My understanding is that the front of every mirror is glass and therefore should be fine... It's the silvering on the back of the mirror that is delicate. Perhaps there will be an expert here who will chime in.

GREAT mirror and moulding!

I just read in a decorating magazine somewhere (Martha, maybe?) that you can use white-board type markers on mirrors. Never tried it, but I can't see why it wouldn't work. Good luck!

I saw a show recently (Color Splash?) where he said you can use dry erase markers on a mirror just like a dry erase board. I never knew that! For fun, I've written on them with lipstick.

Do you live near a Hobby Lobby?

I haven't been in one in a while, but they used to carry markers specifically designed for glass in their art department. Wish I could remember the name.

I used to write reminders to myself all the time on my bathroom mirror using the dry erase markers. It cleaned up fine. But judging from the picture the OP posted I don't think that she would be happy with the color choice of dry erase markets. I would check out what is available at a craft store.

The girls at our local Starbucks write & draw on the glass around the coffee counter all the time - unique colors and styles. Maybe you could visit and see what they use? Beautiful mirror!

There is a product called Glass Chalk that can be used to write on car windows, etc. Comes off with a damp paper towel. Problem with that is that it has a pretty broad stroke, so I don't know that you could get the smaller writing that you might want.

mrslimestone-I would NOT write on a mirror you could not replace - especial with any modern day writing instruments such as white board markers, dry erase markers, etc. These markers are specific to the material the board is made from. You risk permanent shadowing or complete non-removal. I have been in the office products business for 30 years & have seen expensive conference boards ruined because the wrong markers were used. Grease pencils or China markers are your safest bet - they are an "old timey" item used on glass, or film, etc.
What I suggest is getting a thin piece of plexiglass cut to the size of your mirror and write on the plexi instead of directly on your mirror. You can install it easily with removal velcro dots on the outside frame. The plexi can be stored easily when not in use.
I really like your overall idea - I just would not write directly on an antique mirror.

I'd recommend finding some vinyl lettering that will easily peel off. You can get them in so many different colors and font styles.

My experience with dry erase markers is that they will leave some trace behind, especially if it is left on for many months.

What a beautiful mirror arrangement! In your position, I would not write on the mirror--ever! Instead, why not install a pair of really nice open rings to the top of the frame, and then, on special occasions, hang a beautiful piece of glass on those rings. You could commission a piece of stained glass that included a beautiful scrolling border surrounding a sheet of white art glass, and you could write on that glass without worries. High quality stained glass work looks just as good from the back as the front.

Whether you hang a sheet of glass or a custom art glass confection, the piece that you hang could be whatever dimensions you like, so that the beauty, light, and reflections of the mirror are fully in evidence.

I wouldn't write on that beautiful mirror either, and some residue surely would end up on the little ledge below. What about a cute easel with an erasable board on it? Not the same, but I've seen those in French cafes.

I know that latex paint comes right up off of mirrors/glass with a razor so I'm thinking that a water based paint pen should be good.

It's a beautiful idea! I'd be wary of dry erase only because sometimes the inks even stain a dry erase board if left un-erased for a long time.

My 14 y/o DD has used white board markers to write on her bathroom mirror for years with no ill-effects. She writes herself all sorts of reminders for school, upcoming tests, things to take, etc.

Thanks everyone.

I know that dry erase markers don't erase so well on my white board at work so Im assuming its a no no on this.

Wall words or anything that requires special ordering won't work since I want to be able to use it just for the night and get rid of it the next day.

I know many restaurants use their antique mirrors for this very purpose and do so for decades without harming the mirror. Ill do a search for some of the products you've recommended. Thanks again!

What a fabulous idea. I think I am going to steal it too, for my future kitchen (same vintage as your inspiration shot).

Thanks!

I have an antique framed mirror in my kitchen that I use dry erase markers on-have for the last 2 years with no problems. It's great for what we use it for-notes to each other, shopping list, spelling word practice. Dry erase markers do not look as cool as your example though.

By the way I absolutely love your kitchen,your house, that mirror!