The job is finished, and Team Paint The Mirror White can celebrate. We took the mirror above the sink from a heavy, attention-grabbing feature to a softer, integrated detail that blends with the trim.
After a lot of debating and a fair amount of indecision, we ultimately followed our first instinct and painted the mirror frame white to match the surrounding trim. The result is much more cohesive: the nook no longer demands all the attention, and the mirror feels like it belongs there—part of the architecture rather than a separate, competing element. The lower contrast helps the sink area recede slightly so the room feels calmer and more unified.
We seriously considered other options—the possibilities included leaving it black, going gray, teal, yellow, gold, painting the molding black or even painting the vanity black. All of those choices might have worked, and any of them would have made a strong statement. Ultimately, personal preference won out. We love white for its crisp, timeless look and the way it lets other elements in the room breathe.
Here’s how we achieved the finish: we used Behr Premium Plus, the paint-and-primer-in-one, in a standard white with a semi-gloss sheen. Instead of spray-priming and spray-painting (a method we normally recommend for an ultra-smooth finish), we brushed on four thin, even coats using a quality paintbrush. We chose brushing because the Behr product is low-VOC and we preferred to avoid spray paint for indoor use. The process was straightforward and the coverage was excellent. For the mirror surface itself, we carefully scraped the paint off with a straight razor where necessary to ensure a clean glass edge and a professional result.
For those who appreciate a little contrast, the white frame delivers some drama at night. Against the dark backdrop visible through the bedroom window, the white molding pops and creates a striking silhouette when the interior lights are on. When the frame used to be black it practically disappeared after dusk; now it gives a crisp, defined outline that we enjoy during the evening.
On a personal note: yes, I actually have my hair down in a photo that accompanies this project. After many requests, I finally obliged—think of it as a slightly different look from my usual ponytail. If you’re curious to see more of that, there’s older video footage from a road trip that shows me with my hair down and lots of Friday-evening giddiness. That trip was a memorable one.
Regarding the windows: although plenty of people suggested frosting them for privacy, we’ve left them clear for now. We like being able to look out while brushing our teeth in the morning and catch little everyday pleasures—sometimes a robin at the bird feeder, sometimes a sunrise. Even when the glass looks frosted in certain photos, it isn’t; it’s just the reflection and lighting.
We also checked how the window looks from the neighbor’s perspective. Since our property sits on nearly an acre, our neighbors are a good distance away. During the day the exterior glass acts as a mirror, reflecting sky and trees, so passersby wouldn’t see much of the interior. We even photographed the window with the bathroom light on to test visibility; during daylight the reflection of the sky still dominates. At night, with interior lights on, the room is visible from closer distances, but given our lot size and privacy needs, we’re comfortable with that.
So all in all, mission accomplished: the mirror no longer competes with the room; it complements it. We may have many projects and aesthetic choices ahead of us, but this one is checked off the list. The white frame gives the space a cleaner, calmer presence while providing a touch of night-time drama that we really like.
Psst—Why Team Edward and not Team Jacob? Even though I’m from New Jersey, the “tan juice-head body-builder” type has never been my style. Real-life and character preferences aside, while reading Twilight years ago I pictured a friend as Edward before celebrity casting reshaped everyone’s image.
Psssssst—For anyone wondering about reaching the dryer controls, we added a photo in a previous update to show me in action. Short people unite!