving it the attention it deserves.
The upstairs hallway mirror may have taken the scenic route to get here, but it was worth the wait.
Hey, thanks for stopping by - see ya' next time!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you determine the age of an old mirror?
Many older mirrors contain manufacturer stamps, labels, assembly marks, or dates hidden on the back. Construction techniques and hardware can also help estimate age.
Can an old dresser mirror be hung on a wall?
Yes. Many vintage dresser mirrors can be adapted for wall mounting with appropriate hardware, provided the frame and glass are structurally sound.
What is a French cleat hanger?
A French cleat uses two interlocking angled pieces mounted to the wall and object. It provides excellent support and helps keep large mirrors level and secure.
Is a French cleat better than picture wire for heavy mirrors?
For larger or heavier mirrors, many installers prefer French cleats because they distribute weight more evenly and reduce stress on individual fasteners.
Why were cotton pads placed around old mirrors?
Cotton wadding helped cushion the glass, reduce movement within the frame, and protect the mirror from damage during normal handling.
Can fiberglass insulation be used as replacement cushioning?
Small pieces can be used to replace missing cushioning material, although modern foam and felt products are also commonly used.
Should antique furniture hardware always be preserved?
Not necessarily. Decorative elements can be removed or altered when adapting a piece for a new purpose, especially if the changes are reversible and respect the overall character of the item.
What type of primer works best on old painted furniture?
Bonding primers are often recommended because they adhere well to previously finished surfaces and help prevent future paint failure.
Why use glaze on painted furniture?
Glaze settles into recesses, moldings, and decorative details, creating depth and highlighting architectural features that might otherwise disappear under solid paint.
Does painted furniture need a protective topcoat?
High-use furniture often benefits from a protective finish. While decorative pieces may not require one, a clear topcoat can help preserve paint and glazing.
Can a paint color be matched from an object?
Yes. Many paint stores can scan and match colors from objects such as furniture, fabric, tools, or even something as small as a Swiss Army knife.
Why repaint a vintage mirror instead of refinishing it?
Sometimes a painted finish better suits the room, complements existing décor, and allows a piece to continue being used rather than remaining in storage.
Keywords
vintage mirror restoration, painted furniture, dresser mirror makeover, French cleat mirror hanging, antique mirror, furniture upcycling, hallway decorating, glazed furniture, vintage furniture restoration, painted mirror frame