How to Create a French Trumeau Mirror!
Have you swooned over a French Trumeau mirror and then nearly passed out at the price tag? I know, I have too!
Glance through almost any French decor magazine and chances are you will see at least one French trumeau mirror on display. And if you put one of those French beauties in any space, it will be the star of the room. Unfortunately, the price tag can be pretty steep for the true antiques, priced anywhere from $2,000 and up.
Thankfully, you can easily create your own French trumeau mirror to fit your style and budget!
A trumeau mirror ( pronounced troo-mo) is a type of wall mirror originally manufactured in France in the later 18th century. It takes its name from the French word “trumeau”, which designates the space between windows.
The mirror is set into tall wooden frames with a large section of painted or carved sculptural decoration at the top. Almost always the trumeau is rectangular in size. The bottom of the wooden framing was usually where the mirror was placed so a candle could be set in front to reflect light in dimly lit rooms.
Trumeau mirrors are often the showpiece in the room in which they are displayed, so let me show you how to create your own!
Starting with MDF board, and crown moulding as the base, I embellished the front using an old antique mirror that I had stored away. The silvering on the mirror had become very timeworn over the last century and it had resulted in a very smoky look which I loved.
Above the mirror, I used an old piece of wall decor that I found at a flea market. It depicts a bird and flowers on a branch.
I wanted to add a bit more to it so I created a wreath and swag garland with a mold and paper clay.
Once everything was glued in place, I painted everything in a base coat of Pure & Original chalk based paint in the color Tin Kettle.
Then came the fun part….layering the other colors.
I wanted the final result to be a pale blue, so on top of Tin Kettle, I alternated using the colors, Lagoon Water and Sea Salt, spritzing with water as I went to get a mottled finish. The result that I was trying to achieve was a faded, timeworn look.
After these layers dried, I used my homemade glaze to add a bit of antiquing and shadowing.
Then I used Rub n Buff in Gold Leaf and gilded the moulding, frame, and embellishments. The final step was waxing with Pure & Original Italian Wax.
I can’t tell you how much I love this mirror!
It turned out exactly the way I envisioned.
Hung on the wall, the Trumeau adds both beauty and brightness to the room.
By day the mirror reflects sunlight throughout the room and at night, it reflects the glow from the chandelier.
I hope you enjoyed seeing this DIY French trumeau mirror!
Cheers, Cindy
May I know please where to purchase this bird? I just love it!!
Jann, the bird is vintage from a local antique mall!
I know this was posted a while back, but please tell how you apply the antique glaze to get the shadow effect. Do you brush it on and lightly wipe it off? Thanks for your help and for sharing all of your beautiful makeovers!
I usually only apply the glaze to the areas that I want “antiqued”, like the edges, and nooks and crannies. I will usually apply with a small artist’s brush because it’s easier to control, and then I will gently wipe back any excess and blend with a slightly damp cloth. I hope this helps, Julie!
What a beautiful mirror! Thanks for the How To.
Thank you for commenting, Sally!
Love everything you do!! Getting ready to redo our bedroom. Yours is so great, but I can’t tell what color it is ,would love to have the name . Keep on inspiring us.
Thank you, Mollie! The wall color is Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray!
Thank you for the paint color !
SWOON! How gorgeous is that! When you break down all the steps it really sounds like a doable project. I will have to keep an eye out for an old mirror. Thanks so much for the inspiration!
Thank you, Mary!
So pretty Cindy! Love how it turned out!
Thank you Courtney!
Cindy, your mirror is exquisite!! I saw so many beautiful ones in some antique shops in Fairhope yesterday and yes well over $2000! You can be proud if your custom made one!
Thanks Kim! It was so easy to make! I hope you are enjoying your trip to the Gulf Coast!
Hi Cindy, woweeee your mirror turned out simply gorgeous my friend…you really have out done yourself….the moldings and appliqués are just stunning, I’m sooo looking forward to viewing your beautiful french desk in your beautiful office……TFS…..
Mari~
Thank you, Mari!!
Once again you knocked it out of the park!! I love the paint technique.
Did you have the piece laying flat when you were spritz -ing? (Seems like that would take practice!)
Lastly Did you apply rub n buff with a brush or finger?
Thank you for your tuturial. I did get the book and I have pages marked to try!
Thank you, Gaylin! I had it sitting up when I spritzed. I like the water running just a bit and removing some of the paint along the way. I applied the rub n buff with a small 1″ flat artist’s brush. That made it easier to get a clean edge on it. This was so much fun to create….I think I might need to do another one, smaller in size.
Hi Cindy. You’re mirror is fabulous! Would you mind sharing how you attached the mirror? Also, what are the dimensions? Thank you.
Thank you, Patricia! The overall dimensions of the mirror is 60″ tall x 30″ wide. The measurements of the antique mirror that I attached to it is 32″ tall x 20″ wide. I used a glue called Titebond III from Lowe’s.
One word – GORGEOUS! What a talented soul you are!!
Aw, you are too sweet! Thank you, Sandra!
Omg, I love this mirror!!! It’s in the perfect spot also. Can’t wait to see the new French desk
Thanks, Linda!!
Omg, this mirror came out beautiful!!! You put it in the perfect spot also. Can’t wait to see your new French desk.
Cindy your mirror is fabulous!! I was excited to see what you would create and you didn’t disappoint with this beauty!
Thanks, Amy! I love it!