When I was small, I used to walk over to my grandparents’ house—just a block away—and play hairdresser in my grandmother’s bedroom. She had a matching vanity set: a gold brush, comb, and a hand mirror that I adored.
That mirror was everything to me. Two decades later I still appreciate the convenience of a hand mirror, especially for checking the back of my head when I’m doing braids. While the ornate gold filigree my grandmother had is charming, I prefer a more modern, minimalist look now.
So I made my own. It’s simple and quick, and you can make one too. Below is an easy, 30-minute tutorial for creating a contemporary DIY hand mirror with a clean, minimal aesthetic.
- Wood dowel, 3/4 inch diameter, about 8 inches long
- Acrylic paint in your chosen color(s)
- Paintbrush
- Strong adhesive suitable for multiple surfaces (for example, an industrial craft glue)
- Round mirror, 6–8 inches in diameter
- Sandpaper
Instructions
Begin by creating a small notch at the top of the dowel where the mirror will sit. A Dremel with a wood-cutting wheel or a small saw works well for this step. The notch should be wide and deep enough to hold the edge of the round mirror securely.
Next, sand the dowel lightly to remove any rough spots, then paint the handle. For a modern look, try an ombré effect: start with full color at the top near the notch, load your brush with paint, and gradually let the brush dry as you move down the handle to create a faded transition.
After the paint has fully dried, add small dabs of strong adhesive into the notch where the mirror will be seated. Position the mirror so its edge fits into the slit, and press gently to secure it. Wipe away any excess glue immediately and allow the adhesive to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
When the glue is fully set, your modern hand mirror is ready to use. It’s lightweight, portable, and perfect for quick touch-ups or styling checks.
And yes—I couldn’t resist a few playful selfies while testing it out. If anyone has tips for looking less cheesy while applying lipstick in a small mirror, I’m all ears.
Photography by Amelia Tatnall
Project and styling by Brittni Mehlhoff
What do you think of this DIY? Did you ever pretend to be a hairdresser as a kid, or was that just me?