Opinion on painting mirror frame rabbet black

[Lou in DE]

I made a cherry frame for a 48 x 18 inch mirror for a wall in our bedroom. I will finish it with shellac and then about 3 coats of General Finishes clear satin. I have been experimenting with scraps by painting the rabbet facing the mirror black but can't decide if it looks too contrived and maybe I should just leave it like the rest of the mirror - I haven't put any finish on it yet. The mirror is not beveled but the frame has a slight bevel on the mirror side (inside).

Any opinions/preferences?

Lou

 

[nclemmons]

I've made a number of mirrors but never felt the need to paint the rabbet black.  The mirrors I have done were cherry or mahogany. Finished from natural to dark.  Always finished the rabbet to match the rest of the mirror.

One thought to explore but preserve your options...  You might cut black electrical tape and adhere to the finished frame in the rabbet and place the mirror in place and get some feedback on the look with a finished mirror.

 

[tjbnwi]

I finish to match the frame.

Tom

 

[Lou in DE]

My first inclination was to leave the frame natural as it will darken over time anyway - thanks for the input/confirmation.

Lou