Mirror-mirror-on-the-wall problem solved

"There is one thing certain, namely, that we can have nothing certain, therefore it is not certain that we can have nothing certain." Samuel Butler (1835-1902), British Writer.

I had a flurry of mail about the mirror on mirror question last week. My suggestion was to hang a mirror on top of the big wall-to-wall mirror so many of us have over our bathroom vanities.

The questions were all related to the hanging of the secondary mirror. There are two ways to accomplish this wonderful alternative to the large, usually unattractive mirror.

The easiest way to accomplish this is to hang the mirror from the wall above the mirror. Usually, these mirrors do not go all the way to the ceiling. Even if they do, keep reading.

First, install your hanger and be sure it has the weight capacity to hold whatever mirror you will use. If the wall mirror goes all the way to the ceiling, place your hanger on the ceiling immediately adjacent to the mirror.

Use a wide (at least 2 inch) ribbon that you can color coordinate with your bathroom to hang the secondary mirror. Adjust the length of the ribbon to the height you want the mirror. Place a small amount of regular old putty on the back of the mirror to keep it in place and you’re all set.

Now, if you are really brave and want to attach the mirror directly to your existing mirror, it can be done. I asked my favorite go-to guy and he was unsure. So, I went to my next favorite go-to source, Google.

I found several places that talked about drilling glass and mirror. The key is to use a spear-point, diamond-tip drill bit and do it slowly. Please use extreme caution when attempting this method, and don’t forget your safety glasses.

Q: I know you get a lot of questions about wall treatments, but I wanted to see what you thought about these full wall murals you can buy ready-made and hang yourself. I have seen some that are appealing, but I also have seen some installed that were much less than desirable. They really looked cheap. We’re looking for something a little more sophisticated that actually looks like a painting. Do you have any suggestions on how to get that look?

A: I know quite a few mural painters who would love to have your business. But, since original art — whether on the wall or on the canvass — can be pricey, the ready-made murals are a good fit.

I, too, have seen some of the earlier versions of wall murals that you can install yourself and they were really bad. The ones coming across my desk now are much more sophisticated.

There are several companies that specialize in wall murals that are ready to hang and do-it-yourselfer friendly.

The murals are much like wallpaper, and if you are comfortable installing wallpaper, you will be able to install these. The same rules apply in removing the mural from your wall — it is not an item that can be reused.

There are several companies that offer the option of creating a mural from one of your digital photos. This is a wonderful way to personalize a space. And, since you’re not stuck with it for a lifetime, you can change it out. If you spend the money for an original mural, I don’t think you would be as inclined to paint over it or replace it with something else.

The price range for these ready-made murals seems to be $8 to $15 per square foot.

Here are some for you to check out: www.MuralsYourWay.com; www.sjhomeinteriors.com; www.touchofclasscatalog.com; www.muralunique.com.

Carolyn Muse Grant is the editor of Southern Nevada Home & Garden magazine. Her Inside Spaces column appears weekly in the Home & Garden section of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Be sure to check out other decorating tips in Southern Nevada Home & Garden magazine, which is published the first Saturday of each month. Send comments or questions to cgrant@reviewjournal.com.