DIY Gym Mirror: Make the Perfect Cheap One at Home
Last Updated on August 24, 2026 by La Casa Almodovar
Looking to upgrade your home workout space but don’t want to spend hundreds on a custom mirror? Creating your own DIY gym mirror is easier and more affordable than you might think! Whether you’re setting up a small home gym or just want a large mirror for your bedroom (like us!), this step-by-step guide will show you how to create a professional-looking mirror without breaking the bank.
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En Nuestra Casa
One of the first things I knew I wanted in our primary bedroom was a big mirror. Like, really big. I was really into that leaning mirror trend of the 2010’s, and I loved it while it lasted. But when we did our second round of bedroom renovations, I wanted to make better use of the space, which meant wall mounting the mirror and going for a cleaner aesthetic.
We’d had and loved the IKEA Hovet for years, but I really wanted something frameless for a more minimalist aesthetic. Think: fitness center, dance studio, workout room mirror. I Googled and searched and came up with either nothing that looked like what I actually wanted or something that looked kind of like it but came with a big price tag. I wondered…could we remove our mirror from its frame for the perfect giant frameless mirror? Keep reading to see how we landed on our version of a DIY gym mirror as a practical and decorative piece in our bedroom.
Why Choose a DIY Gym Mirror?
If you’ve ever priced large wall mirrors at home improvement stores or custom glass shops, you know they can cost…a lot of money! Meanwhile, commercial gyms and dance studios outfit entire walls with mirrors at a fraction of the cost per square foot. So how are they able to do this, besides having a way bigger budget than us home DIY enthusiasts? They use simple mounting techniques and often buy in bulk. Oh, and also have a way bigger budget, haha!
Fortunately, you can create your own DIY gym mirror for your home workout space or even for your bedroom using affordable materials and a little ingenuity. I figured the worst that would happen is we’d break the mirror and just buy the same one again and keep it in its frame (it’s just over $100, so totally affordable in my opinion, especially for such a large mirror!).
Benefits of Installing a Large Mirror in Your Home
Before diving into the how-to, let’s look at why a DIY gym mirror is a worthwhile addition to your home:
- Improved workouts – See your form during exercises to prevent injury and optimize your workouts (As a yoga teacher, I find myself often checking my form in our living room sliding mirrored doors.)
- Increased space perception – Make small spaces appear larger and brighter (This was one of my biggest reasons for wanting the perfect mirror for our bedroom. I also wrote a blog post all about great ways to use wall-mounted mirrors in your home!)
- Better lighting – Reflect natural light throughout the room (If you’ve got the wall space, a mirror is great for this!)
- Versatility – Functions as both a practical fitness tool and stylish decor piece (Who says you can’t please the interior designers and meet your fitness goals??)
- Cost-effective – Save hundreds compared to custom mirrors (Hacking your own DIY home gym mirror is always way cheaper than going custom!)
Finding the Best Mirror for Your Project
The problem with a lot of the gym wall mirrors sold at an online retailer like Target or Amazon is that they’re super wide and squat. So if you’re limited on space like we are, it’s not going to work for you. That’s where a DIY gym mirror comes in!
If you’re looking for the best mirror for a project like this, might we suggest the IKEA Hovet? Here are a few others that might interest you! Just make sure that whatever you choose actually has screws on the back that you can unscrew to open up the frame and remove the mirror.
Materials Needed for Your DIY Gym Mirror
To create your perfect home gym mirror like ours, you’ll need:
- Any large mirror with a removable frame
- Screwdriver
- Rubber mallet
- Soft cloth
- Work gloves (important – I cut my finger on the edge of the mirror!)
- IKEA Larbro mirror hooks (Frebro also comes with these hooks)
- Stud finder
- Level
- Measuring tape
- Helper (this is definitely a two-person job)
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your DIY Gym Mirror
1. Prepare Your Mirror
To use a framed mirror like we did, you’ll first need to carefully remove it from its frame:
- Lay the mirror face down on a soft surface to prevent scratches
- Unscrew all the screws from the back of the frame
- Use a rubber mallet (padded with a cloth) to gently jiggle the mirror away from its frame
- Carefully slide the mirror out while wearing work gloves for protection
If you’re purchasing a new mirror specifically for this project, consider looking at Facebook Marketplace or local glass shops, where you might find free mirrors or discounted custom-cut glass.
2. Determine Placement of Your DIY Gym Mirror
Before mounting your DIY gym mirror, consider the following:
- Find a wall with adequate space for your (quite possibly) huge mirror
- Ensure there’s enough clearance for your exercises, assuming you’re making this as part of a home gym setup
- Use a stud finder to locate wall studs for secure mounting, especially if you’re mounting a heavy mirror
- Measure and mark the exact placement using painter’s tape
For home workout spaces, position your mirror at a height where you can see your entire body during exercises. In living spaces like bedrooms, standard hanging height is typically at eye level.
3. Mount Your Mirror
Now comes the exciting part – installing your new frameless DIY gym mirror:
- Locate and mark wall studs using a stud finder
- Measure and mark where your mirror hooks will go
- Install the IKEA Larbro mirror hooks according to package directions
- With a helper, carefully lift the mirror and position it onto the hooks
- Use a level to ensure your mirror is perfectly straight
- Secure the sides with additional clips if needed for stability
Remember that a large-scale mirror is heavy and poses a risk of injury if not mounted correctly. Take your time with this step and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Creative Ways to Enhance Your DIY Gym Mirror
Once your mirror is installed, there are several ways to elevate your home gym design:
- Add LED strip lighting around the border for perfect lighting during workouts
- Install a small shelf beneath for your phone or workout equipment
- Place plants nearby to create a refreshing workout environment
- Use reflective surfaces nearby to create the illusion of even more space
Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Commercial Options
Let’s break down the savings of creating your own DIY gym mirror:
| Option | Approximate Cost |
| Custom gym mirrors from glass shop | $300-$800+ |
| Smart fitness mirrors | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Professional installation service | $150-$300 |
| Our DIY gym mirror solution | $120-$150 |
As you can see, creating your own DIY gym mirror can save you hundreds compared to commercial options, without sacrificing quality or functionality.
Troubleshooting Common DIY Gym Mirror Issues
Despite careful planning, you might encounter some challenges with your mirror installation:
- Uneven wall surfaces: Use spacers behind the mirror hooks for a level installation
- Concern about weight: Add additional mounting points for extra security, and make sure to drill into the studs
- Edge safety: Apply edge trim or tape to protect against sharp edges, and use work gloves for installation
- Mirror slippage: Use additional mirror clips at the bottom and sides for stability
Final Thoughts on Creating Your DIY Gym Mirror
Installing a DIY gym mirror is one of the best ways to transform your home workout space without spending a fortune. Not only will it help you maintain proper form during training sessions, but it can also make your space feel larger and more professional.
And if you’re installing something like this in your kitchen & bathroom or even your living room, the concept and process stays the same!
Remember that the key to a successful DIY gym mirror installation is careful planning and preparation. Take measurements twice, gather all materials beforehand, and don’t rush the installation process.
Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or looking to enhance your existing workout space, a large wall mirror is a simple solution that delivers significant results. Plus, when your home gym isn’t in use, you’ll appreciate having a stylish, frameless mirror that complements your interior design.
Have you created your own DIY gym mirror? I’d love to see how it turned out! Share your projects or questions in the comments below.
