Make Your Own Smart Mirror for Under $80 - Using Raspberry Pi

In this project, we will be building a smart mirror that will show you helpful information while you are getting ready in the morning. The whole thing should cost under $80 making it decently affordable for most people.

This guide will only teach you how to build your own smart mirror, from start to finish.

Step 1: Watch the Video

This guide is an explanation of the video so your first step should be to watch the video if you have not already.

Step 2: Make the Frame

I used the double sided mirror film to make the glass a see-through mirror. The film I bought required me to use soap and water to apply it to the glass. I did that and then continued to trim the excess using a razor blade.

I built the wood frame out of pine 1x4's from my local hardware store. If you have any wood laying around, that can also be used to make the frame. The glass was purchased from the same Home Depot for around $10.
First, use the glass as a template to measure out the frame. Since 1x4 pine is actually around 0.75x3.75 in in dimensions, I added 0.25 inch to each side of my measurements. This is just how I did it and does not in any way mean that this is the easiest way for you to do it. The frame can be built numerous ways and the way that I used is just one of many.

It is also important to note that I used a miter saw as it was the best tool that I had available to me. However, the pieces can also be cut at your local home improvement store or at home with a hacksaw.
I then assembled the pieces together using some drywall screws and a drill. Again, this can also be done with a screwdriver if needed. *Make sure you pre-drill your holes!

Next, I cut the pieces for the molding out of some trim I had laying around. I cut 45-degree miters into them and then assembled the trim finish using nails. This could also be done with glue or screws depending on what you have laying around. I then proceeded to finally attach the trim to the base frame.

Then put the glass into the frame and make sure that everything fits together snugly. If the glass doesn't fit the first time, resize the frame and try again.

Step 3: Mount the Internals

I secured the glass where it was by cutting some small pieces of 1x4s into small triangles. I screwed them into the corners to sandwich the glass in between the two pieces of wood.

I created a monitor strap/mount using some spare 1x4 wood. I used the VESA mounting holes on the monitor to secure the monitor to the wood. I then used more drywall screws to sandwich the monitor between the strapping and the glass so that the monitor wouldn't move.

Finally, I cut out and hot glued a black foam poster board to act as an opaque layer and mounted a raspberry pi and all of the power equipment inside the frame. I cut a small notch in the frame so I could easily run the wire through.

Step 4: Program the Raspberry Pi

Like I said in the video, the software part of this project is a bit command line intensive. The steps below were taken from Magic Mirror Central's Blog Post so credit goes to them for these steps.

Step 5: Mount the Mirror on the Wall

I used a stud finder to find where my studs were located near the area in which I wanted to mount my mirror.

using a stud finder

I then screwed a cleat into the stud using 4-inch screws.

Finally, place the mirror frame onto the cleat and screw it in from the top using 3" or 4" screws.

Step 6: Mirror Mirror on the Wall

With that, our project is finally over. You can sit back and admire the work you have just done or look at yourself in the mirror like I ended up doing.

As I mentioned before, the Magic Mirror platform is very modular and expandable. So it is very easy to get started adding on modules to the platform. Visit https://github.com/MichMich/MagicMirror#modules to learn more.

Thanks to this project's sponsor, ULI KIT Desks. The desks are super ergonomic and are well worth the price. Leave a comment in the description of my video to be entered in a giveaway to win one of these desks for free!

Link to Desk: https://amzn.to/2ClVaGm

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If you have any questions or need any help, please Direct Message me on Instagram @srivishnutech .