PUT AN OLD MONITOR BEHIND GLASS AND THE MIRROR STARTS TELLING YOU THE DAY
The time, the weather and your calendar appear to float inside the glass, and the rest of the surface still works as a mirror.
DisplaysHome
- difficulty
- ●●●○○
- time
- a weekend
- license
- MIT
- repo
- repo ACTIVE23,707 stars
●●●○○ · a weekend · MIT · 23,707 stars · repo ACTIVE
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- Dev board / microcontroller — runs the project firmware
Partner
COMPAREE VERDICT
MagicMirror2 is the software that runs almost every DIY smart mirror, and it has earned that position by being stable, modular and well-documented. The installation instructions are clear, the module system means you add only what you need, and because it runs on Electron there is no web server to configure. The physics is deliberately low-tech: a monitor stripped out of its plastic case, a wooden frame, two-way mirror film or glass over the screen, and a Raspberry Pi behind it. Bright pixels shine through the glass, black pixels stay mirror. The software install is straightforward; the physical build is where weekends get eaten. The repository does not include frame plans or a parts list because every build is different — the monitor size dictates everything else. You will be measuring, cutting and routing cable channels yourself, and if you have never built a frame before, plan for a second attempt. The single most common mistake is buying standard mirror glass instead of two-way mirror film or proper two-way glass; standard mirror is opaque and the whole thing fails. The appeal is that there is no touchscreen, no microphone and nothing listening by default — you walk past and read it, which is exactly why these end up in hallways and bathrooms where picking up a phone is the behaviour you are trying to avoid.
IN THE REPO
NOT IN THE REPO
- —MIT licensed software with 23.7k stars and active development.
- —Full installation docs, module directory and community forum at docs.magicmirror.builders.
- —No bill of materials or frame plans in the repository — those are builder-specific.
- —The software is complete and production-ready; the physical build is documented in community tutorials, not in the repo itself.
- —Two-way mirror glass or film must be sourced separately and is not linked from the repository.
- —MIT licence permits commercial use without restriction.
Can I build this?
Build at your own risk. Projects involve tools, electronics and sometimes mains voltage — follow the creator’s safety notes.
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Videos
Raspberry Pi Magic Mirror - Becky Stern
No official project video. The repository links to docs.magicmirror.builders for written installation steps. Community walkthroughs exist on YouTube (several by different builders) but are not linked from the repo.
Gallery
Start here
Navigation into the creator’s own docs — we don’t rewrite the guide, we route you to the source.
- 1.Read the installation guide at docs.magicmirror.builders before buying anything (The guide walks through Raspberry Pi setup, software install and module configuration step by step.)
- 2.Decide on monitor size first — everything else dimensions from that(A 24-inch monitor is a common starting point. Measure the visible screen area, not the outer case.)
- 3.Source two-way mirror film or glass — this is the part most people get wrong(Standard mirror glass is opaque. You need two-way (also called 'smart mirror' or 'observation glass'). Film is cheaper and easier to cut; glass looks better but costs more and requires precise cutting.)
- 4.Clone the repository and follow the automatic installer on a fresh Raspberry Pi OS install (The installer script handles dependencies. SSH access to the Pi is required.)
Resources
Documentation, files and community threads for this build — we link straight to the original sources and never rehost the creator’s files.
- Installation documentation docs.magicmirror.builders
- Third-party module directory github.com
- Community forum forum.magicmirror.builders
- Build video youtube.com
- Project site magicmirror.builders
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KNOWN ISSUES
- Buying standard mirror glass instead of two-way mirror film or glass — the screen will not show through and the build fails completely.
- Underestimating the frame build if you have not done woodworking before — the software install is the easy part.
- Not leaving enough depth in the frame for the monitor electronics and the Raspberry Pi behind it.
- Choosing a monitor that runs too hot in an enclosed frame — older monitors can overheat if airflow is restricted.
- Expecting the repository to include a bill of materials or frame plans — those are builder-specific and documented in community tutorials, not in the repo.
- Installing modules from unknown sources without checking recent issues — some third-party modules are abandoned and break on newer Node versions.
Do I need a touchscreen monitor?
No. The default design has no touch interaction — you configure everything via the config file and the display is read-only. Some community modules add touch support, but that is optional.
Can I use something other than a Raspberry Pi?
Yes. The software runs on any system that supports Node.js and Electron (Linux, macOS, Windows). Raspberry Pi is recommended because it is low-power and fits behind the monitor easily.
How much does two-way mirror glass cost?
Pre-cut two-way mirror glass for a 24-inch monitor typically costs $80–$150 depending on supplier and location. Two-way mirror film is cheaper (around $30–$50 for a sheet) but requires careful application to avoid bubbles.
What if I want to add new information to the display?
Everything on screen is a module. The third-party module directory has hundreds of options (public transport, traffic, camera-based face recognition, cryptocurrency prices). You add them by editing the config file and restarting the software.
Does it need to be connected to the internet all the time?
Yes, for live data like weather, calendar sync and news feeds. The clock and compliments module work offline.
Community builds
No community builds yet — be the first, we feature the best ones.
Discussion1
FROM THE COMPAREE TEAM
23,700 stars and hundreds of third-party modules means this is the most-built smart mirror platform by a long margin. If you have already built one, what monitor size worked best and where did you actually hang it?
Michael Teeuw
Michael Teeuw created the original MagicMirror as a modular platform for displaying ambient information without interaction. MagicMirror2 is the second-generation rewrite with Electron and a plugin architecture. It is maintained by Teeuw and a large community of contributors.
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DISCLAIMER
- Comparee is not the author of the projects featured here. All rights to each project belong to its creator — every page links to the original source, and we never host creators’ files.
- Information is provided without warranty and may become outdated as projects evolve. Prices are indicative bands only — always check the creator’s parts list for current costs.
- Building and operating any project is at your own responsibility. Protective equipment, safe workshop practice and compliance with local regulations are the builder’s responsibility.
CompareeTEAM17d ago
Practical notes from our verification: the repository moved to the MagicMirrorOrg organization (old links redirect), the official docs are at docs.magicmirror.builders (well-maintained, clear install steps), and there is no official YouTube channel — the good walkthroughs are community-made. The single biggest decision is not the Raspberry Pi or the software, it is whether to buy pre-cut two-way mirror glass or apply film yourself. Glass looks better but costs more and requires exact dimensions; film is cheaper and more forgiving but takes patience to avoid bubbles. The frame build is where most weekends go long, especially if you are routing channels for cables and have not done it before.