It can be challenging to find the right light for a specific area of your home. There are many options, but not all of them are practical or cost-effective. One way to get the perfect lighting is by placing mirrors in any room that needs it. Mirrors have reflective properties which help to emit more light into an area without costing anything extra.
They also create spaciousness which helps make rooms feel more significant than they are, and they’re easy to install! You may need tools, such as a saw or drill, so you don’t break the mirror while cutting through it with a glass cutter and some patience, but the directions below will help you get started. First, you need to know how to cut a hole in a mirror for a light.
6 Steps to Follow on How to Cut a Hole in a Mirror for a Light
Step One: Determine the Location of the Light.
The location of the light is based on the size of the mirror and your preference. The location should be above where your mirror will hang or sit. You can also make the light bright by deciding on a smaller, tighter hole or dimmer by making it larger.
If you want the light to be flush with the mirror, cut it underneath the mirror; otherwise, you can make it stick out if the mirror is on a stand. You should also make sure that there will be no electrical wires or cords running through this hole.
Step Two: Place the Mirror.
Place the mirror where you want to put it and mark off a guide for your light hole with a pencil, file it down if necessary. I found the center by folding it in half and marking that point as the center of the hole. You can use a tape measure to determine the distance from the top of your mirror, or you can eyeball it.
I measured down half an inch and then made a mark with my pencil; too large of a hole didn’t look right. So I filed it down a little more to make the hole smaller. Make sure you don’t make it too small, or else your mirror will fall through the hole.
Step Three: Draw Your Cutout.
Once you determine the proper size of your cutout, use a ruler or something straight to draw a straight line from one side of your mirror to the other. You can also outline the hole for better accuracy. I used a pencil to draw the line, but you can use a permanent marker or something more visible if you desire.
I also cut a square in the corner of my mirror to add support when I broke it off. You can use a file to sand down any rough edges left by the saw if you desire. The corners of the mirrors were very sharp, and I was worried about it getting caught on my clothes when I moved them around. Doing this will make it safer and easier to move without cutting yourself or catching your clothes in it.
Step Four:Use a Jigsaw to Cut the Hole.
If you don’t have access to a jigsaw or reciprocating saw, you can use a handsaw, but that will take you much longer and be more challenging to cut through the mirror. Also, make sure that your blade is long enough and sturdy enough for whatever type of material you’re cutting through because it may break your blade if it’s too weak.
I used my jigsaw with a metal cutting blade to make the hole. I would read reviews on blades that people have tried, or you can buy one that has good reviews and see how it goes. I wasn’t sure which blade to buy, so I bought a couple of different ones, and they all worked fine.
Step Five: Light Up!
Now that you have the hole cut out for your light switch, it’s time to wire it up and put it in the light. If you want a dimmer switch for your light, make sure you know how to wire up a dimmer switch and attach it to the wires of your light. You can use an existing wall light or find one that works with the size hole of your mirror at your local hardware store.
You don’t have to put in a light switch if you don’t want to, but some people might not like the idea of having to plug in their lights. Putting your mirror back together is the reverse of taking it apart. This will help in how to cut a hole in a mirror for a light.
Step Six: Maintenence
Putting a light switch in your mirror is a great way to save space and keep the mirror looking nice, but it does require some maintenence. You can see all of the dusty marks on my mirror from taking pictures with flash, so make sure you clean your mirror regularly, or else it will look dirty all the time.
If you put in a dimmer switch, make sure you know how to work it before you put it in, or else you might get electrocuted when touching the wrong part of the switch. I would recommend using an LED light bulb because it doesn’t give off much heat as regular bulbs do and uses less electricity than regular lightbulbs.
Frequently Asked Question
Can You Cut a Square Hole in a Mirror?
Yes, you can cut a square hole in a mirror with the use of a hacksaw.
There are different methods that you can use to make your own square hole in a mirror. One way is to clamp your saw blade into the vise and run it across the edge of the mirror at about 45 degrees until you reach the desired size.
Another method is to use one hand on each side of the saw blade and pull it towards yourself while pushing down with your other hand, which will help prevent it from slipping out of position.
What Tools Do I Need to Cut a Mirror?
The following tools are recommended for cutting a mirror:
- A steel straight edge
- A glass cutter
- A hacksaw blade
- Two pieces of plywood or hardboard with a thickness of about 2″ to 3″
- Two large clamps or heavy duty vise grips
Is It Hard to Cut a Mirror?
No, it is not hard to cut a mirror.
There are two ways to do this:
- You can use a saw with a diamond blade or an abrasive saw like those used for cutting stone, metal, and glass.
- You can use a razor blade to cut the glass.
Conclusion
With a few simple tools and some careful measuring, you’ll be able to cut holes in your mirror for that much-needed light. All it takes is a saw with the appropriate blade, pliers, or another gripping tool to hold the glass steady while cutting and safety goggles if you want them.
The holes typically need about an hour to set up before safely supporting the weight, so we recommend waiting until evening when most people are home from work. Nevertheless, the article has been a good guide on how to cut a hole in a mirror for a light.
You can also check it out: How to Install a Sliding Glass Door in an Existing Wall
