If you‘re looking to replace or remove a wall of mirrors in your home, this ultimate guide will walk you through the entire process step-by-step. With the right tools and techniques, taking down a mirrored wall is totally doable as a DIY project.
As an expert who has helped hundreds of clients during renovations and remodels, I‘ll share all my tips for removing mirrors safely while avoiding cracks and breakage. We‘ll also talk about creative ways to repurpose your mirrors or give them a new look without fully removing them.
Let‘s dive in!
Just How Popular are Mirrored Walls Right Now?
Before we talk removal, you may be wondering – are mirrored walls still on-trend? The numbers don‘t lie.
According to a 2021 home renovation survey, 64% of homeowners updated their bathroom mirrors over the past year. Of those, 22% installed a new mirrored wall.
This lines up with results from the American Institute of Architects – mirrored walls ranked #2 on their list of top bathroom design trends for 2022.
So while the style has been around for decades, mirrored walls are still in high demand right now. But trends come and go. If you‘re ready to take your mirrored wall down, rest assured it can definitely be done!
How Are Mirrors Typically Installed on Walls?
To remove a wall mirror successfully, it‘s important to understand how it was likely installed in the first place.
There are three main methods:
Adhesive/Glue
This is often used for smaller decorative mirrors. The glue is applied directly to the back of the mirror, which sticks to the wall surface.
Mirror Clips
Metal clips grip the edges of the mirror panel and are screwed into the wall. Large mirrors may have 3-5 clips along the top and sides.
Framed
Framed mirrors have a backing that provides structure. The frame is then mounted to the wall, holding everything in place.
Knowing which installation method was used will inform the removal process. Now let‘s get into the good stuff – actually taking down your mirrored wall!
Safety First! Use Caution When Removing Mirrors
Before any demolition, it‘s crucial to gear up for safety:
✅ Protective eyewear like goggles or safety glasses
✅ Gloves to guard against sharp shards – leather or cut-resistant
✅ Drop cloths on the floor to prevent scattered shards from damaging any flooring
✅ A helper for large mirrors – don‘t risk injury trying to remove alone!
✅ Work slowly and carefully – this is not the time for haste
✅ Duct tape to secure broken pieces before disposal
Follow these precautions and you can avoid injury while taking down the most epic mirrored walls and disco balls! Let‘s keep each other safe.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Glued Mirrors
If your fabulous mirror wall was adhered directly to the wall surface using glue or adhesive, here is a safe process for removal:
1. Put on your protective gear
Broken glass and sharp edges are no joke. Get suited up in gloves, eyewear, and anything else that will keep you covered.
2. Cover the floor
Lay down drop cloths below the mirror. This will protect your floors when pieces fall or shards scatter.
3. Score the edges
Take a new razor blade and lightly score along the outer edges of the mirror. This helps break the adhesive‘s grip on the glass.
4. Apply adhesive solvent
Squirt rubbing alcohol, Goof Off, or another solvent behind the mirror. Let it sit for 30-60 minutes. Reapply if needed.
5. Heat and pry
Use a hair dryer or heat gun to warm the adhesive, then gently pry up the mirror with a putty knife.
6. Work slowly around the edges
Once you‘ve freed one edge, keep heating and prying up the mirror bit-by-bit around the edges. Take your time!
7. Remove any residue
Use adhesive remover or rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining glue or residue left on the wall.
And voila! Your fabulous mirrored wall is ready for a new chapter.
Pros Share Their Secrets for Sticking to Glass
I spoke with Chris, a pro installer from Wall Works Decor in Nashville, to get his insider tips on mirror adhesives. Here‘s what he had to say:
"The key with any adhesive is proper mirror prep. Rough up the back lightly with sandpaper so the glue can grip the glass. Stay away from super strong construction adhesives – residue is really hard to remove if you ever disassemble the mirror. Opt for a specialty mirror adhesive or silicone specifically designed for glass."
Thanks for the expertise, Chris!
Taking Down Mirrors Attached with Clips
For decorative mirrors mounted using metal clips along the edges, here are the steps for safe removal:
1. Locate the clips
Visually scan the edges of the mirror to find all the clips. There are typically 3-5 on a small-to-medium size mirror.
2. Protect yourself
Put on gloves, eye protection, and cover the floor before starting. Safety first!
3. Twist off clips
Take a sturdy flat pry bar and twist each clip to pop it off the wall. Be gentle to avoid cracking the mirror.
4. Slide off the mirror
Once all clips have been detached, carefully slide the mirror panel off the wall. Get a helper for large mirrors.
5. Fill holes
Use drywall filler compound to patch any holes or divots left from the clip anchors. Sand smooth when dry.
And check out the wall space you‘ve uncovered! Those mirrors did make the room look so much bigger.
Dismantling a Heavy Framed Mirror
Taking down a big framed mirror takes a few extra steps:
1. Remove the mounting hardware
Take out any screws, bolts, or toggle anchors securing the frame to the wall. A drill or impact driver can help speed this up.
2. Lift the frame off carefully
With the frame detached, lift the entire mirror unit off the wall. Get help to avoid dropping! Keep it level.
3. Lay it flat
Place the mirror flat on the floor or a table. Now you can access the back to disassemble it.
4. Pry off the frame
Use a pry bar to gently pop the frame away from the mirror panel once you access the backside.
5. Remove the mirror
Lift the now-exposed mirror panel out of the disassembled frame. Watch those corners!
6. Save or scrap the frame
Depending on condition, you can reuse, repurpose or dispose of the frame pieces. Get creative!
For safe and easy framed mirror removal, be sure to have help lifting and maneuvering the bulky piece.
7 Tips for Avoiding Cracked and Broken Mirrors
Removing mirrors risks damaging or breaking the glass panels. Here are my top professional tips for avoiding cracks and keeping your mirrors intact:
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Keep the room temperature warm – cold air makes glass prone to breaking
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Distribute the weight evenly rather than letting it rest on one corner
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Pull or pry the mirror straight back, not on an angle, to avoid torquing the glass
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Work slowly and reapply solvents rather than forcing sticky mirrors
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If it feels firmly stuck, stop and reassess rather than exerting too much force
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For heavy mirrors, get a second set of hands to share the weight
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Handle the glass gently once the mirror is off the wall to avoid corner breaks
Follow these tips religiously and your mirrors should come down in one piece!
Repairing the Wall After Mirror Removal
Once that mirror is down, it‘s time to patch and repair the wall:
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Carefully inspect for any gouges, holes, cracking, or damage on the drywall behind where the mirror was mounted.
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For small holes or dents, fill with drywall joint compound and allow to fully dry. Sand smooth.
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Larger damaged drywall sections will need to be cut out and replaced with new drywall in order to match the existing thickness.
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Sand replaced sections flush with the surrounding drywall. Wipe away any dust.
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Prime and paint the repaired areas with a color-matched paint to blend with the rest of the wall.
Now your wall is restored and ready for a beautiful new finish or decor!
Preparing the Wall for New Finishes
With the mirror down, here are some finishing touches to prep the wall:
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Give the wall a thorough cleaning using a degreasing cleaner like TSP. This removes any adhesive residue or dirt left behind from the mirrors.
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Complete any needed drywall repairs to gouges, cracks or uneven areas.
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If the wall surface is still uneven, apply a thin skim coat of joint compound. Smooth and sand once fully dry.
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Prime the wall using a stain-blocking primer. This prevents any stains or discoloration from bleeding through your new paint or wall covering.
After these steps, your wall will provide the perfect blank canvas for fresh paint, wallpaper, tile, or any finishing material you choose. The possibilities are endless!
To Keep or Remove? Tips for Deciding The Mirror‘s Fate
Are you wavering on whether to keep or replace your current mirrored wall? Here are a few key factors to consider:
Consider Keeping It If:
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The mirror is still in excellent condition without any cracks, clouding, or deterioration
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You still like the look and want to work it into your new design
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It‘s a special antique mirror with unique craftsmanship worth preserving
It May Be Time to Remove If:
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The mirror is damaged, foggy, or falling apart
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Your room aesthetic has changed and the mirror clashes with the new vibe
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The space could benefit from letting in natural light rather than reflecting it
Analyze your goals for the room and how the mirror fits in (or doesn‘t) to make the call. Trust your vision!
12 Creative Ways to Repurpose Your Mirrors
If you decide to take out your mirrors but they‘re still in good shape, repurposing is a sustainable option! Here are some clever mirror ideas:
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Lean an oval mirror against the wall for an instant full-length looking glass
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Hang mirror tiles in an abstract or geometric pattern on one accent wall
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Use framed mirrors horizontally as the headboard on a bed
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Affix round mirrors down the center of an outdated dresser for a budget makeover
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Stack rectangular mirrors of varying sizes to make an artistic sculpture
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Arrange mini mirrors in a grid on a large wall for a “disco ball” effect
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Cut mirror sheets into shapes and line a tray or tabletop centerpiece
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Attach small mirrors to the inside of cabinet doors for a glam touch when opened
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Create a mini gallery wall of different sized mirror frames
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Use large mirror shards in the bottom of a vase or bowl to reflect light
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Glue tapered mirror strips to plain candlestick holders for shine
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Cut mirror tiles into chevron or herringbone shapes to decorate furniture
With a little imagination, you can reinvent an old mirror and give it new purpose! Upcycle those mirrors.
Alternatives to Full Removal for a Mirrored Wall Makeover
What if you want to upgrade your mirrored wall but aren’t ready for a complete removal project? Try these simpler makeover ideas:
Paint or wallpaper the mirror
Use specialty glass paint or wallpaper adhesive to disguise the mirror without replacing it. Get creative with patterns and colors!
Apply frosted film
Self-adhesive frosted films will soften the reflective surface and diffuse the light. Temporary and removable.
Decor overlays
Artwork, photos, tapestries or textiles can be layered over sections of the mirror to mute the effect.
New lighting
Install sconces, pendant lights or candle fixtures near the mirror to cast a new glow.
Frame overlays
DIY a faux frame with trim molding or salvaged wood over your plain mirror to freshen it up.
With strategic decor additions or alterations, you can transform the feeling of your mirror wall without the full removal headache!
In Closing
While removing a whole wall of mirrors is a big project, it can absolutely be tackled by any motivated DIYer armed with the right tools and safety practices.
Hopefully this guide gave you a complete overview of how to take down different mirror installation types, repair the wall, and creatively reuse or repurpose your mirrors.
It may take time and muscle, but the sense of accomplishment when that mirrored wall comes down will be so rewarding. The space is now yours to reimagine – let your unique light shine!
