How to update a mirrored headboard without losing attached storage?

Pat Watanabe
by Pat Watanabe
It's honey-colored, from the early 90s. How can I disguise the mirrored headboard? I think I'll refinish the wood to a dark espresso.
  23 answers
  • Snookiebill Snookiebill on Mar 04, 2017

    You could cut some thin pieces of wood to glue over the mirrors. But, first I would maybe paint them in a grey whitewashed finish where the grain would show through. Then, glue them on (vertically or horizontally according to your preference). Actually, some stores will cut the wood for you.

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Mar 04, 2017

    Would you consider painting the mirror? www.ehow.com/info_8309017_kind-paint-sticks-mirrors.html

  • Pat Watanabe Pat Watanabe on Mar 05, 2017

    Thanks Janet .... I never even thought of paint. The attached video makes it look easier than I would have imagined.

  • B. Enne B. Enne on Mar 05, 2017

    I personally wouldn't paint the mirror, since it will look crappy if scratched. I would make panels from foam insulation board, or acoustic tile and cover it with dacron, then fabric, and adhere to the mirror with 2-sided tape. It will be more comfortable and warm, and you can always remove it and change it later.You could alternatively use pegboard if you want something a little more solid.

  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Mar 06, 2017

    I'm a an of painting-but you can use chalkpaint so that you don't have to worry about priming and other steps. good luck!

  • Pat Watanabe Pat Watanabe on Mar 06, 2017

    Thanks!

  • Pat Watanabe Pat Watanabe on Mar 06, 2017

    Thank you--the panel idea intrigues me especially since I can update the color / pattern later easily.

    • B. Enne B. Enne on Mar 09, 2017

      You're welcome. I have made these in the past as a stand alone headboard and as bulletin boards in kids' rooms. They are lightweight, and hold up quite well, and if they do crack it is not a big deal. They are really quick to change, unless you tuft them. I ended up donating them and they were still intact after years of use.

  • Mem5144605 Mem5144605 on Mar 07, 2017

    How about cutting a piece of bead board to put over the mirror, it could be painted to give an accent color. I also like just getting a piece of boared and covering it with fabric. Maybe, it could match your bedspread.

  • Pat Watanabe Pat Watanabe on Mar 08, 2017

    Bead board has always been a favorite of mine. Thanks for the idea

  • Dottie Caldwell Dottie Caldwell on Mar 08, 2017

    What about taking it away from the bed frame and not using it as the headboard to your bed? You could make a simple DIY headboard. Then put the headboard on one side, using plywood to fill in the missing side , even adding shelves if desired on top of the mirror or removing the mirror beforehand. It looks like the lower portion has drawers and could be left alone to still be bedside tables if desired but I would paint everything.

  • Pat Watanabe Pat Watanabe on Mar 09, 2017

    My husband likes your idea. Thanks!

  • Kaye Kaye on Mar 09, 2017

    I would pop the mirrors out and see how much glue is behind. Too much, use a fabric piece that enhances your bedding. A little, just paint it the same color of the rest of the headboard. I would rethink dark expresso and try a mid tone color. Expresso shows every speck of dust.


    Good Luck.

  • Pat Watanabe Pat Watanabe on Mar 09, 2017

    Great reminder about dust showing on dark colors. Thank you .

  • 512181 512181 on Mar 09, 2017

    You might look into using cling type contact paper or window cling. It would make the mirror look frosted. Some have patterns. This could peel off easily if you want to change back to the mirror at some point. Clings just use water, no glue to stick to the mirror or window.

  • Pat Watanabe Pat Watanabe on Mar 09, 2017

    Thanks Lynda-- I'll look into the window cling because it sounds like it might be one of the easier ways to change the look.

  • Eroque022810 Eroque022810 on Mar 10, 2017

    If you like fabric then cover a board, I would use insulation Styrofoam it's about 3/4" thick then put in place. Just tape fabric on and push you want to cut barely larger so it's snug when in and you don't see mirror at all.

  • Jazzysam Jazzysam on Mar 11, 2017

    I would take a Picture that I love or even a collage of Family etc.. & then measure the area of the mirror. Then go on many of the canvas web sites & order a custom size ( prints are so inexpensive these days )& then put Velcro tabs on each corner of mirror & on each corner of print. This will help the print to stay attached & it will be easy to change. I love the beach so I would use a beach pic from vacation etc... ;)

  • Ltt834476 Ltt834476 on Mar 12, 2017

    I had the exact headboard. It was so massive and each time I moved the bed, I had to leave this piece in the same place. Too difficult to move. We finally just got rid of it. Now my bedroom looks so much bigger. I do miss the drawers on the side. And it was a nice big enough piece to place family pictures. I personally wanted to paint it and do a French Paris mouge podge on the mirror.

    • Pat Watanabe Pat Watanabe on Mar 12, 2017

      Thank you-- I do plan on a new bed/headboard in2 or 3 years so this update is an "in the meantime" fix. Mouge podge is a great idea

  • Ltt834476 Ltt834476 on Mar 13, 2017

    I think the dark espresso will make everything else pop. And if you wanted to add more bling bling. You could even add some clear Crystal stones on those top cabinet doors. The one we had was plain. I have the Paris theme. I wanted to paint it black. It just all depends on your theme/decor. Best of luck. Please share your finished pictures. :)

  • Claude Claude on Mar 17, 2017

    I thought about creating a headboard using that lightweight styrofoam insulation, a thick sheet so it stays in place. Wrap your tucked bed covered around something to see if you like it fabric covered. If there is a ledge where you could hide a tension rod top and bottom, you could put a curtain over the mirror. Think about temporary...

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Mar 17, 2022

    You could attach wallpaper to cover the mirrors.

  • I would cover them with fabric. You can use a spray adhesive on the mirrors or put a tension rod in front of them and add the fabric there.

  • Mogie Mogie on May 01, 2023

    Beadboard would add texture without being over whelming and you can paint it any color you want.