Best Mirror Trick for Small Windows

4 Materials
$40
1 Hour
Medium

Need a quick and easy solution for windows that look too small? I love lots of light and big windows but they are hard to fit into most basements, which was where my new craft room was being built. I researched the topic and saw transom windows which are designed to let more light in above doorways, how could I make that work in my room?

Tiny Basement Window

Bingo! The solution was already hanging there in the unfinished basement, a narrow mirror! It was basically the same width of the window when it was turned on it's side, I wonder will it work?

Cheap, Skinny Mirror Solution

Having a carpenter for a husband makes all things possible, if you can dream it they can build it. He removed the original frame and backing from the mirror and simply glued it in place above the window with PL Premium adhesive!

I was so pleased how he then made it look so custom with the 1"x 2" wood trims he framed it all around with. To break up the boring, plain mirror he even added a couple of small strips as faux window bars.

Window and Mirror Trims Added

By leaving the window all open it lets in plenty of light but the addition of the mirror tricks the visitor into thinking it's a very large window. I hope this idea may be of some help to you also for a cheap, and easy small window enhancement !

Wood Staining Completed

This is the finished look, the walls were stained with Minwax water stain in the color Driftwood and the window trims were stained with an oil based minwax stain called Pickling White.

Final Reveal

I have a tutorial posted as well for the Pendant lights, see my other posts for many projects that were incorporated into my craft room space. I even did a brown paper floor treatment, yes paper floors that have the look of leather!

Resources for this project:
See all materials
Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Hometalk may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.More info
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  3 questions
  • Suzyetty Suzyetty on Jan 04, 2016
    Very clever. Looks really well done. Did you by chance make those really cool light fixtures as well?
  • Pat C Pat C on Jan 04, 2016
    I love the hanging lights and was wondering if you purchased them or if you made them, as they almost look like mesh wastepaper baskets.
  • Aru7197481 Aru7197481 on Sep 22, 2018

    How to clean outside floor tiles


Comments
Join the conversation
4 of 167 comments
  • Natalie Jarnstedt Natalie Jarnstedt on Oct 03, 2018

    Before I saw your reply, I also thought that the mirror(s) could have been just slightly angled away from the wall at the top (such as inserting a strip of very thin wood), then the ceiling tiles would not have shown in it. I bet you're enjoying it - really does look great!

    • The ceiling tiles are shown because of the angle I took the photo because when I'd aim it straight into the window the direct light ruined my photo. Thanks, the pictures arent doing it justice most have thought that it was all window when they enter my room.

  • Cindi Cindi on Nov 26, 2018

    Terrific idea! I wish my ceilings were high enough to do the same

Next