Do you ever have that one thing that’s been occupying a corner of your workshop or basement that you just can’t get rid of? This beauty has been staring at me since 2014. Yes, you read that right…nearly 10 years I’ve hung onto this thing. Why? Well, because I had hopes of moving to a new home to put it to use. Since I’ve given that dream up, I’m creating a repurposed mirror harp project for you.
Not only is this mirror harp a beautiful antique specimen, but it has more of a purpose in it’s very near future. Originally, it was part of a custom client’s request of a dresser refinish. She decided she didn’t want the mirror, so I hung it over my dresser bathroom vanity in our remodel. Today, it’s time for the harp to get its rightful place in a home.
DIY TIME
First, I need to remove the harp keys (the hardware that allow the mirror to tilt) as well as the mounting bolts. Yes, I’m saving those for later – you wouldn’t believe how many times I have to buy them.
Then, as you can see, this thing is DIRTY. I gently clean the wood with a 2:1 vinegar mixture.
After that, I fill the hardware holes with dowel pieces and then fill with wood filler. When it cures, I sand it down and head to my wood stash.
Straight from the curb, I have this worm-hole wood board I’ve been saving for just the right project. That day is today! I originally pulled it off the curb about 11 years ago during city spring clean-up.
CUTTING TIME
In order to make this board work, I need to rip off the uneven edge. While it’s simpler to cut it down on my table saw, I want to show you how to do the same using basic tools. First, I measure and clamp my steel ruler to give me a guide.
As soon as I’m ready, I use my circular saw to cut. However, the length is perfect, so I don’t have to do any more cutting. Further, I want to get this board smooth, so I pull out my planer and take care of that quick. With that in mind, I need to make sure there isn’t any nails in the board. Looky what I found – a hand-forged square nail. eep!
Next, while I have the board by itself, I mix up an epoxy to give a hardy topcoat.
Have you tried it before? Endless uses for this stuff. You can see it used for our kitchen counters HERE or how I make my own jewelry HERE.
While it’s a wonderful finish, just keep in mind it needs 8 hours to set and approx. 22 hours to fully cure.
PAINTING TIME
In order to make this repurposed mirror harp project gel, I paint the harp a soft white to contrast that gorgeous wood top.
Last, while the paint cures, I go to the wall that I want to set this up on. Because I have baseboard that is ¾” thick, so that means I need to mount my board to the harp with a back edge hanging ¾” off the back.
Finally, I can assemble my pieces by pre-drilling screw holes with countersunk heads.
And, I add sawtooth hangers so I can mount it to my wall.
STORAGE & STYLE
At last, we have our repurposed mirror harp turned table shelf. It’s perfect as I’ve shown, but also can be mounted up on a wall as well.
Can you see the wet shine of the epoxy finish? Not only does it make a sweet statement, but also makes it perfect for watering those plants.
Besides, who doesn’t love a great upcycle project, right? So, tell me, what would you have done with the harp? Let’s have a fun discussion in comments below!
Also, you can find this table shelf and more available in my online store.
SHARE
In addition to leaving comment love below, I invite you to pin and share to inspire others to get creative and make their own home story.
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Until next time!
While you’re at it, check out these other DIY projects like this repurposed mirror harp:
I’ve always wanted to try using resin. Now I see the perfect application!! My two bathroom vanities!!!!!! Thank you again for all the “mentoring!!!”
There ya go! It’s what’s used in bars and high traffic/marine areas for sure. You’re welcome!
Larissa,
Once again another fabulous repurpose! I Congratulations!don’t know how you do it.
You are so FUN, Sherri! Thank you. I truly enjoy sharing what I create and do.
Love this upcycle Larissa! Practical and pretty!
I’m so happy it all came from my stash. Thanks for the smile, Kim!
I love this! It would go so many places in a home. You have the best ideas!
Yay!! That just made my day, Vangie. Thank you! Yes, I think so too.
When I saw those legs, I thought of candlesticks. I will make candlesticks from anything. LOL The other piece could have been used from another project.
Right? I’ve done the same. haha!! There’s so much potential there.
Just love this! Perfect repurpose!
I couldn’t wait to put it all together. Thanks so much, Susan!
Fantastic repurpose! I have a bunch of succulents and a shelf about this size (and especially with that epoxy finish) would be just perfect for them in the porch. I didn’t see that coming from the harp 🙂 🙂
There ya go! 😀 Sounds like you have a project waiting to happen. Thanks for the love!
So cool! I think it would be a plant ledge under the window in my living room, that’s just not the style of my living room right now. My someday house in the country is all but a faded memory too……
That sounds like a great idea. I could have put dowel between it for rungs up on the wall too. So many options. Sending hugs!
That’s a creative repurpose !!
It’s a great under window plant table. My daughter has plants everywhere. She’d love this.
I Love it too !! Thanks
She sounds like (you both do) a gal after my own heart!
Hi Larissa! Great makeover! I have a box of epoxy resin just waiting to be used.
That’s the spirit, Cheryl! Have fun with it. 😉
I have a mirror harp collecting dust in the workshop too. What a fantastic idea for repurposing it and I have just the place in my home where it could be mounted. Thank you for the inspiration!
I am not surprised a lick, Marie! 😀 haha. I’m glad this inspired you. Hugs!