If your mirror looks a little plain, here’s a fun weekend project that can totally transform it — adding a mosaic tile border. You don’t need to be a pro or have fancy tools. With a bit of creativity and patience, you can make something that looks store-bought but feels personal.
What You’ll Need
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A plain mirror (framed or unframed)
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Small mosaic tiles (glass, ceramic, or leftover broken tiles work great)
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Tile adhesive or strong glue
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Grout (available at any hardware store)
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A sponge and cloth
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Painter’s tape
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A putty knife or spatula
Step 1: Plan Your Design
Before you start gluing anything, lay your tiles out on a flat surface to see how they’ll fit around the mirror. Mix colors and sizes for a more artistic look, or go with a neat, even pattern for something modern. Snap a quick photo of your layout to use as a guide later.
Step 2: Prep the Mirror
Clean the mirror frame (or edges) thoroughly so the adhesive sticks well. If your mirror doesn’t have a frame, use painter’s tape to mark off the border area directly on the glass. This will help you keep things even.
Step 3: Stick the Tiles
Apply tile adhesive in small sections so it doesn’t dry before you place your tiles. Press each piece gently into place, following your design. Leave tiny gaps between the tiles for the grout. Once you’re done, let it dry completely — usually overnight.
Step 4: Grout and Wipe
Spread grout over the tiles using a putty knife, filling all the gaps. Don’t worry if it looks messy; you’ll wipe off the excess later. After about 10–15 minutes, use a damp sponge to gently clean the tile surfaces. Let it cure for 24 hours.
Step 5: Polish It Up
Once the grout is dry, wipe the tiles with a soft cloth to make them shine. Remove any painter’s tape and step back to admire your new mirror — it’s probably unrecognizable now (in a good way).
A Quick Tip
If you’re new to this, start with a small mirror first. It’s easier to experiment, and you’ll get the hang of spacing and grouting before moving on to a bigger project.
What you’ve got now is more than just a mirror — it’s a reflection of your creativity (literally). A mosaic tile border adds character, color, and texture to any room. And the best part? You made it yourself.