A dumpster diver gave a cracked lighted mirror from an apartment dumpster a second life by decorating it with faux vines and craft details to create a whimsical "fairy mirror."
Still, the DIY rescue also sparked safety concerns in the comments.
Here's what to know
In a Reddit thread, a user on r/DumpsterDiving posted photos showing how a cracked mirror from their apartment dumpster became a decorative illuminated piece.
The poster explained the DIY transformation: "So I got out my glue gun and my craft supplies and made it into a fairy mirror!"
The post drew praise for the creative reuse, but it also prompted warnings from commenters who said damaged glass can be risky.
A celebratory commenter wrote, "This is the coolest way of hiding a crack!!! I absolutely love the find and love the vine!! You did great!"
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"And I can finally see whenever I'm getting ready in the morning lol," the original poster replied.
Not every reaction was rosy. A commenter who said they work in construction opened with, "WARNING. Yes, be very careful with that," before recounting a serious injury involving a cracked bathroom mirror.
More background
Cost was part of the appeal from the start, as the original poster explained: "I've been wanting a lighted mirror for ages, but I couldn't really justify the cost."
Not everyone was so sure the original poster was in danger from their new mirror.
"This mirror appears to be made out of regular-old plate glass which doesn't really 'explode' the same way, but it could theoretically form new cracks whose pieces might not be fully glued to the backing and could fall out," a user suggested.
"I don't have any kids around so not terribly worried," the original poster replied. "I do know that the light shined through the cracks so it must be a very thin mirror."
What can be done?
Rather than immediately telling the poster to throw it out, some Redditors offered practical harm-reduction ideas.
"Carefully put some long strips of duct tape on the back when you have a chance," a commenter instructed, hoping it might help hold loose pieces in place if the cracks worsen.
As more warnings came in, the poster settled on a more cautious plan, saying they were "going to put it on the floor rather than a stand and then not move it again."
Where can I learn more?
If this mirror makeover has you curious about other secondhand decor stories, there are many examples that show how old materials can take on a striking new life.
• On TikTok, pieces of beach plastic became a colorful mirror frame instead of trash.
• A Reddit shopper checked a mirror's price tag and uncovered a surprisingly valuable wall piece.
• On TikTok, one-of-a-kind finds helped an expert thrifter reshape her home.
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