You guys are so freaking awesome!! Thank you for all the kind comments yesterday regarding Babygirl’s window! It really was a gratifying project, and for once turned out better than I’d hoped. Hopefully I’ve hit another home run with this latest change in the Living Room.
I know I swore I’d finish Babygirl’s Room before moving on to other rooms, but this mirror practically fell in my lap! And since it’s a huge focal point, I was itching to get it settled. While I loved the mirror, I wasn’t loving it in the room.
It seemed too imposing, and kind of floating around on the pale wall while dwarfing the fireplace. Then some of you genius-readers suggested painting the mantel dark, and my wheels started spinning! (This is where having a decent supply of paint on-hand will get you in to trouble!) After a quick coat of Zinsser 123 Primer (love this stuff, covers almost anything without sanding, and dries in 30 minutes!), and two coats of paint left over from the front door project, my mantel was making a statement!
And it was saying, ‘Woohoo Big Boy, over here!’ The mantel went from boring-builder-non-descript, to custom-looking, in a single hour. Or so I’m saying now…I can always paint it again when if I change my mind.
But I think it definitely gives the mirror something to hang on to, while uniting them both.
I used a satin finish (because it’s what I had on-hand for this spur-of-the-moment project), but I may give it a coat of high-gloss poly once the room comes together.
Patience is not my virtue, and I was itching to style the mantel right away. Fortunately, we left for our Spring Break Road Trip the next day, so the mantel was able to cure for several days before I started dinking around with it. But it’s not naked like this for long…
I think I finally have it staged to my liking and plan on showing you tomorrow. But for only giving you a half-post today…I’ll end with a picture so many of you seemed to enjoy the first time around!

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| My stud, finding the stud! |
 What do you think? Does the black mantel give the mirror the base it was missing?
Update: See the fully styled mantel here!
I never would have thought of painting the mantel dark but it really looks great! It definitely makes the mirror feel like it belongs 🙂
I wouldn't have thought of that either but WOW does it look great or what? Can't wait to see it all dolled up!!
I think it totally does what you needed it to do. Feels more at home with the mantel darker.
Love the black mantel!!! Definitely a good decision!
Love it, looks so much better! Now I might need to paint my mantel black!
Definitely like the black mantle! Really ties the mirror in!
I am soooo glad you did it! I knew you'd love it, and it is sooo much less risky than painting the brick. Can't wait to see it with the accessories! Every now and then, I do have a good idea ;)LOL
I really like that. You're right! It does anchor the mirror. Looks great!
It does make a HUGE difference! Love it!
The black mantel makes a huge difference! I love it. And yes, the lunge has me laughing out loud yet again!
What a difference. Way to go, Cassie. Amazing what paint can accomplish.
Like it! The two now work real well together. The stud photo is hilarious!! So generous of yuu to share..LOL!!
It looks beautiful! The black mantle is a must. It looks amazing.
Love that picture of your stud! So funny!
Yes! It look so much better already! I can't wait to see how you styled it!
YES!! I definitely think it anchors the mirror and looks great. Can't wait to see how you styled everything 🙂
hahahaha! Best photo ever. Love the black mantle too!
I love the mantel and that pic of Mr. Sugarplum makes me smile. He has a good stretch!
Cassie, that is soooooo much better!! That mirror looked way too heavy floating over top of the white mantle, it looks very much at home now.
Btw, I am adoring your blog, I found it about two weeks ago and I have been reading it daily ever since.
That mirror is to die for! Nice score:)
The dark mantle makes such a difference! Looks great!
You are a brave lady! YES!! I love it dark. Definitely a risk but it paid off!!! Cant wait to see it dressed up!
HAHAHA that picture is a crack up. Get it–crack. Ahem. I'm not purposely trying to look at your husband's crack I promise. It's just boom, in my face. Ok, I better stop now. I love the black mantel though!! 🙂
That is genius! The black mantel looks great…definitely ties everything together! Can't wait to see the whole look!
LOL! Girl, you are a riot! Love the mantle in black and the studly pic too!
LOL! Girl, you are a riot! Love the mantle in black and the studly pic too!
What a difference that makes. It looks great. As usual, another Cassie DIY homerun!
What a big difference! The mantel color change really helps the mirror fit.
And the picture? Hilarious!
x
Wow. Never would have had the guts or guessed what a difference that would make. The mirror is so much more grounded. It transforms the brick too…new colors are popping. I am excited to see how you accessorize the mantel!
Now the mantle and mirror are friends!
The black mantel is definitely what the mirror needed, it grounds the mirror! It looks great.
Much better.