Greene & Greene Mirror Frame – Details in the Dark Wood

Article 58: Greene & Greene Mirror Frame – Details in the Dark Wood

By: A Woodworker Who Admires Subtle Ornamentation

Greene & Greene-style furniture is known for its proud ebony plugs, cloud lifts, and softened corners. This project uses these motifs in a mirror frame made from mahogany and ebony.

Materials

• 4/4 mahogany – ~6 board feet

• Ebony or blackwood (for plugs) – 1 small block

• Mirror: 18" x 24"

• Plywood backer (1/4")

• Wood glue

• Hanging hardware

Cut List

• Side rails (2): 30" x 3"

• Top/bottom rails (2): 20" x 3"

• Backer board: 18" x 24"

• (8) 3/8" square ebony plugs

Tools Needed

• Table saw

• Chisel set

• Sanding block

• Plug cutter

• Router with roundover and chamfer bits

Steps

1. Cut Frame Pieces

   • Miters or bridal joints work well. Leave overhangs on top/bottom for style.

2. Add Cloud Lifts

   • Sketch gentle curves into top/bottom rail ends. Cut with bandsaw and sand smooth.

3. Drill Plug Recesses

   • Locate 3/8" holes at each corner joint. Cut ebony plugs slightly proud.

4. Glue-Up

   • Assemble frame. After drying, glue in plugs and plane them flush or leave proud.

5. Finish and Assemble

   • Use oil or shellac. Attach mirror with backer board using mirror clips or turnbuttons.

Sketch – Front Elevation

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|   ▓                         ▓     | ← Ebony plugs
|     Mahogany Frame with          |
|   Cloud Lift & Proud Joinery     |
|__________________________________|