Here we share how to cover a mirror wall including solutions that are easy, creative, inexpensive, temporary, permanent and different options using fabric and drywall.
Whether you just got a few pointers from a feng shui expert or want to rev up the look of your home by getting rid of that whole stretch of mirrors, there are many ways on how to cover a mirror wall.
Because completely removing mirrored doors is a major undertaking, not to mention an expensive one, here are a few alternatives to use.
Hang Curtains In Front Of The Mirrored Walls – Easiest And Most Inexpensive Way
If you’re going to use the mirrored wall as a backdrop for your TV or multimedia stand and other types of furniture, you can either cover part of it and leave some mirror exposed or completely cover it.
Install simple curtain rods as close to the ceiling as possible is a straightforward solution for creating a “curtain wall.” Hang a neutral-colored piece of fabric from ring clips so that it just touches the floor.
If you’re going to cover the entire mirror wall with drapes, make sure there’s some space between the furniture and the drapes so the fabric doesn’t look tucked in.
Place framed pictures from the ceiling to make it appear as if they are floating in front of the fabric, creating a whimsical effect. Allow space in the middle of the curtains to expose the mirrored wall.
Just with the right coverage, that’s just enough to accommodate your hutch: this is also a creative way of utilizing some of the mirrored wall space while concealing the majority of the mirror you don’t want to see.
Consider hanging an empty ornate frame from the ceiling above your hutch, “framing” part of the mirrored wall for a creative, unique look, depending on the height of your hutch.
Use Temporary Wallpaper To Cover Wall – Perfect For Renters
Wallpaper can be used to cover the mirrored surface. You can choose from a variety of self-adhesive options or use double-sided tape instead of glue.
Make sure to consider the entire space when selecting a design. On the whole, simple techniques are the most effective.
Paint The Mirrored Wall – Permanent Coverup
Customize an otherwise mundane mirror with paints for a personalized expression of home decor. While many types of paint stick to mirror glass, some adhere better than others, such as glass paints or craft enamels.
If you aren’t entirely confident about painting on mirror glass, practice on an old scratched mirror or a discount-store find to test the paint’s opacity and color first.
Acrylic and water-based enamel craft paints adhere to mirrors and dry to a similar appearance. When acrylic paint dries, it’s easy to scrape it off the glass, but this shouldn’t be an issue with a mirror.
How To Cover A Mirrored Wall With Fabric?
Cut up any fabric that looks good and tacks it to the wall above and below the mirror for a cheap and easy alternative. This option is not the most visually appealing, but it serves as a temporary fix or a low-cost alternative when the others are unavailable.
Best Fabric Options:
• Macrame
• Scarf Wall Art
• Tapestry
• Table Runners
Step 1
Measure the area of the mirror you want to cover: For covering the entire mirrored wall, each mirror’s height and length should be measured.
Get the mirror’s dimensions with a tape measure. Make a note of these measurements and bring them with you to the store so you can get the right-sized curtains.
Step 2
Adiseal: Best for Bathrooms and other Wet Areas – Adiseal is the best adhesive to stick mirror to a surface. It’s the strongest mirror-safe adhesive available, stays flexible & is waterproof as well.
Purchase a Rod: Just like hanging a curtain, you can hang a fabric using a curtain rod. Get a curtain rod and curtains that are the same size as your mirror.
Find a curtain rod that is long enough to stretch across the mirror by taking your measurements to a hardware shop or interior design store. Then, to hide the walls, get curtains that are the right length and height.
Note: If you’re hanging fabric wall art in the kitchen, make sure it’s hung at a safe distance from the stove to prevent the fabric from catching fire.
Creative Ways to Cover Wall Mirrors
Privacy Screen
Privacy screens are folding screens that block what’s behind them from view. Vintage privacy screens are all wood with intricate fabric draped behind, beautifully displaying the patterns and images embossed on the fabric.
Current pieces range from metal bases with plain fabric to screens that hold photos for display. Place a privacy screen in areas where the mirror is open to block it from sight.
Rearrange Furniture
Move large furniture items in front of the mirrored wall. With no money to spend, you can quickly get rid of your mirrored wall.
You can also place a cabinet with open shelving with an exposed back to allow the mirror to peer through.
Décor Pieces
Add décor pieces such as collectibles. Although it will not cover the entire mirror, it minimizes your mirror surface and glare while creating an attractive backdrop.
Self-adhesive vinyl decals can also be used to update the look of your mirrored wall. Renters who cannot make permanent changes without jeopardizing their security deposits will benefit from the removable versions.
Florals, geometric patterns, scrolling designs reminiscent of the Art Nouveau period, and ornate gingerbread patterns that resemble exterior Victorian woodwork are among the designs available.
Mirrors look great with black, white, and metallic wall decals, but other colors are also available. These may not completely cover the mirror, but they will give it the updated look it requires while also reducing the overbearing feature.
Frosted Window Film
Another method people use to transform their mirrored wall is by applying an opaque window film. With a style similar to sheer fabric, it allows you to work with the mirror rather than against it.
Although you can do it yourself if you’re confident, some people struggle with this task. For example, I can’t cover a schoolbook without making ripples, so I’d advise that you consider hiring a glass repair company. It might not be the cheapest option, but it provides excellent results when done correctly.
Temporary Mirror Covers
Pictures and Photos
Create a gallery of pictures and photos of the family in frame. You don’t need to cover the entire mirror as it can be a perfect surround.
Use Velcro removable mounting strips or any other temporary adhesives to position and hold your pictures on the mirrored surface.
Adding big picture frames or small photo collage can offer a personal touch.
Posters and Prints
Posters are large paper artwork items that easily affix to walls. They are sold in many designs of prints, from classical artists to modern canvas artwork.
Use putty or double-sided tape under all the corners to keep items from falling and clean the appearance.
You can customize the image. There are poster and print services that accept commissioned printouts with your personalized design.
Can You Drywall Over a Mirror?
The short answer is yes, but drywall can wiggle and be out of place since you have an unstable mirror subgrade; it is possible but not recommended, especially for an expansive mirror wall.
The majority of the time, mirrors are glued to walls with a black, rubber-like adhesive. It’s tough but pliable enough to allow the house to “settle” without shattering the mirror. It’s usually applied to the back of the mirror in 8-10 dabs, but I can’t speak for all installations.
You may want to remove your mirror instead. What you’ll need to do is pry back one side of the mirror slowly using two flat bars. You’ll hear a “peeling” noise; it is just the drywall’s paper facing coming off.
Next, grab the entire edge of the mirror and pull it outward as though you were opening a door. Again, go slow. You should once again peel the paper facing off the drywall.
Now take joint drywall compound and use it to coat over the areas where the paper has peeled off: Prime and paint.
See more related content in our article about the different types of mirror on this page.
Steve Sacco馃懆
Sunday 16th of April 2023
Can one simply use velcro adhesive strips and place light thin wood shiplap to the mirror surface assuming the mirror is attached well to the drywall?
DI Editorial Team & Writers
Sunday 16th of April 2023
Hi Steve, that's a great suggestion and may work well if the wood isn't too heavy. Thanks for sharing.