The Problem with Frameless Mirrors (and How to Reframe a Mirror in the Bathroom)

Beyond their functional purpose, bathroom mirrors serve as a focal point, tying together the look of a room. Yet it’s not uncommon to see plain jane plate-glass mirrors in suburban homes and apartments with no frame.

These “builder-grade” mirrors are usually attached to the wall with clips, or sometimes glued directly to the wall. They’re cheap and easy for builders to install, but they do nothing to enhance the room’s aesthetics. Worse, they can leave it looking unfinished.

There are other drawbacks to leaving a mirror unframed. We’ll explore these below and look at an easy way to frame a bathroom mirror.

Drawbacks of Frameless Bathroom Mirrors

1: The edges are easy to chip.

One of the biggest issues with frameless mirrors is their susceptibility to chipping along the edges. Unlike framed mirrors, which have protective borders, frameless mirrors leave those delicate edges exposed. This makes them more prone to damage from everyday use. Even minor impacts—like accidentally knocking something against the mirror—can cause chips along the edges, compromising the mirror’s appearance and structural integrity.

2: They’re vulnerable to desilvering.

Bathrooms are moisture-prone areas. When water splashes up from the sink, it can get under the edges of a mirror and damage the silver backing. This is called “desilvering,” and it’s the cause of those black spots and streaks you often see along the edges of a mirror. Frameless mirrors are more vulnerable to this process.

3: They’re aesthetically boring.

No one wants their bathroom to feel like a doctor’s office. But that’s often the effect of a frameless mirror. It can make the room feel unfinished, like there’s something missing. Thankfully, it’s an easy problem to fix. A quality mirror frame in the bathroom adds style and polish, whether you choose a sleek and modern style or a more traditional frame.

What a Difference a Frame Makes

A quality bathroom mirror frame can hide desilvering edges and prevent the problem from getting worse. Framing is a great way to salvage a mirror that’s otherwise in good shape. It can save you hundreds of dollars on the cost of a new mirror while keeping waste out of the landfill.

A new bathroom mirror frame acts as a decorative canvas for the whole room, bringing a sense of cohesion to the space. Conversely, you can use a mirror frame to break up monotony and create visual interest in a bathroom or powder room.  

For example, a mirror frame with a silver metallic finish—like the Highline Satin Nickel Slim Frame by MirrorMate—offers an interesting contrast against matte black plumbing fixtures and drawer pulls.

A framed bathroom mirror adds polish to a room, mimicking the interiors of luxury hotels and upscale residences. A unique frame—like MirrorMate’s Bellemeade Vintage Silver Frame—adds character and can serve as a conversation starter.

How to Reframe a Mirror

Mirror framing kits make it easy to frame any square or rectangular bathroom mirror. The frames are custom-cut to the dimensions of your mirror and come in a range of styles, from coastal to modern.

You can install a new mirror frame in a few easy steps. Here’s how it works:

• Select a style – Choose from more than 65 mirror frame kits at MirrorMate.com to find your favorite style.
• Measure and order – Take a few simple measurements and place your order.
• Assemble – Your kit will arrive with everything you need to assemble your new frame - all you need to add is a hammer.
• Install – When you’re ready to install, test fit the assembled frame before pressing it onto the mirror. Enjoy your stylish new frame.

Mirror framing kits have become very popular among homeowners and DIYers. They’re an easy, budget-friendly way to give your bathroom an instant makeover, and anyone can do it.

Find Your Style at MirrorMate

MirrorMate makes it easy to give your bathroom mirror a fresh new look with affordable DIY mirror framing kits. Assemble and install your new frame in just 20 minutes.

Choose from dozens of mirror frame styles, from glam to farmhouse. Shop the entire store online to find your perfect frame.