Creating a Chalkboard from a Mirror Frame

We’re sharing how to create a chalkboard from a mirror frame today!

This season it’s been full steam ahead as we work to refresh my childhood home, Loblolly, before the summer ends.

Recently, I shared the changes we made in the entry including a painted buffet and a three-drawer dresser we’re using for extra storage.

So, this week, I wanted to share the dining room because it sits parallel to the entry.

From Oops Moment to Opportunity…

Several years ago, my Mom and I found a beautiful mirror at a thrift store for around $5 (those were the days, right?).

At the time, we thought we’d be able to use it over the vanity in the primary bathroom.

But before we could haul it from Bliss Barracks to Loblolly, my Dad and brother-in-law accidentally broke the mirror while working on another project.

My Mom loved the shape of the frame and didn’t want to throw it away.

So even though we couldn’t use the mirror anymore, she asked me to take what was left and create a chalkboard for the dining room.

It’s been several years now and we still enjoy the chalkboard at Loblolly to this day.

I wanted to share the process of creating a chalkboard from a mirror frame in case you have a similar oops moment too.

Here’s a look at how to create a chalkboard from a mirror frame…

Mirror Frame Chalkboard Supplies:

• Frame (with backing still intact)
• Chalkboard Paint (we used Rustoleum Chalkboard Paint)
• Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Pure White
• Paintbrushes
• Clear Furniture Paste Wax
• Wax Brush or Lint-Free Cloth (to apply the paste wax)
• Sandpaper (we used 220-grit)
• Chalk
• Lint-Free Cloth (for the seasoning step)
• Safety Gloves
• Tarp

Mirror Frame Chalkboard Steps:

Gather your tools and lay a tarp down to protect your work surface.

As always, any time you’re dealing with broken mirror pieces and glass you need to use caution and care as the pieces will be sharp.

This mirror broke in large chunks and my Dad used thick gloves to safely remove and dispose of the mirror pieces.

Once the mirror had been safely removed, I painted the backing with chalkboard paint. We chose classic black and used 2 coats of chalkboard paint.

Chalkboard paint comes in all sorts of fun colors. So, feel free to be as creative as you like!

After the paint has completely dried, use a piece of chalk to season the chalkboard.

Keep in mind, the mirror backing may have a bit of texture to it, that was the case with ours too. It makes trying to season and wash the chalkboard a little harder but not impossible.

Next, I painted the mirror frame with two coats of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Pure White.

And once the chalk paint was completely dry, I sealed it with a coat of clear furniture paste wax.

Then I lightly distressed the edges with 220-grit sandpaper.

Before my Dad built a hutch for the buffet in the dining room, we used the chalkboard as a message board or menu board throughout the year.

And I can honestly say, it served us well.

Decorating with Chalkboards…

But once the hutch was added, we had to relocate the chalkboard.

The only catch was that we were still using it as a menu board which meant it had to stay in the dining room.

Given one side of the dining room is filled with windows and the other side houses the entry, our solution was to place the chalkboard behind the seating bench.

We’re still waiting on the shams for the bench pillows to arrive, they have ruffles and they’re fabulous!

This chalkboard is pretty heavy so my Dad used a stud finder and monkey hooks to make sure everything was anchored on the wall properly.

Without a doubt, make sure to use caution and care any time you’re hanging heavy items like these on the wall.

The nice thing about this chalkboard from a mirror frame is that it has a bit of a ledge on it which helps to hold the chalk and eraser.

When we’re ready to clean the chalkboard or change out the menu, we use a heavy-duty washcloth and water to “wipe” (it’s probably more like a scrub because of the texture) the words off.

This is another reason you have to make sure the chalkboard is really secure on the wall.

Despite having broken beginnings, it’s been fun to use this chalkboard we created from a mirror frame in the dining room at Loblolly.

And bonus, there’s nothing like seeing chocolate cake or a hearty breakfast on the menu!

Let us know what projects you’re working on this season!

Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo