Chalk painting and Distressing a veneer wood framed mirror(my way) !

Hey friends, hope you’re all enjoying the longer weekend celebrating the freedom we have in our country! Well, as we celebrate I wanted to squeeze in some time to share our Ikea mirror that I got from a friend who had no need for it. I kept it as is for a while.. a good 4 years, but always wanted to paint it since it was a black brown color that I just didn’t really prefer for this little space. You can see the space before here and here. Well, something about me: I like to wing it with most DIYs instead of doing research first, which sometimes works fine, but if you read my post on our ikea hacked bedside tables I painted here, you know by now that in the furniture painting department, I’m no expert and I probably should look into it before diving in head first, especially when it requires any layering or distressing of any kind. Well, did I do that here, of course not.. Per usual, I dove right in and acted like I’ve been around the block in distressing.. Not even close!! And this is veneer wood, so yep, that much more challenging!! Oh my, this project started out a little nightmare-ish, but I think we came to a place I enjoy. For now, anyway!

So this mirror, I have to say is a beautiful simple clean lines mirror.. Large and in charge kind of a mirror. Just how I like it. But.. and a big big butt.. I mean BUT =P, the wood frame is veneer so it’s pretty flat with not much texture, and the lines are very modern! Now, I love modern, but not too modern. For me, I’m more drawn to moderny farmhouse because I like things to look lived in, comfy and relaxed. It’s who we are as a family and I think makes our home more inviting. With that said, the mirror couldn’t handle a flat coat of paint. It just looked too modern and serious. Not my idea at all of a mirror that would suit the space. Sooo, in my mind distressing it would be perfect. Seriously, if unlike me, you ARE a pro, please please cover your eyes and just scroll down.. LOL!! Well, boy oh boy, lemme tell you, it took the first layer of paint in Waverly Inspirations in Ivory, a few distressing on the edges (not enough), a little more distressing (still not), full-blown out distressing (too high of a contrast), adding a mix of Minwax Jacobean and Classic Grey wood stain on top (too much warmth), a very light wash of watered down chalk paint in Waverly Inspirations in White and finally adding a little random strokes of the Ivory chalk paint here and there to balance the color and even gave it a little more depth. Some sanding in between steps. Lastly, finished the whole frame with a clear wax.

So while I kinda wish this frame had barnwood-like textures that would make distressing it so much more beautiful, I can’t lie I kinda am digging this “new” mirror. It’s different and makes the mirror less modern looking which I like. And doesn’t it just brighten up the space?!

SO what do you think of our new mirror? If you’re a pro at painting furniture, don’t answer that! Bwahahha!! But seriously, forgive me for my crazy non-pro-ish ways of going about this project! If you know a really simple, easier and more beautiful way to paint and distress veneer wood, share with us in the comments below! I know it’s not one of those mirrors that will be universally liked, I’m sure much of my designs aren’t, but my husband liked it and even my kids thought it looked cool which is a plus for me! Hopefully if nothing else, you were encouraged today to look things up first before starting a project you’re not to familiar with! LOL! Or, hey, if you do decide to try things your own way, just own it!! Especially if you like the outcome! Anyway, thanks so so much for stopping by!! Hope you all enjoy the weekend!!!