Mirror over kitchen sink? suggestions to update?

Francine Felske
by Francine Felske
Any suggestions as to DIY update for over the sink? We are taking down wallpaper and replacing countertop and backsplash.
Mirror over kitchen sink. Very Practical for seeing behind you but VERY unattrative.
  15 answers
  • Diane Arnold Diane Arnold on Aug 13, 2014
    As for updating, I would remove the wooden piece between the cabinets. Then replace the light fixture to something more modern. There are some nice etching kits that you could use around the edges of the mirror and make a wonderful design.I would also add a shelf under the mirror, the total width.
  • Jim L Jim L on Aug 13, 2014
    Diane is right to say to remove the piece between the cabinets. Have a couple of recessed "pot-lights" installed instead of a "light fixture". Check around to some lighting or home design stores and look for "Mirror Mates". These are frames, ordered to measure and installed directly on top of the existing mirror. I've used these is several clients houses and they add interest and look great. Hope that you are going to paint the cabinets--white for the upper cabinets and a darker color for the lower ones. Have fun with your project!
  • Susan Moore Susan Moore on Aug 13, 2014
    First of all, your cabinets are the same as ours - birch, I think - filigree and all! I can't really speak to the mirror-over-the-sink thing, but would like to weigh in on something similar: We have a mirror behind our built-in stove top. I like this because it lets me know when that area needs to be cleaned: If that mirror gets dirty, I know the surrounding wall needs to be cleaned too. Hope that makes sense. I don't think I would want to look at myself while I do dishes and prep for cooking! I just had to add that. The mirror over the stove is low enough that I don't have that problem with it.
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Aug 13, 2014
    Don't paint the cabinets! They are too nice. I'd remove the valence. It's too frilly and outdated. Use the top trim from the valence to carry the upper trim of the cabinet tops to the mirror on both sides. Personally I like the mirror. I would replace the light fixture.
  • Francine Felske Francine Felske on Aug 13, 2014
    Painting the cabinet s is too big of a project for now. But I love the etching and light fixture direction. Thanks.
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Aug 13, 2014
    Remove the piece between the cabinets and take down the mirror (I can't imagine why anyone would put a mirror over a sink. Repair the wall and paint. Put in a pendent light...I love those wire baskets over the elongated Edison Bulbs.
  • Francine Felske Francine Felske on Aug 14, 2014
    The mirror is actually quite practical as reflects the light from th large bay window behind it and is like having eyes in the back of it head.. u can have conversations with people in the kitchen while facing away from them.
    • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Aug 14, 2014
      @Francine Felske Absolutely agree! Who wants to face a bare wall when working at the sink. The mirror is a nice substitute for a window.
  • Kathy Watts Kathy Watts on Aug 14, 2014
    I would move the trim. Then add a chandelier.( I know it takes all kinds) K-dub Stone Mountain, GA
  • Peggy Peggy on Aug 14, 2014
    If you like the mirror over the sink then why not go all the way and instal a mirrored backsplash to finish the look
  • Barbara Thomas Barbara Thomas on Aug 14, 2014
    I personally do not like the mirror over the sink. I would take down the wood piece and paint the cabinets for sure. It's outdated, find new hardware to match the handles on your fridge.I'd even paint the bay window area. Love the color of your fridge so you could use that for inspiration. If you are going to put a back splash go all the way up where the mirror is, and a nice clock there. Add a couple of pendant lights.
  • You could tile over it, or paint over it. You could use chalkboard paint + create a little note area.
  • Francine Felske Francine Felske on Aug 14, 2014
    Thinking that most people have windows over their sinks so in addition to the new light and losing the wood piece, frame the mirror to look like a window?
  • Deborah T Deborah T on Aug 14, 2014
    Put glass mosaic tiles around edges of the mirror, I bought them Hobby Lobby
  • Susan Viers Susan Viers on Aug 15, 2014
    What about remove the frilly parts and add wood to make it look like a window.
  • Sandra M Sandra M on Nov 06, 2016
    I'm removing my suggestion because I've just noticed that this post and the other suggestions are not recent. Why would Hometalk ask for help answering your question NOW, more than two years after you asked? I feel dumb for having answered in the first place.