The master bedroom makeover remains a work in progress, but the most recent addition is the faux crittall mirror doors. It is really easy to create faux crittall windows and mirrors. In fact, it’s one of the easiest, quickest and cheapest upcycles I have ever done.
I really like the full length mirror doors, simply because I like to be able to see how I look before I leave the house. However, they are really big and so adding this faux crittall effect breaks the space up for an on-trend update.
How to create faux crittall
There are a few ways you can create a faux crittall effect, depending on what look you prefer and how much you want to spend.
Create faux crittall using electrical tape
This is what I did. It’s the easiest, quickest and cheapest option, but the ‘crittall’ is flat, whereas the other options will give a 3D effect. I went for this option with the intention of actually replacing the ‘crittall’ with a wooden baton frame if we decided we liked the effect. However, having finished the project, I am so pleased with it, I think I will just keep it as it is. Also, the fact the tape is flat means I have no issues with the handle not fitting over a raised edge.
I had the idea for creating the faux crittall mirror after we installed our en-suite. We paid out for a ‘crittall’ shower screen and when it arrived I realised it was just tape! I’d assumed it was a metal frame given the price, but nope, just tape.
I know other people have used this tape trick on their shower screens as well.
I have seen some people use washi tape, but I prefer the look of electrical tape. For the shower, electrical tape is also waterproof. However, I suspect it would start to peel after a while. One of the other options is preferable for a long term solution.
How to do it
First measure your boxes. It would be worth sketching a to-scale drawing first to help you decide how many boxes you would like. Remember that you need to account for the width of the tape. The easiest thing to do is to mark out your boxes and then apply the tape, so that the middle of the tape goes across the line. However, if you want to be really precise, then you should include the width of the tape in your calculations.
Calculating where to place the tape
The following illustration is for a mirror that is 200cm long and tape that is 2cm wide (this will be referred to as ‘TW’ in the formula below). Say you want 4 boxes, that’s 5 horizontal lines, or 10cm total tape thickness. This leaves 190cm mirror space within your boxes, which is 47.5cm per box (referred to as ‘B’ in the formula below).
To work out the total thickness of tape used, multiply thickness by number of horizontal lines. In my example, 2 x 5 = 10.
To work out space in each box, it’s total length of mirror, minus total tape thickness, divided by number of boxes. In my example, 200 – 10 = 190 / 4 = 47.5.
Starting at the bottom of the mirror:
- Measure 51.5cm up and make a mark (use something like an eyeliner – it won’t be a permanent mark on the mirror). Do this on both sides of the mirror. This measurement allows for 2 rows of electrical tape (= B + TW + TW).
- From the mark just made, measure another 49.5cm and make a mark. Do this on both sides of the mirror. This measurement allows for 1 row of electrical tape (= B + TW).
- Repeat step 2.
- This leaves a length of 49.5cm from the mark you just made to the top of the mirror.
- If you want, you can draw a line with a sharpie. Personally I would advise against this, in case you decide to remove the tape at a later date!
- Apply tape along the bottom length of the mirror.
- Apply tape using the points you made at steps 2 and 3. The top of the tape should be in line with the mark you made.
- Apply tape to the top of the mirror.
- Apply the vertical lengths. I overlapped the tape and you can’t notice. If you have more than one column of boxes, you’ll need to work out the calculations in the same way as above.
This will leave you with four perfectly equal boxes of 47.5cm.
Adjust the measurements accordingly and apply using the same method.
Or just wing it
Honestly, I didn’t bother doing this. I just made marks evenly spaced and then applied the tape roughly at the midpoint. Are my boxes perfectly equal? No. Can anyone tell? Not without a tape measure!
Create faux crittall using lead tape
Self-adhesive lead tape is another good option and will a more 3D effect. It’s significantly more expensive than electrical tape, but looks really effective. Lead tape comes in different widths and colours and is commonly seen on stained glass style windows. I have recently ordered lead tape for another project here.
As the lead tape is malleable, applying it is more tricky than applying electrical tape. To get a straight edge, I recommend applying it with the aid of a guide; for example a strip of wood clamped against the surface to which you are applying the crittall. Lining the tape up against the guide will help you get a straight line.
Use a width of at least 9mm to help avoid bendy lines, as this tape is not designed to be used for curved edges.
How to do it
You can follow pretty much the same method with lead tape as with electrical tape. However, if you overlap the lead, you will be left with bumps.
You may prefer to apply either the vertical or horizontal tape first (shorter lengths are easier to work with, but fewer cuts may look neater). Then apply the remaining lengths in the gaps. You can cut as you go with a craft knife to ensure a neat join.
Lins has created crittall mirror using lead tape and it looks fabulous! For this and lots of other upcycling and DIY ideas, find Lins on Instagram here.
https://www.instagram.com/linsdrabwell
Create faux crittall using wooden battens
This is my favourite way to create a faux crittall effect. If you are ‘crittalling’ a glass door, like Becca of Malmo & Moss has done, the extra effort of using this technique will be well worth it!
https://malmoandmoss.com/
How to do it
I suggest using these. You should check the width and thickness will be right for your project first.
You can work out the measurements the same way as with the electrical tape.
Cut the longest battens to size first and then the short lengths to fit in between.
Prime and paint the battens before you stick them to the mirror and be sure to paint the whole batten, not just the front facing side. If you don’t paint the back as well, you will be left with unfortunate reflections!
The battens can be stuck to the mirror or window with No More Nails or strong superglue.
And that’s it!
It’s so easy and so effective to create faux crittall. I would love to see your results! Let me know how you get on.
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