Better Living Through Craigslist.
Paul was on vacation last week. A luxurious time of non-stop projects and all-day banging, sanding, sawing, powerwashing, and twenty-seven trips to Home Depot.
At the beginning of the week, he sat down to make his list of things to do. I was excited, because there was a project I’d been waiting for him to find time for.
I must have been hanging around his list-making too eagerly because he looked at me, looked back at his list, and immediately crossed out the first item. He said—hand me that marker. I was delighted! My requirements were getting top billing and in the bold sharpie they deserve. He wrote:
Fortunately for me, this is a dictatorship, and his list is meaningless in the face of my frou-frou wishes.
A month ago I saw this on craigslist.
Paul didn’t even protest the idea of spending good Saturday-project-time driving an hour and trying to figure out how to bring it home in one piece. Which was nice of him. Or he realized the futility and just skipped that step.
There is something about watching your husband climb up on a car roof with an electric drill, to execute a crazy project, which he is not interested in, for no reason other than to make you happy… that fills you with gratitude.
Not for the old, empty mirror frame you’re getting, but for the way he sees things. The plan and the competence and the fact that before you left the house he assembled wood, straps, screws, and power tools.
Then we drove home on a five-lane interstate, with me immediately forgetting this is his part of the show and directing—slow down! Slow down!! SLOW DOWN!! He loves this—how I never relinquish the show.
All the way home, I was sure every piece of decorative plaster was going to blow right off. Instead, it was completely fine. It even still had cobwebs on it.
My initial plan was to use it as a headboard. Since the mirror was long gone, I thought I’d do a tufted, upholstered insert in white linen, where the glass was originally.
Only, it turned out that the guy we bought it from wildly underestimated the height. To put this over our bed, we’d need way taller ceilings, or to put the mattress weirdly close to the floor.
When we saw it in person, Paul said—there is no way that will fit over our bed. I said—oh no, really? But secretly I was thrilled. Because it would force us to use it as a mirror. And I am a mirror-hoarder. And a mirror-hoarder always knows where her next mirror is going.
The bad part was now we had to get glass… which is an entirely different project.
It sat in our living room for a few weeks. Until we got around to taking it apart and making a template. Turns out the top of the glass is not curved… which is way more sensible than what I was imagining.
We took the measurements to the same guy who did our bathroom mirrors. He cut it and delivered it the same day we took him the template. I was thrilled. Until we went to fit the mirror in the frame… and it was an eighth of an inch too large.
At which point we realized this had been going way too well, and now it was time for the part of any project where the process grinds to a halt and frustration ensues.
Since the mirror was ridiculously cheap, and the guy delivered it for free, and it was 9:30 at night, we weren’t about to demand a refund, or new glass. Instead Paul had to shave the sides of the frame. This was his favorite part.
The next morning, Paul installed a base. The board is screwed to the studs, and supports the bottom of the mirror, so it’s not actually hanging on the wall. It will get secured at the top, but all the weight is supported from the bottom.
We’ll use small crown molding to cover the screws, and meet the base of the mirror. I really wanted to use huge, fancy molding, and tried a couple configurations… but this seems to be a rare case where less is more.
Then, since it was seven o’clock in the morning, we couldn’t call anyone to come help lift this thing.
Rather than wait, Paul decided to do it himself. He jacked up each side in increments, with me sliding boards, and eventually 5 gallon buckets underneath.
This is one of those things where the entire time you are completely conscious of how it could go horribly wrong.
My way of dealing with that awareness is to repeatedly ask Paul if he’s sure this is a good idea.
To which he is forced to reply—yes. Even though, obviously? This is not a good idea.
I tried to explain to Paul how this is The. Best. Thing. Ever.
I tried to explain to him how my head was exploding from how much I loved it.
And he was like, that’s great, are we done now? I said yes. But I’m actually thinking we need something else here… maybe a fancy light fixture? A small chandelier? A large chandelier? Maybe my bench?
Or… actually a shallow, built-in bookcase would be very nice under there. I will tell Paul you all suggested it, and that I had nothing to do with the idea.
Other decorating posts:
June 26, 2012 @ 9:24 am
I think a shallow, built-in bookcase would be very nice under there. Looks great Victoria.
June 27, 2012 @ 7:00 am
I totally agree with you!! Thanks for the input!
June 26, 2012 @ 11:16 am
This man totally loves you!!!! Oh the things our guys will do to keep us happy… they amaze me. And this is INCREDIBLE! I can only imagine the complete terror you felt driving down the interstate with that baby on top! I’d be holding my breath screaming the whole time! (holding your breath while you scream is really hard to do! HA!) I have to say that I loved the idea of you making into into a headboard with the padded insert…but this might be even better!!! This thing is a beast. A beautiful beast! I can imagine you standing back looking at it for extended periods of time getting lost in the way it turned out and how excited you are to have it. Wow, I know that feeling.
Really beautiful, Victoria. Another amazing project complete with the best story ever. Good job!
June 27, 2012 @ 7:02 am
What WOULD we do without them? I really have no idea… I’d like to think we’d figure out how to haul a hundred pounds of mirror ourselves. But? That seems really unlikely. It’s so nice to let someone else orchestrate the hard part!
I really loved the headboard idea. The bed we have now is fine… antique-replica thing. But I don’t love it, and it has footposts that are really tall, and I don’t like how they chop the room up. This would have been a great solution… if we had 12 foot ceilings upstairs! Oh well, the mirror turned out fine and the hallway seems twice as big and bright. Plus, who knows how my headboard-tufting skills are!! Maybe I avoided frustration/disaster!!
June 26, 2012 @ 11:49 am
I love it! What a substantial piece of furniture. And now it has such a nice story of how it entered your home! And I agree with Nance, built-in bookcases underneath would be perfection.
June 27, 2012 @ 7:03 am
Substantial is right! Every time I walk by it, I’m like WOW! That’s huge! Good thing I love giant shiny things!!
I’m definitely sold on the bookcase idea… I’m going to wait a while before floating the idea. You know, let Paul forget about the original annoyances of the project, before suggesting new ones!!
March 8, 2015 @ 1:40 pm
I love the bookcase idea…AND a GF chandelier! How beautiful to see it reflected in the mirror from downstairs!
June 26, 2012 @ 2:53 pm
Victoria,
This is so fabulous. I can’t believe the decorative parts are plaster, and that there doesn’t appear to be any chips or cracks. How old is the mirror? I like where you placed it…you realize I’m so jealous of your having a husband that can do this stuff. Lyn and I would have nailed it up only to have it take down half the wall when it fell from too much weight. It really is a beautiful mirror. Now you’re free to search Craigslist for a headboard. 🙂
Karen
June 27, 2012 @ 7:15 am
Karen, I’m laughing at the image of you putting it up, only to have the entire wall crumble. Believe me, even though I KNOW Paul does an insanely secure job? I STILL stood back from it, once it was in place, kind of cringing and expecting it to fall forward and shatter.
The frame came out of the estate of the Vice President of Baldwin Locomotive, which was headquartered in Philadelphia at the beginning of the 1900’s. The house was turned into apartments after WWII, as many giant old houses were. The tenants currently in the apartment with the mirror cracked the glass, and they were afraid it would fall out… so rather than replace the glass, or just remove it and leave the empty frame, they took the whole thing out. Lucky for me, but kind of sad for the house!
June 26, 2012 @ 8:24 pm
Fantastic find! I though headboard too but, what you’ve done looks amazing, oh and by the way you should put a chandelier there;-)
June 27, 2012 @ 7:16 am
You read my mind… I’m searching Craigslist for a chandelier RIGHT now!!
June 27, 2012 @ 11:32 am
Wow, love what you did with that! Cheers to creativity!
June 27, 2012 @ 4:29 pm
Thanks! Cheers to craigslist as well!
Your blog name is fantastic.
July 1, 2012 @ 7:05 am
Absolutely love your mirror project – what an amazing find! I’m embarking on the first day of two weeks vacation set aside to work on our flat renovation, so you’ve inspired me to stop procrastinating over internet inspiration and actually get the paintbrushes out!
July 1, 2012 @ 1:17 pm
Sometimes getting motivated to start is the hardest part… At least until you run into seventeen unexpected problems!
Good luck with your projects!
July 1, 2012 @ 9:35 pm
That was so funny. I found your page under another blog where they had like minded lunatics and your page was listed…along with mine. LOL. I am so glad I found you
July 2, 2012 @ 7:32 am
Lol… I would love to see a “like-minded lunatic” blogroll! Who’s site is that? Looking at your blog, YOU do drywall? You put me to shame! I just watch the drywall being installed, sometimes stand there and hold things, and take pictures.
July 11, 2012 @ 6:37 pm
Thanks! I feel fantastic! The mirror is awesome. I want it. And I love your writing style, but I can’t read your blog at work anymore, at least, until I become immune to your hilarity, or evolve a quieter laugh. Now I’m sad. Better read one more.
July 12, 2012 @ 9:21 am
All kidding aside, the idea that random strangers think I’m funny is pretty much the best thing ever. Bizarrely, it feels like an accomplishment… a way more satisfying accomplishment than, say— reading Proust.
July 13, 2012 @ 12:21 pm
You should consider it an accomplishment and a compliment and give yourself a hearty pat o’the back. I don’t just laugh at anyone. Er, with anyone? Because of anyone? You get my meaning. Love it.
July 19, 2012 @ 11:20 am
This is beautiful!!!
July 19, 2012 @ 6:26 pm
Thanks! One of my best finds!!
August 10, 2012 @ 8:31 am
Clearly you have several of the same diseases that we suffer around here, just from this post and the one on looking at the very old house (did you buy it?). The mirror turned out lovely!
August 10, 2012 @ 9:36 am
Ha!! Yes… diseased.
Sadly, we just got word from the realtor that the river house is now under contract.Someone else will be living in our dream house…
June 25, 2013 @ 7:48 pm
This is so adorable..I love your writing style and your humor!! I also LOVE the mirror and may I suggest a small bookshelf placed under it 🙂
August 6, 2014 @ 11:23 am
I am wondering did Paul ever build that bookcase underneath the mirror for you? I think you should do that for sure, it will add such character and interest.
February 21, 2016 @ 10:49 am
Victoria, I JUST found your blog-Yipee! Had to go back and read every single one. Very entertaining. But this is a thank you comment. I have had a HUGE 6-foot mirror leaning against the wall in my living room for FOUR years. I knew I wanted it above my buffet, but was so uncomfortable with the thought of it just hanging there with only toggle bolts between me and disaster-so I did nothing. BUT when I read your post about how Paul (clever man) hung your mirror I had an EUREKA moment. Even my sceptical husband saw the great wisdom involved in Paul’s method! And now I am the proud possessor of a 6-foot mirror hanging above my buffet. (AND my husband feels like he has accomplished a great thing.) So, thanks ever so much!
June 18, 2016 @ 10:19 pm
Love this! I am about to try to put my mirror above our fireplace. The mantle is obviously going to support it from below but how did you secure yours at the top? I can’t see anything. I would love your expertise!
August 7, 2016 @ 1:49 am
I have a confession. Wow, this is very therapeutic. I just moved from Oregon to Massachusetts. I brought along 2 of my late mother’s mirrors…which were HER late mother’s mirrors. One is large, one is larger. Both have the original glass and gilding. I was very careful about wrapping them and packaging them. They got to my new house and were put into a corner of the study…still in the wrapping and packaging. I’m afraid to open them. While they’re still wrapped up, I know that they’re unbroken and nothing has chipped. Once I open them, that may not be the case. They may be Schrödinger’s Mirrors!
January 19, 2018 @ 12:07 am
Came back browsing from Pinterest again.
What would we do without them? Well, I’m here to tell you you’d learn to really DIY it! And, I’m here to tell you 1) it can be done 2) it can be done exactly to your liking, and 3) WHEN you want it done! LOL! And 4) if you change your mind no one gives you The Look. You just change it! LOL!
I read somewhere that you pick up from Hagerstown. I’m just outside Annapolis.
We have a LOT in common, right down to mirror hoarding, GFTs, retrofitting antique beds, etc.
A small difference is I’m rebuilding from a fire, so my entire house, right down to paint, 27 floor to ceiling casement windows, come from CL! I wonder if we’ve vyed for anything without knowing it!? ‘Cuz have truck will travel great distances to get GFTs!
I’ve hoarded so many beautiful things from CL I began selling things back, and financed CL materials to build kitchen cabinets!
I enjoy coming back and reading your adventures. Now, knowing you’re kinda in my area, I can appreciate your accumulations! 🙂
April 6, 2018 @ 4:18 pm
Beautiful job! I’m looking at hanging an Anthropologie Primrose mirror about the same size as yours and over 100 lbs. I’m doing a similar shelf with 1×3 shelf with 2×2 base and some crown under shelf to hide screws mounting 2×2 to wall. Do you have any recommendations on hooks to secure upper portion of mirror from tipping off wall? I’m using the shelf for weight but thin shelf is reducing lean back.
Thanks for your help!
April 7, 2018 @ 9:23 am
We were able to mount a bracket/hardware (a small steel plate with a hole on each end, one end is screwed to mirror, one end to wall) on the back of the wood of the frame… it sticks up just enough to screw into from the top/into the wall, but you cannot see it because of the bulk of the frame/height/etc…
I looked at your frame, and can see you (probably) won’t be able to drill into the frame, BUT I would think there will be mounting hardware on the back that you could somehow extend just enough over the top to secure it flush to the wall, without seeing it?
This is a hard thing to explain with words!!
Good luck!