By Mike Thayer

Hey bachelors, no matter how cool you think the “Dogs Playing Pool” art is, DON’T DO IT!

Do something like a mirror window instead. 

Inspired by a mirror window my step-mom has in her kitchen, I decided it was time to put one in my kitchen as well.

It’s not a tough project and you’ll spend about the same amount of money if not less on materials and accessories as you would in buying a cheesy “Dogs Playing Pool” framed piece of art, cough….  And the ladies will appreciate a mirror window far more than “Dogs Playing Pool.”

If you’ve got a ‘blank canvas’ above your kitchen sink, here’s what you do….

Step One: Measure the area above the sink for the mirror window.  You want the mirror and framing to measure less than the opening to allow for curtains or other form of window treatment.

Step Two:  With those measurements in mind, go to Lowe’s, Home Depot, wherever and purchase a 6″ to 8″ by whatever opening width shelf to set your mirror and window frame on, buy some extra wood trim to dress things up.  Pine works great if you’re painting, oak is good if you’re staining.  The goal is to match up with the existing cabinetry.  Purchase mirror, paint and/or stain, hardware as needed at your preferred store.

Step Three:  Assemble your mirror window, starting with a piece of trim just below cabinet level (pictured above), then the 6″ to 8″ shelf cut to opening width, then the mirror and framing.  Paint and/or stain as desired.  Since this is a light weight application (the shelf not holding heavy items), you should be able to anchor your materials using Powergrab or other adhesive and a few light duty wood screws and/or finishing nails.

Step Four:  To create the French Window look, use balsa wood cut to size and adhere to the mirror with a glue that dries clear.  Paint or stain the balsa wood prior to putting in place.

Step Five:  Accessorize as desired.  In my kitchen, I went with sunflower curtains.  I’ve got a prairie look theme going on in the kitchen, centered around a hand painted buffalo plate (circa late 1800’s) handed down to me by my mother, born in South Dakota.

This project cost me about $45 to complete, wood, paint, glue, fasteners, mirror and decorating accessories.  Guess how much a framed “Dogs Playing Pool” piece of art costs?  Around $50 and that doesn’t include shipping.

Don’t go “Dogs Playing Pool”, go with something YOU created as a conversational piece instead. 

$pend Wisely My Friends…

Help support the continued content for Shopping, Dining, Best Deals, Product & Service Reviews, Tips, Hacks, Recipes and other great information by buying me a coffee. Your support to keep Bachelor on the Cheap a free resource is much appreciated! ~ Mike