Salvaged Secretary

AuntieQ18 writes: I love your treasure! I would suggest replacing the mirror with glass. Draw a template on a piece of large paper (inside of wrapping paper is a good thing) and bring it to your local hardware store (not the big Home places!). It should not be too expensive and be sure to get the little nails to put the glass in-ask the hardware dude or dudette for the right nails.
Good luck!
Michele
AuntieQ18 Posted: 11:52 pm on January 28th

AtticusFinch writes: Artgurl, you might be able to use silver leaf to repair your mirror. Or maybe even just brush some metallic silver paint on the backside, to give the illusion of the mirror.

Good luck. Posted: 8:58 pm on January 28th

bridiemurphy writes: OMG -- what a stunning piece!! As suggested, chicken wire always looks fun, but it might be a bit too rustic for this fine piece; opt instead to simply remove the mirror and allow for open air/peeking into the refinished shelves. Posted: 4:26 pm on January 28th

MimiToria writes: By the way, I can see why you fell in love with this piece. It is so very special and your painting has made/enhanced the piece very much.
gretchen Posted: 1:14 pm on January 28th

MimiToria writes: Here's a little trick I've used. Often you can find discarded mirror from peoples bathroom renovations at Thrift Stores, which I buy and than take to a hardware store and for a small fee they will cut it for me to the size I need. I am usually using a square or rectangle for vintage frames, but this could be an option.
Also, looks like a piece of mirror from a cheap door mirror taken out of the frame may fit your cabinet door. I would replace the mirror either with new mirror or some of the other suggestions, as it appears to be a danger for future use.
Too bad you aren't from Minnesota, as I have a mirror that you could have for this project that was from a broken framed door mirror. Mirror is good, but plastic frame on it was broke, so I salvaged the mirror for later projects. Posted: 1:13 pm on January 28th

Tuttibelle writes: Others here have good ideas and I can't see how bad the damage it either. But....if you are good a faux painting, perhaps you can place a thin sheet of cardboard over the missing glass and form a pot then have flowers coming out of it thus preserving the glass. Another idea could be to remove the glass entirely and put chicken wire in its place. You could also put small curtain rods on the back side of the doors (if possible) and put curtains inside (I would use the top and bottom type rods that hold the curtain at both the top and bottom). Posted: 12:51 pm on January 28th

italianpeasant writes: i once had the same problem, if it has the look you like for its location, leave it as is, but if you can't stand to look at it, take out the mirror & use screen for a pie safe effect or some fabric you have laying around, you could also replace mirror with a thin luaun veneer purchased at hd by the sheet or 1/2 sheet very cheap & paint it :) Posted: 12:32 pm on January 28th

irishrovr writes: Nice job! I like Sue's ideas - I once looked for a replacement mirror for an old dresser and also found it very costly.
http://ruralwisconsin.blogspot.com/ Posted: 10:48 am on January 28th

suewhitney writes: Hi,

I can't tell from the pic how badly the mirror is damaged. Sometimes I leave them "as is" if the damage is not to bad giving "the I have character" look. If it is unsightly you may want to remove it and possible replace it with some decorative wire or beautiful vintage textile panels. Mirror can get expensive can be spendy. These two alternatives will be less expensive, but equally attractive. Hope this helps.

Take care,
Sue Posted: 9:53 am on January 28th