Create a Sunburst Mirror

Open up your living room and add style with a dramatic sunburst mirror.
Sunburst Mirror Brightens up the Room

Sunburst Mirror Brightens up the Room

Open up your living room and add style with a dramatic sunburst mirror.

By: Janell Beals

Materials Needed:

  • mirror with flat frame edge
  • 150 pieces branches or twigs
  • glue sticks
  • glue gun
  • painter’s tape
  • yardstick
  • hacksaw or other saw
  • sandpaper
  • sheet of paper
  • spray primer
  • spray paint
  • hanging hardware

Gather Supplies

Select materials and cut branches to varying lengths between 15 to 18 inches long. Tip: Attach hanging hardware on back of frame prior to starting project.

Materials for DIY Sunburst Mirror

Materials for DIY Sunburst Mirror

Select materials and cut branches to varying lengths between 15 to 18 inches long. Tip: Attach hanging hardware on back of frame prior to starting project.

Tape Guidelines

Tape intersecting lines to mirror surface. Using tape lines and yardstick as a guide, glue first branch to mirror frame surface.

Measure Length of Sunburst Spires

Measure Length of Sunburst Spires

Tape intersecting lines to mirror surface. Using tape lines and yardstick as a guide, glue first branch to mirror frame surface.

Create Radiating Circle

Glue branches in place using guidelines to create a radiating circle around mirror frame, providing guide for attaching remaining branches.

Hot Glue Spires to Sunburst Mirror

Hot Glue Spires to Sunburst Mirror

Glue branches in place using guidelines to create a radiating circle around mirror frame, providing guide for attaching remaining branches.

Glue Branches to Frame Edge

Apply ample amount of glue to frame using a hot glue gun and secure each branch. Tip: Hold branch in place for several seconds while glue sets.

Hot Glue Sticks to Mirror for Sunburst Appeal

Hot Glue Sticks to Mirror for Sunburst Appeal

Apply ample amount of glue to frame using a hot glue gun and secure each branch. Tip: Hold branch in place for several seconds while glue sets.

Vary Branch Lengths

Attach branches to mirror, varying lengths of adjacent branches for a balanced final result.

Hot Glue Stick Spires to Mirror

Hot Glue Stick Spires to Mirror

Attach branches to mirror, varying lengths of adjacent branches for a balanced final result.

Complete Circle

Continue attaching branches around mirror frame until a full circle is created.

Unpainted Sunburst Mirror with Spires

Unpainted Sunburst Mirror with Spires

Continue attaching branches around mirror frame until a full circle is created.

Sand Branches

Sand top sides of branches with sandpaper to remove any excess glue.

Wipe Away Excess Hot Glue

Wipe Away Excess Hot Glue

Sand top sides of branches with sandpaper to remove any excess glue.

Protect Mirror Surface

Cover mirror surface with paper and apply painter's tape around inner line of mirror to protect mirror surface while painting.

Protect Mirror before Spray Painting Sunburst Spires

Protect Mirror before Spray Painting Sunburst Spires

Cover mirror surface with paper and apply painter's tape around inner line of mirror to protect mirror surface while painting.

Prime Backside of Mirror

Spray backside of mirror and branches with primer. Let dry to touch, approximately a half-hour. Tip: Stacked paint cans provide a convenient stand to place mirror while painting.

Spray Paint Sunburst Mirror from Center Out

Spray Paint Sunburst Mirror from Center Out

Spray backside of mirror and branches with primer. Let dry to touch, approximately a half-hour. Tip: Stacked paint cans provide a convenient stand to place mirror while painting.

Prime Front of Mirror

Turn mirror over and place on stand front side up. Prime branches and mirror frame. Let dry to touch, approximately a half-hour.

Spray Paint Sunburst Mirror

Spray Paint Sunburst Mirror

Turn mirror over and place on stand front side up. Prime branches and mirror frame. Let dry to touch, approximately a half-hour.

Paint Mirror

Repeat above steps to paint front and back of mirror. Let dry 24 hours. Remove protective paper and hang mirror.

Painting Sunburst Mirror

Painting Front and Back of Sunburst Mirror

Repeat above steps to paint front and back of mirror. Let dry 24 hours. Remove protective paper and hang mirror.

Next Up

How to Slipcover an Ottoman

Take your ottoman from drab to fab with this simple step-by-step slipcover guide.

How to Install Timeless Rail-and-Stile Wainscoting

Wainscoting wall treatments are a classic way to add architectural interest to any room. Consisting of horizontal rails and vertical stiles, this relatively easy woodworking project is based on a design found in historic homes, and is sure to lend old-home charm to builder-basic new spaces. 

How to Stencil a Focal Wall

Introduce a dramatic focal wall into a living room by stenciling a wall with a creative pattern.

Build a Shutter Console Table

Repurpose a shutter into a cottage-style console table that will add interest and soften the hard lines of the back side of any couch.

Build Custom End Tables

Create deep, wall-mounted end tables by cutting a vintage bench in half. The tables take up less floor space and provide ample surface space.

Build a Factory Cart Coffee Table

Add updated style to your living room with this DIY coffee table. Featuring an optional reclaimed wood top and caster wheels, this step-by-step project proves factory style — without the price — is obtainable by anyone.

Easy-to-Sew Pillows

Add a splash of color and pattern to a room by sewing your own pillows.

Turn an Old Coffee Table Into an Upholstered Storage Ottoman

This stylish storage ottoman makes a great coffee table, provides extra seating and is a cushy place to prop up your feet at the end of the day. The handy lid lifts to reveal plenty of storage for throws, kids' toys or board games.

Turn a Galvanized Tub Into Playful Mobile Toy Storage

Give an old square galvanized tub new life as a handy place to stash kids' toys. This easy project creates fun and colorful storage for building blocks or other toys and includes a built-in play surface on top.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

About HGTV

HGTV’s expert editors and writers share home decorating, garden and home improvement ideas, inspiration and advice based on our brand’s 30+ years of expertise and experience. We also give you the latest updates on HGTV shows and stars, cleaning tips and shopping recommendations. Learn more about us and our editorial standards.