The endless mirror is an optical illusion that can be installed at home as an interesting and fun decorative item. This mirror is made in a shadowbox frame, several LED lights in the middle, and a reflecting mirror in the front. The light coming out of the 2 mirrors will create the illusion that the light continues to flow into an endless stream, even though the mirror is actually only a few centimeters deep. Making an endless mirror is not difficult, as long as you follow the steps correctly and in order. When you're done, you'll have a piece of work that guests will admire and envy.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Preparing the Frame and Glass
Step 1. Purchase a wooden shadowbox frame that is at least 3 cm deep
Shadowbox is a photo frame whose front is covered with glass, which is wide enough to fit and display objects. These frames can be found at craft stores, in the size you want according to the room in your house. Make sure the frame has a depth of at least 3 cm so that it can accommodate the LED lights that will be used.
Make sure the shadowbox has a removable interior frame. This is useful for inserting the LED light between the mirror and the glass pane
Step 2. Disassemble the shadowbox and remove the glass
After purchasing the shadowbox and setting it up, flip the frame so that it is facing downwards. You'll find some small metal strips there. Slide all the strips up and out to remove the backing. Next, remove the glass and set it aside.
Remove the glass carefully to prevent it from breaking
Step 3. Prepare a sheet of 80% reflective silver film and cut it to a size that fits the glass
In this project, you will need a piece of silver reflective film which is useful to make the glass bounce slightly and give the effect a full illusion. Place the glass on top of the film, draw a line with a marker, then cut the line with scissors.
- Placement of the film on the glass aims to create a two-way mirror that is transparent on one side and reflects on the other. The glass doesn't bounce so you have to place a reflective film on it to make it slightly transparent. When the LED light bounces back and forth between the regular mirror and the two-way mirror, you will get endless dazzling effects.
- Bounce film can be purchased at craft stores or online. You can also use a film commonly used to coat car windows, which can be purchased at auto supply stores.
Step 4. Clean the glass and wipe it with a microfiber cloth
Before using the film, make sure the glass is clean. Spray glass cleaner, then wipe with a microfiber cloth. Turn the glass over and clean the other side as well. When finished, check for scratches or dust on the glass. Complete the cleaning on a flat, broad surface to gently scrub the glass so it doesn't shatter.
Step 5. Peel off the film and spray with soapy water
Pinch one corner of the film and gently peel off the back. If done too quickly, the film may tear. When peeling, wet the film with a spray of soapy water. This is to prevent the film from sticking back when you peel it off
Step 6. Spray soapy water on the glass and stick a film on it
Before gluing the film, spray the glass with soapy water to make it easier to stick the film. Stick the film on the glass, and make sure it's not tilted. Next, flatten and smooth the film with a credit card and squeeze the creases and air pockets that appear.
Step 7. Allow the film to dry for about 2 hours before you reinsert the glass into the frame
After attaching the film to the glass, allow it all to dry before you insert the glass back into the frame. When you're done, place the shadowbox frame face down and reinsert the glass. Make sure the part of the glass that is filmed is facing up and facing the mirror on the back of the frame when you install it.
Part 2 of 2: Installing Mirrors and Lights
Step 1. Prepare the mirror and polish it using glass cleaner
Purchase frameless mirror sheets at a hardware or craft store. Make sure the mirror you buy has the same dimensions as the sheet of glass in the shadowbox. Spray the mirror with glass cleaner, then wipe it with a microfiber cloth or tissue to avoid scratching it.
If you can't find a mirror that fits the frame size, ask the hardware store to cut the mirror you purchased to the size of the frame
Step 2. Measure the inner frame of the shadowbox and cut the LED string so that it fits snugly in it
Use a ruler or tape measure to measure the 4 sides of the inner frame. Take note of the dimensions and cut the LED light to fit that size. Next, peel off the back of the lamp and glue it to the inside edge of the frame you just measured.
- There are a variety of LED lights to choose from. You can choose one color, white, or multicolored.
- The LED strip has a black line indicating where it can be cut. Make sure you only cut the part of the light strip that you are allowed to cut. Otherwise, the light will not turn on when you turn it on. If an LED light doesn't fit inside the frame, you can wrap it around the edge of the mirror and stick it on the back.
Step 3. Reattach the inner frame piece in the shadowbox
Put the piece of frame back into the shadowbox so that it will be between the mirror and the glass. Be careful when putting it back into the frame so that the newly installed lamp doesn't fall apart.
Positioning between these 2 mirrors will create the illusion as if there are several rows of lights, not just one
Step 4. Use a saw to make a slit in the frame for the external LED wires
The LED light is attached and attached to the cord so that it can be connected to a power source to illuminate this endless mirror. Find a place in the bottom corner of the frame, and make a slit with a saw to place the wires. This allows the cord to fit neatly and the frame to stick flat against the wall. To do this, hold the saw with your dominant hand and hold the frame with your other hand to keep it from moving. Next, move the saw back and forth slowly until a gap is formed that is at least 5 cm wide.
Be careful when using the saw. Move the saw slowly so that the frame doesn't cut
Step 5. Place the mirror into the shadowbox frame
Now, your work is almost done! Take the mirror and place it into the shadowbox frame. Make sure the solid side is facing up, and the reflective side is facing down towards the LED light and glass.
Step 6. Bend the metal strip to close the shadowbox
After the mirror and glass are installed, close the back of the shadowbox. Most frames have small metal strips that can be pushed in to lock the back of the interior of the frame. Reposition the metal strip you moved earlier (when you disassembled the shadowbox) by bending the strip over the back of the mirror. When the shadowbox is hung, the contents inside are locked and immobile. Next, turn on the LED light and enjoy the endless mirror you created!
