How To Easily Update Your Builder Grade Mirror

Are you looking for a quick and affordable way to update your home decor? This easy builder grade mirror update can completely transform your space in under an hour—no removal or costly renovation required.

If you love budget-friendly home decor projects, you may also enjoy adding handmade touches with my crochet home decor patterns.

Whether you’re working with a new build or just want to refresh a plain mirror, this project is an easy way to elevate your space with minimal time and effort.

When we purchased our home, we chose to invest in bigger upgrades like flooring, cabinets, and countertops, knowing we could update smaller details ourselves later. This mirror update is one of those simple changes that makes a big impact.

Here’s exactly how we did it!

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Why Update a Builder Grade Mirror?

Builder grade mirrors can feel a little plain, especially in newer homes with standard finishes. Replacing a large mirror can be expensive and difficult, but this simple update gives you a high-end look in under an hour—no removal required.

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Supplies Used

– Peel and stick flexible trim molding
– Rubbing alcohol
– Measuring tape
– Scissors or miter tool

(I used matte gold and matte black trim in 0.4″ width, and about two 16.4 ft rolls per mirror.)

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Builder Grade Mirror Update Instructions

I wanted to update our large builder grade mirrors without the cost or hassle of removing them. I had seen tutorials using bulky frames, but I was looking for something more sleek and modern—something with a thin metal look.

That’s when I found peel and stick flexible trim molding. It comes in several finishes (matte gold, black, white, and silver), and it was exactly the look I was going for.

For our bathrooms, I used the 0.4″ width in matte gold and matte black. Each mirror required about two 16.4 ft rolls.

How to Apply the Trim

Here’s how to update your builder grade mirror step-by-step:

1. Clean the mirror thoroughly
2. Wipe the edges with rubbing alcohol
3. Measure each side of the mirror
4. Precut all four pieces, leaving a little extra length
5. Carefully miter the corners for a clean fit
6. Line up each piece and slowly apply the trim, pressing it down as you go

💡 What does “mitering the corners” mean?
Mitering simply means cutting the ends of each piece at a 45-degree angle so the corners fit together neatly instead of overlapping. This gives the mirror a clean, professional-looking finish.

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Tips & Tricks for the Best Results

Before you finish, here are a few helpful tips to make this builder grade mirror update even easier:

💡 Measure twice before cutting
Take the time to measure each side carefully. It’s best to cut each piece slightly longer at first, then trim down for a more precise fit—especially when working with mitered corners.

💡 Line it up carefully the first time
Try to position the trim correctly on the first application. Pulling it back up to adjust can leave small crease marks that are difficult to smooth out.

💡 Working around mirror clips or brackets
Our mirrors were completely flush with no clips or brackets, so we were able to apply the trim directly. If your mirror has clips, you can either remove them (if the mirror is secure) or carefully cut the trim to fit around them.

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The Finished Look

I can’t believe how these turned out! This simple update completely transformed both bathrooms.

For my master bathroom, I used matte gold trim for a warm, modern look. Don’t be afraid to mix metals — gold and black pair beautifully together.

In my son’s/guest bathroom, I used matte black trim for a more minimal, modern feel.

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Final Thoughts

This is one of those DIY home decor projects that makes a big impact with very little time or cost. If you’re looking for a quick way to update your space, this is a great project to try.

If you give this builder grade mirror update a try, I’d love to see your results—tag me @simplymadebyerin

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This pattern is for personal use only. Please do not redistribute, transfer, or sell the pattern or any of the images.

You are welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern.
Please credit Simply Made by Erin as the designer.

You may use the following credit:
Pattern designed by Simply Made by Erin
www.SimplyMadeByErin.com

This post may contain affiliate links. Simply Made by Erin may earn a small commission from purchases made, at no extra cost to you. Read our Privacy Policy and Disclosures here.