16 DIY Vanity Mirrors for Under $50

When you think about creating a dreamy vanity setup, the mirror is always the star. It’s the piece that pulls everything together and sets the mood of your space. But buying a fancy vanity mirror can easily cost $100, $200, or even more. That’s why DIY vanity mirrors under $50 are such a game-changer. You can get the exact look you want without breaking the bank. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about using something you’ve made with your own hands. Every brush stroke, every little detail—when you look at it, you’ll know it’s truly yours.

DIY mirrors also give you flexibility. You can play with frames, lights, shapes, or even re-purpose unexpected items. Think about it: a plain frameless mirror can instantly look like a Hollywood star’s setup with a few LED strip lights. Or a thrift-store mirror can become a statement piece with just a coat of paint. That’s the beauty of DIY—it turns simple things into treasures.

To inspire you, here are 16 amazing DIY vanity mirrors you can try this weekend, all under $50. Each project is simple, creative, and guaranteed to elevate your vanity corner.

1. Dollar Store LED Strip Mirror

One of the easiest DIY vanity mirrors is using a cheap frameless mirror and adding stick-on LED strip lights from the dollar store or Amazon. Most LED strips cost under $15 and come with adhesive backing, so you don’t even need tools. Just measure your mirror edges, cut the strip, and stick it on. Suddenly, you have a glamorous, light-up vanity mirror that feels like something out of a movie star’s dressing room.

The best part is that you can choose between warm or cool lights depending on your style. Warm gives you a cozy glow, while cool gives you that crisp, makeup-ready brightness. I’ve seen people even add remote-controlled LED strips, which is fun when you want to switch colors. Imagine doing your makeup under a soft pink glow before going out—it’s simple but feels luxe.

2. IKEA Mirror Hack with Lights

If you’ve ever walked into IKEA, you know they have tons of affordable mirrors. You can grab a plain $20 IKEA mirror and give it a glow-up with adhesive vanity lights. These usually come in packs of 10–12 bulbs for around $25 and stick right onto the mirror frame. Put them around the border, and suddenly you’ve got a DIY version of the Hollywood mirrors that cost $200+.

The trick here is placement—make sure your bulbs are evenly spaced so the light spreads well. If you don’t want cords everywhere, go for battery-operated bulbs. This hack works well for renters, too, since nothing is permanent. I once helped a friend create one for her small apartment, and honestly, it looked better than some store-bought versions. It’s proof that you don’t need big money for big style.

3. Rope-Framed Vanity Mirror

This idea is perfect if you want something with texture and warmth. Buy a plain round mirror (you can usually find one for $15–20 at Walmart or HomeGoods). Then, wrap thick rope or jute cord around the edges using hot glue. The result? A coastal, boho-inspired DIY vanity mirror that looks handcrafted and unique.

This style pairs beautifully with wooden vanities, soft neutral palettes, or even rattan chairs. It makes your vanity feel less like a “makeup station” and more like a stylish corner of your room. If you’re into that natural, Pinterest-perfect vibe, this project is for you. I did something similar with sisal rope, and it added so much character to the space without looking “cheap.”

4. Old Frame Revival Mirror

Do you have an old picture frame lying around? You can turn it into a chic vanity mirror with just a mirror insert. Craft stores often sell mirror sheets for $10–15. Simply pop one into your old frame, secure it, and you’ve got a stylish new piece. If the frame looks worn, paint it gold, white, or even pastel pink to match your vanity theme.

This is one of my favorite budget vanity mirror projects because it has that upcycled charm. You’re giving an old item a new life instead of tossing it. Plus, vintage frames always add elegance. Imagine an ornate gold frame—suddenly your vanity feels Parisian without the price tag.

5. Washi Tape Border Mirror

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most effective. If you only have $5 to spend, this one’s for you. Take a plain mirror and decorate the edges with patterned washi tape. You can go bold with metallics, chic with marble patterns, or soft with pastel tones.

It sounds small, but this little touch completely changes the mood of your mirror. It’s temporary too, so you can change it as often as your style changes. I once used floral washi tape during spring, and it instantly made my vanity feel fresh and new. Sometimes DIY isn’t about spending money—it’s about creativity.

6. Hollywood Vanity with Ping-Pong Balls

Yes, you read that right—ping-pong balls! If you want a Hollywood-style mirror but don’t want to spend $300, here’s the hack: buy a cheap mirror, a string of LED lights, and ping-pong balls. Cut small holes in the balls and slip them over the bulbs to diffuse the light. The effect is soft, flattering, and very professional-looking.

This DIY vanity mirror under $50 has been trending online because it’s surprisingly easy and gives amazing results. Makeup looks flawless under the soft glow, and it’s fun to build. I helped my cousin do this, and her friends couldn’t believe it wasn’t store-bought. Sometimes, DIY tricks like this prove that creativity always beats money.

7. Rustic Wood Frame Mirror

For a farmhouse or rustic look, you can frame a cheap mirror with wooden planks. You don’t need fancy tools—just cut pieces of wood, stain them, and glue them around the edges. A $15 mirror instantly looks like a $150 custom piece.

You can play with stain colors too: deep walnut for a dramatic feel, whitewash for a shabby chic look, or natural pine for a cozy vibe. I once made one with leftover pallet wood, and it became the highlight of the room. It’s proof that rustic doesn’t mean outdated—it means warm, homey, and full of character.

8. Vanity Mirror with Clip-On Lights

If you’re not into sticking bulbs on your mirror, clip-on lights are another clever option. They’re affordable (around $10 each), easy to adjust, and you can clip them to the sides of your mirror for instant brightness.

The best part? You can move them around depending on where you need more light. It’s flexible and renter-friendly, which makes it perfect if you’re in a temporary space. This setup also works great for content creators who need adjustable lighting for selfies or videos.

9. Fabric-Wrapped Frame Mirror

This project is perfect for anyone who loves soft, cozy vibes. Take a plain framed mirror and wrap the frame with fabric or faux leather. Secure it with glue or a staple gun, and you’ll have a DIY vanity mirror that looks luxurious.

Velvet works beautifully for a glam look, while linen feels more minimal. You can even use patterned fabric if you want something bold. I once wrapped a small mirror with blush velvet, and it looked like something straight from an upscale boutique. For under $30, it felt like a designer piece.

10. Sticker Decal Vanity Mirror

Wall decals aren’t just for walls—they look amazing on mirrors too. Floral decals, geometric shapes, or even motivational quotes can give your vanity mirror a stylish upgrade. You can find decal packs for $10–15 online, and they’re removable, which makes them perfect if you like to switch things up often.

This idea is especially fun if you’re renting or decorating a teen’s room. You can keep the base mirror plain and just change decals depending on your mood or season. It’s like giving your mirror a wardrobe of its own.

11. Floating Shelf Mirror Combo

If your vanity space is small, here’s a practical and stylish DIY: attach a small floating shelf below your mirror. The shelf can hold perfumes, lipsticks, or jewelry, while the mirror stays the focal point.

You can get a mirror for around $20 and a small floating shelf for $15. Together, it looks like a built-in vanity unit. I once tried this in a tiny apartment, and it made the space both functional and chic. Sometimes, the best DIY vanity mirrors are the ones that solve problems while looking stylish.

12. Gold Spray-Paint Mirror Upgrade

Spray paint is magic in a can. Take any cheap mirror and coat the frame in metallic gold or silver. Instantly, it looks high-end. You can even add a touch of antique finish by brushing black paint into the corners.

This DIY works especially well with thrifted mirrors. You can find them for $10–15 and turn them into luxe-looking vanity pieces. I did this with a chunky wooden frame once, and the transformation was incredible—it went from outdated to glam in just an afternoon.

13. Vanity Mirror with Curtain Lights

If you want dreamy vibes, curtain fairy lights are your answer. Hang them behind or around your vanity mirror, and suddenly the whole space feels magical.

This project costs around $20–25, and it works even if you only have a small mirror. The soft twinkle adds ambiance, and it makes your vanity look like a Pinterest board come to life. I’ve seen this setup in dorm rooms, and it always feels cozy yet stylish.

14. Painted Border Mirror

Sometimes, all you need is paint. Mask off the edges of your mirror with tape and paint a bold border. Black for modern, pink for girly, or pastel blue for soft vibes.

It’s a simple idea, but it adds personality without spending much. I once painted a teal border around my mirror, and it instantly tied the vanity into the rest of the room. For under $10, paint can completely refresh your mirror.

15. Mosaic Tile Vanity Mirror

If you want something artistic, mosaic tiles are a fun way to frame a mirror. You can use broken ceramic pieces, glass beads, or even stick-on tile sheets. Arrange them around the border with glue, and you’ve got a colorful, creative DIY vanity mirror.

This project usually costs $30–40, depending on materials. But the result looks like something you’d buy at an artisan market. It’s unique, personal, and definitely a conversation starter.

16. Layered Mirror Collage

For a bold statement, try hanging multiple small mirrors together instead of one large one. You can find sets of round or square mirrors for cheap, and when arranged in a cluster, they look artistic and modern.

This setup works great if you don’t have space for a large mirror. It also reflects more light into the room, making your vanity feel bigger and brighter. I once did this with hexagon mirrors from Amazon, and it looked like a designer wall installation.

Final Thoughts: Making Your Vanity Special Without Spending Big

At the end of the day, a vanity is more than just a place to do makeup. It’s your little sanctuary. It’s where you prepare for your day or unwind at night. And your mirror plays the biggest role in setting the mood.

The best part about these 16 DIY vanity mirrors under $50 is that they prove style doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With creativity, you can transform the simplest mirror into something magical. Whether you love glam Hollywood lights, rustic wood frames, or dreamy fairy lights, there’s a project here for you.

So grab your tools (or just some tape and lights), and start building the mirror of your dreams this weekend. You’ll be surprised how much joy a little DIY can bring into your everyday routine.