$100 Smart Mirror - Raspberry Pi Controlled

What is the best way to look at the time? Through an old-fashioned clock? With a watch?

WRONG - you should read the time while watching Netflix, or checking the weather, or listening to Spotify. With my Smart Mirror, you read the time while interacting with almost anything.

I have always wanted a smart mirror because it looks futuristic and feels like something from a sci fi movie. Most smart mirrors online are extremely expensive, so I decided to build my own in a simple and affordable way. This project helped me learn about hardware, software, and how both fit together to create something that actually works in daily life.

I used a Raspberry Pi 4, a custom frame, a two way acrylic sheet, and a few printed parts. My aim was to make something that looks clean, runs smoothly, and does not cost too much. If you want a fun project that teaches you useful tech skills, this is a great one to try. You can easily build it over a weekend!

1. Raspberry Pi 4
2. MicroSD card
3. Monitor with HDMI input
4. Two way acrylic mirror sheet
5. Custom frame
6. 3D printed Raspberry Pi case
7. HDMI cable
8. Power supply for the Pi
9. Screws or brackets
10. Double sided tape or Velcro
11. Keyboard and mouse for the setup process

I started with the physical part of the project. Instead of making the frame myself, I outsourced it from a frame shop. This saved me time and the finish was much better. You can choose any design you like, but make sure the frame can fit your monitor comfortably and has space at the back for the Raspberry Pi.

Once the frame was ready, I placed the monitor inside it and checked that everything aligned well.

To reduce costs, I used a two way acrylic sheet instead of real two way glass. Acrylic is much cheaper, lighter, and easier to cut. One side is reflective and the other side is transparent. This is exactly what you need because the text and widgets from the display should shine through the transparent side while the rest of the mirror still looks like a normal mirror.

I placed the acrylic sheet in front of the monitor inside the frame. Make sure the reflective side faces outwards and the transparent side faces the screen. Secure it gently so it does not bend.

Now for the smart part of the mirror. I used a Raspberry Pi 4 because it is powerful and easy to set up.

1. Flash Raspberry Pi OS onto your microSD card using Raspberry Pi Imager.
2. Insert the card into the Pi.
3. Connect the Pi to the monitor using HDMI.
4. Plug in the power.
5. Set up the internet connection.

After that, I installed the well known Smart Mirror library called MagicMirror. It provides all the modules and layout systems that make your mirror work.

You can customize the Smart Mirror to show the following

1. The Time (of course!)
2. A daily motivational quote
3. Live crypto or stock prices
4. A random fun fact of the day
5. A customizable avatar that reacts to the time of day
6. A live countdown to any event you choose

To install it, open the terminal and type:

To keep the inside of the mirror neat, I 3D printed a custom case for the Raspberry Pi. This made the whole setup look cleaner and prevented loose cables from hanging around. You can find many Raspberry Pi 4 case files online or design one yourself if you want something more unique.

Once printed, mount the Pi inside the case and attach it to the back of the frame using screws or Velcro.

Now combine everything. Hide the monitor cables behind the frame, mount the Raspberry Pi securely, and make sure the acrylic sheet sits flat against the frame. Plug everything in and test the smart mirror. You should see the widgets appear through the acrylic sheet while the rest of the surface looks like a normal mirror.

At this point you can adjust brightness, change the theme of MagicMirror, add new modules, or rearrange the layout. Also, if you can, add LED lights around it, it looks so much better!!!