IKEA Infinity Mirror

I decided to try building an infinity mirror after seeing this post here on instructables. I had the IKEA frame laying around and decided to try to use that, and it was actually a really god fit for this project.

You'll need:

• IKEA Ribba Frame (ribba)
• LEDs - I used RGB (WS2812B)
• Mirror Film (film)
• Mirror
• Wire
• LED Driver (Arduino or a kit that comes with the RGB LED strips)
• 5V Adaptor

You could maka a simpler version by just using a single piece of LED strip and wrap that around the sides, but I had these LEDs laying around from another project.

The RIBBA frame is available in black which would save you the painting also.

Step 1: Drill Template

Everything is mounted on the inner frame which leaves the outer frame nice and untouched.

I made a simple drill template and glued it to the sides of the inner frame to get even spacing of the LEDs.

Step 2: Drill Holes

I drilled 8mm holes for the LEDs.

Step 3: Countersink

Drilled 12mm countersink holes that the LED will drop into, so that they fit between the inner and outer frame.

Step 4: Paint It Black

You don't want to see the fram inside of the mirror.

Step 5: Glue on the LEDs

Used some hot glue to glue on the LEDs.

Step 6: Wire It Up

These LEDs have positive (+5V), negative (GND) and a control pin. You'll just need to connect them in a long serie. These's a about 1mm of space around the inner frame, make sure the wire will fit inside the outer frame.

SparkFun explains it all on how to hock up the LEDs. ws2812 guide

Step 7: Hot Glue As a Diffusor

I cut small pieces of a hot glue stick and used that as a diffuser for the LEDs, to give it a nice soft lightbulby look. I glued them on infront of each LED.

Step 8: Add the Mirror Film

Add the mirror film to the inside of the frame glas. This was tricky, use a drop of soap in water and spray it on the glas before adding the film. (I'll probably redo this part again later, I ended up with a lot of small bubbles/imperfections. But they don't really show when the light is on)

Step 9: Drop in the Glas

Test drive with the one way mirror film in place.

Step 10: Add the Paper Letter

I added a paper letter (my sons initial) in the center which I got from the local craft store. here Which I think really add a nice personal touch to the project.

This is a nice instructable if you want to make your own.

Step 11: Drop in the Mirror

Drop in the mirror and add the protective back on it.

Step 12: All Done

Comments

[Grampabill]

Is there an optimal distance of separation between the mirrors for best effect?

[masoud256]

it's so cool.

[RamiH10]

Thanks for the clear instructable! I used it to create an infinity chess board :-)

[AndrewB638]

May i ask how you went about creating the grid lines for the board?

[RamiH10]

I cut a large white sticker into thin strips and glued them on the (inside of the) glass panel.

[aalexander29]

Very nice

[JohnP789]

where did you get a mirror to fit?

[MajesticDoge]

Could I use this:https://www.amazon.com/12-Acrylic-See-Through-Mirror/dp/B017ONH3EG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1493416571&sr=8-2&keywords=one+way+mirror instead of the mirror film

[wesley35601]

can you upload the code, im a beginner and have a nano board

[Sergey Chernyshev]

Planning to make one like that, maybe battery-powered though.

Made a 3D model of the RIBBA mirror in case somebody needs to plan their project:
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1752490

[mprosek333]

I'm planning to make one of these in the near future, but I just wanted to make a suggestion for the diffusers which I think might work: you could also possibly use clear bump-ons that are normally used for the back of picture frames, cabinets drawers, or the bottom of coasters! You can get them at hardware stores in the picture hanging hardware area, or craft stores. This is what they look like: https://www.amazon.com/3M-SJ5312-Bumpon-Blister-B...

If anyone else tries these, I'd love to know how it goes! (I probably won't be making my frame until September, but I'll post my notes when I do make it)

[mprosek333]

I'm planning to make one of these in the near future, but I just wanted to make a suggestion for the diffusers which I think might work: you could also possibly use clear bump-ons that are normally used for the back of picture frames, cabinets drawers, or the bottom of coasters! You can get them at hardware stores in the picture hanging hardware area, or craft stores. This is what they look like: https://www.amazon.com/3M-SJ5312-Bumpon-Blister-B...

If anyone else tries these, I'd love to know how it goes! (I probably won't be making my frame until September, but I'll post my notes when I do make it)

[mprosek333]

I'm planning to make one of these in the near future, but I just wanted to make a suggestion for the diffusers which I think might work: you could also possibly use clear bump-ons that are normally used for the back of picture frames, cabinets drawers, or the bottom of coasters! You can get them at hardware stores in the picture hanging hardware area, or craft stores. This is what they look like: https://www.amazon.com/3M-SJ5312-Bumpon-Blister-B...

If anyone else tries these, I'd love to know how it goes! (I probably won't be making my frame until September, but I'll post my notes when I do make it)

[mprosek333]

I'm planning to make one of these in the near future, but I just wanted to make a suggestion for the diffusers which I think might work: you could also possibly use clear bump-ons that are normally used for the back of picture frames, cabinets drawers, or the bottom of coasters! You can get them at hardware stores in the picture hanging hardware area, or craft stores. This is what they look like: https://www.amazon.com/3M-SJ5312-Bumpon-Blister-B...

If anyone else tries these, I'd love to know how it goes! (I probably won't be making my frame until September, but I'll post my notes when I do make it)

[Heyup]

This is one of the best I have seen, I made one a while back with just white led strip and it is "ok ish " but does not have much depth! any idea what I could have done wrong? Keep sharing your amazing talent, Thanks... John :)

[mprosek333]

I'm planning to make one of these in the near future, but I just wanted to make a suggestion for the diffusers which I think might work: you could also possibly use clear bump-ons that are normally used for the back of picture frames, cabinets drawers, or the bottom of coasters! You can get them at hardware stores in the picture hanging hardware area, or craft stores. This is what they look like: https://www.amazon.com/3M-SJ5312-Bumpon-Blister-B...

If anyone else tries these, I'd love to know how it goes! (I probably won't be making my frame until September, but I'll post my notes when I do make it)

[mprosek333]

I'm planning to make one of these in the near future, but I just wanted to make a suggestion for the diffusers which I think might work: you could also possibly use clear bump-ons that are normally used for the back of picture frames, cabinets drawers, or the bottom of coasters! You can get them at hardware stores in the picture hanging hardware area, or craft stores. This is what they look like: https://www.amazon.com/3M-SJ5312-Bumpon-Blister-B...

If anyone else tries these, I'd love to know how it goes! (I probably won't be making my frame until September, but I'll post my notes when I do make it)

[safe_silence]

awesome instructable! Instead of getting a custom mirror made, would the effect work with mirror film used for both he front AND back?

[Orwa Diraneyya]

Using sliced hot glue stick as diffuser is ingenious

[MoK6]

Are you sure that template is correct? I've printed it a few times, but it's too small. Using the 23cm square RIBBA frame.