Gustaf Westman is a Swedish designer known for his stunning collection of mirrors that have taken the interior design world by storm. His mirrors are more than just functional pieces; they are works of art that add an element of beauty and sophistication to any space. But there’s a little thing: they are so freaking expensive. They can cost a 5-digit amount, and that’s a lot for a mirror. That’s why this TikTok DIY expert decided to make one herself.
Westman’s mirrors feature unique shapes and intricate details that are hard to find elsewhere. Each piece is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, and the result is a stunning piece that is both elegant and timeless. This is what this TikTok influencer tried to mimic, and she made it! For a few bucks, she got to make a nice piece of decoration that looks like a $3,000 mirror from Gustaf Westman, using a classic Ikea mirror.
The viral TikTok $300 mirror that looks like one from Gustaf Westman
In a world where home decor is becoming increasingly popular, a 28-year-old TikTok creator from Brighton, England, has managed to create a DIY version of a luxury mirror from Swedish designer Gustaf Westman, using less than $300. Luena Gama, who recently took a break from a career in law to pursue ceramics full-time, created the mirror during the recent Easter break. Gama said she’s always been a fan of Westman’s designs, which have gained popularity on social media due to their colorful and playful nature.
Westman’s mirrors are priced at $2,635 on his studio’s website, which was outside of Gama’s budget (or most of our budgets, let’s face it). So, she decided to create her own DIY version of the mirror. Gama shared a viral clip of her making the DIY mirror on TikTok, where it received over 185,000 views at the time of writing. The total cost of Gama’s DIY Gustaf Westman-inspired mirror amounted to £201 (around $250.50), including the tools.
Now, there’s a huge difference: the original Gustaf Westman curvy mirror is priced at $2,991, excluding shipping, handling fees, and import tax in most of the countries you wanna import it to. This means that Gama saved approximately $2,741 by creating her own mirror.
Home decor purchases saw an “unprecedented” increase in popularity last year, according to a survey of 46,118 homeowners in the United States aged 18 and older, conducted by Houzz, a home design website. This includes 24,667 people who renovated their homes in 2022. Mirrors were among the top home decor-related purchases made by renovating homeowners, with more than a third (39 percent) reported to have bought a mirror in 2022.
How to recreate this TikTok viral mirror on a budget using an old IKEA piece
Gama’s DIY mirror is a perfect example of how DIY can be an excellent alternative to purchasing high-end home decor items. The mirror looks stunning and is a testament to Gama’s creativity and resourcefulness. This is what she used to make her mirror:
- Wood: between $37 and $45, depending on the quality.
- Can of paint: between $25 and $40 on Amazon, depending on the brand and quality.
- Industrial glue: around $6
- Nails: around $2.50
- Jigsaw: around $34
- Drill set from Ikea:around $31
- Repurposed old Ikea mirror: around $165 to $180 (The mirror costed Luena $110 at the time of purchase)
Making a DIY version of an old IKEA furniture piece
With a little bit of creativity and some DIY skills, you can transform your furniture into something completely different and unique. Here’s how to make a DIY version of an old IKEA furniture. Don’t worry, friend, you won’t ruin it. What’s the worst what could happen? That you gotta start over? Let your imaginatin fly!
Firstly, decide what you want to do with the furniture. Do you want to paint it a different color? Add some new hardware? Or completely change its purpose? Once you have a clear vision in mind, it’s time to gather the necessary materials.
One option is to paint the dresser in a fun and trendy color. Or, if you prefer a more natural look, consider sanding down the existing finish to reveal the wood grain underneath. This year, the trend on fire is the boho-chic, so you just have to Google for some ideas and follow them. You’ll be the envy of your friends.
Another idea is to swap out the drawer pulls for something more modern and unique. Consider sleek metal pulls or funky colorful knobs to add personality to the piece. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even add some custom touches like stenciling or decoupage to the front of the drawers.
The magic of furniture upcycling: Transforming old stuff into one ones
In a world where waste is becoming a significant environmental concern, upcycling has emerged as a sustainable solution to reduce the amount of waste produced while creating new value. Upcycling involves taking waste materials and transforming them into useful products that have a higher value than their original form. The art of upcycling has gained immense popularity in recent years, and for good reason. It not only helps in reducing waste but also promotes creativity and innovation.
Renovating old furniture offers a myriad of benefits. First and foremost, it’s an environmentally friendly option. Instead of discarding old furniture, you can give it a new lease on life and reduce waste. Additionally, it’s a cost-effective way to upgrade your home decor. New furniture can be expensive, but with a little bit of DIY know-how, you can achieve the same look and feel for a fraction of the price.