Constructing a Greene & Greene Style Mirror Frame

Article 124: Constructing a Greene & Greene Style Mirror Frame

By: A Woodworker Who Finds Joy in Subtle Details and Ebony Pegs

Greene & Greene furniture is known for exposed joinery, soft edges, and impeccable details. This mirror frame draws on those principles with cloud lifts, ebony pegs, and rich finishes.

Materials

• Cherry or mahogany:

  • (2) stiles: 2" × 30"

  • (2) rails: 2" × 20"

• Mirror: 16" × 24"

• Ebony dowels: 3/8"

• Finish: oil + shellac or lacquer

Tools Needed

• Table saw or bandsaw

• Drill press

• Chisels

• Sandpaper

• Router with roundover bit

• Clamps

• Mirror clips or plywood backer

Steps

1. Cut and Shape Frame

   • Use a bandsaw to cut gentle cloud lifts in the rails. Round over all edges.

2. Joinery

   • Use half-lap or bridle joints at corners. Drill holes for 3/8" ebony dowels as faux pegs (or structural pins).

3. Mirror Housing

   • Route a rabbet inside back edge of frame to hold the mirror and backer.

4. Finish and Assembly

   • Sand through 220 grit. Oil, then shellac. Insert mirror and secure with clips or backer.

Sketch – Mirror Frame Front

Front View:

|¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯|
|  ⬤           ⬤   | ← Ebony pegs
|    [   Mirror   ]  |
|  ⬤           ⬤   |
|___________________|