Modern Restoration of a Standing Mirror
This project was built and designed by Anthony from Wood Pack DIY, with help from his trusty shop assistant, Bob Barker. It focuses on restoring a broken standing mirror by giving it a new, minimalist base that blends clean lines with a contemporary finish.
The build shows how even worn-out or broken furniture can be turned into a stylish and functional piece. With a little planning and the right tools, this project brings an outdated mirror back to life.
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From Damaged to Refined
The project began when a friend asked Anthony for help with a cheval mirror that had a broken base. Instead of replacing it with something off the shelf, she wanted to keep the mirror itself and rework the base to better match her modern style.
After going over the options, they landed on a streamlined design with simple geometry. This new base would allow the curved top of the mirror to stand out without competing with bulky or overly decorative support pieces.
Starting with the Right Foundation
Anthony began by disassembling the original structure to isolate the mirror frame. The frame turned out to be made of oak, giving the new build a strong and stable base to work with.
Once the original pieces were removed, he created plywood templates for the new parts of the base. These templates ensured that the final pieces could be traced and cut accurately, helping avoid waste and rework later in the process.
Shaping the New Design
Using the table saw, Anthony cut down oak boards to the right size and began tapering them to match the proportions of the mirror. The gentle angle of the base pieces helped echo the soft curves of the mirror frame above.
This step required careful planning to make sure the visual weight of the base balanced well with the mirror. With Bob Barker keeping watch nearby, Anthony made clean, consistent cuts and laid out the pieces for dry fitting.
Softening the Look
To avoid sharp lines and to keep the design feeling modern but not harsh, Anthony used a trim router to round over the edges of each piece. This step brought all the elements together visually, making the base feel like an extension of the original frame.
These rounded edges not only improved aesthetics but also made the piece safer and more user-friendly. It’s a small detail that has a big impact on both form and function.
Assembling the Frame
Once the shaping was complete, it was time to put the base together. Anthony used a Domino joiner to create strong connections between the base pieces—an efficient method that speeds up assembly while ensuring rock-solid joints.
While dowels were an option, the Domino system allowed him to make quick adjustments and keep everything aligned without needing clamping jigs. Each piece was fitted, checked for square, and then secured.
Choosing the Right Finish
With the structure complete, attention turned to the final look. Anthony’s friend chose Rubio Monocoat in a light smoke color, which pairs nicely with oak and provides a sleek, modern finish.
The oil was applied and wiped down carefully to bring out the grain without overpowering the natural tones. Bob Barker, ever the supervisor, stayed nearby to make sure the finish process stayed on track.
Attaching the Mirror
Securing the mirror to the new base was the final challenge. Anthony used hardware brackets to hold the frame firmly in place and measured everything twice to avoid putting unnecessary stress on the wood.
He added furniture pads underneath the base to protect the floor and to keep the mirror stable—even on uneven surfaces. This small addition helps the piece stay functional while maintaining its clean, finished look.
A New Life for an Old Piece
With the mirror set securely in the new base, the project came to a close. The result is a clean, updated piece that reflects modern design while keeping the original charm of the curved mirror frame.
What started as a broken and dated item became a fresh centerpiece thanks to Anthony’s thoughtful planning and precise execution. It’s a great example of how restoration can offer more than just repair—it can completely reimagine what a piece of furniture can be.
Please support Anthony (and Bob Barker) by visiting their website (he sells awesome plans): https://www.woodpackdiy.com/.