Mirror Unit Prototype

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Mark Meyer gave me the idea for this (but I added the sandblasting). Basically, I built a frame out of 2x4s and mounted a 3' flourescent strip light (electronic balast, T8 lamp) on each side. I made it tall enough to wire into the J-box for the existing fixture (rectangular mirror (5"x30") with 4 globe bulbs sticking out). I had a mirror cut to 24"x37" and I had the guy sandblast off 3" of the mirror backing along each side edge. Note: the first glass company I called wanted $60 for the mirror and $270 for the sandblasting. Then I found the number for a guy I used before, $60 total. It pays to call around.

The fixture looks great. Not only does lots of light spill around the mirror, but lots also comes through. Not enough to blind you at all, but the light doesn't leave any shadows on your face. I must say though, that even 3500 degree lamps are a bit cold as compared to incandescent bulbs, but they are similar to halogen. The unit is a bit big for this bathroom, but I made it to serve as a prototype for the bathroom light/mirror units in the new house and I learned a lot. Next time, I will cut the width by 2" and increase the sandblasted area by 1/2" on each side. Also, I am going to use 2x2s for the framing and get side-mounted fixtures (same price, but 1/2 the width).

Also, as it is the only light source in the bathroom, the lighting isn't great, but with another overhead general light source, it would be perfect.

Cost: $150

Oh, and nevermind the blue-stripes, it was the first thing I did when we moved in eight years ago. Because there was no ventilation in the room, the wallpaper was literally falling off.