Build a funky mirror-and-shelf duo

I believe that woodworking projects should be functional and well designed, built using materials that complement each other. But trying to combine these goals into something brand new is harder than it looks. While it may be easy for some to reproduce an established design, it's quite another thing to design something unique or even off the wall, as I like to call this project.

My eldest daughter is getting married this year. She asked me for a one-of-a-kind shelf and mirror for her new home. It's the kind of request that a woodworking father can't pass up. If you want to get started on your own unique project plans, see "Original Designs" on next page.

At first glance, this wall shelf and mirror project might seem difficult to build, but it's actually very simple. You can also change the look of it substantially by using different species of wood. I opted for exotic hardwoods, including zebrawood and wenge. Traditional species such as oak and maple would create a more conservative look.

All of the wood used is 3/4" thick. If you don't have a thickness planer, buy your material dressed down to this standard size. This project consists of two major pieces joined together: the shelf assembly and the mirror. Start with the shelf and back.

The back of the project is a 411/2"-long piece of zebrawood, paired with an 18"-long shelf. They are connected using a 5/16"-deep dado milled 5" up from the bottom of the back. Ideally, you should cut the dado using a tablesaw equipped with a dado blade, although you could use an ordinary cross-cut blade, making multiple passes until you reach the needed width. When your dado is ready, set this part of the project aside without glue.

Two-Sided Frame
The mirror frame is made up of just two pieces of 23/8"-wide wenge, mitred at 45º at the single corner and joined with a #20 biscuit and carpenter's glue. This L-shaped assembly cradles the mirror in a groove, leaving two edges of it exposed to view. If you don't own a biscuit joiner, use a pair of 3/8" x 11/4" fluted dowels glued into carefully drilled holes.

Rip the stile and rail to width, but leave them 1" longer than necessary in case the wood tears out as you mill the mirror groove. You can trim the extra length off later. Before cutting any grooves, get a small sample of the mirror you'll be using. You need it to determine the precise width of groove req­­uired.?Ask for 3-mm mirror, which converts to about 1/8" thick.