A well-placed mirror can transform a small, dark room into a light and open space, making them a great addition to any home. But before you can sit back and enjoy your statement mirror, you’ll need to make sure it’s hung correctly and safely. We’ve rounded up the top tips for hanging a heavy mirror to help you along the way.
Tools and materials needed
Here’s the equipment you’ll need to hang a heavy mirror on the wall.
Tools
- Cordless drill
- Drill bit set and drivers
- Stud finder
- Spirit level
Materials
- Mirror
- Screws
- Pencil
7 Steps to hanging a heavy mirror on the wall
Follow the steps below to learn how to hang a heavy mirror on the wall.
Determine the weight of the mirror and the type of wall
Before you begin, make sure you have the correct tools to suit both the mirror and the wall. Carefully weigh your mirror (bathroom scales are fine) and check that the equipment you purchase can support its weight.
You also need to know what type of wall you’re dealing with. To find out whether it’s plasterboard or plaster, push a pin into the wall. If it goes in easily it’s plasterboard, but if not it’s plaster.
Identify the position of wall studs
Wall studs are wooden or metal frames that form the structure of walls. Since they are more sturdy than plasterboard or plaster, they can better support the weight of heavy mirrors or other objects.
Find the studs near your intended installation area using an electronic stud finder, then you’ll need to mark the position of the centre of the studs on the wall with a pencil.
Mark out the mirror’s desired position
Get someone to help you hold the mirror in its desired position. Use a spirit level to make sure the mirror is straight, then mark out a vertical line on the wall where the top edge of the mirror will be.
Measure the distance between the top edge of the mirror and the position of the mounting holes
Look at the back of the mirror and measure the distance between its top edge and the position of the mounting holes or the wire. Mark out the same distance on the wall, measuring down from the line you drew on it to represent the top edge of the mirror.
Mark out the position of your screws
Now it’s time to mark the position of your screws. Use a spirit level to make sure they are straight, and try to position them on a stud.
Use a drill to drive screws into the wall
Use a cordless drill to drive the screws into the wall. They should stick out from the wall by about ¼ inch.
Hang the mirror
Carefully position the mirror on the wall and hang its wall mount holes or wire over the screws. Once you’re sure it’s secure, your task is complete!
How to hang a mirror without nails
There are lots of reasons why you might not want to use nails to hang your mirror. Perhaps you’re living in a rented property where you’re not allowed to drill into the wall, or you’re looking for a quick fix.
Luckily there are ways to hang a mirror without nails. Keep in mind that these methods may not be suitable for heavy mirrors, and it’s important to check the maximum weight of the glue, adhesive tape or hooks you’re using.
Tools
- Spirit level
Materials
- Mirror
- Adhesive strips, glue, or hooks for mirrors and pictures
- Pencil
Check the weight of your mirror and supports
Just like before, you need to check that the items you purchase support the weight of the mirror.
Mark the position of the mirror on the wall
Use a pencil to mark out the desired position of the mirror on the wall. Use a spirit level to make sure it is straight.
Attach wall supports to the mirror or the wall
If you’re using glue or adhesive strips, follow the instructions about how to attach the mirror to the wall. The instructions will probably tell you to attach the glue or the strips to the back of the mirror.
If you’re using hooks, carefully push them into the plasterboard, leaving them sticking out enough so that your mirror can hang on them.
Hang the mirror on the wall
If you’re using glue or adhesive tape, press the mirror onto the wall for the recommended time. If you’re using hooks, carefully position the mirror onto the hooks so that they line up with the wire or the wall mount holes on the back of the mirror.
Watch-outs when hanging a heavy mirror
Hanging a mirror can be tricky, particularly if you don’t have much experience with DIY. You might be concerned about damaging the wall, damaging the mirror (nobody wants seven years’ bad luck!) or hurting yourself in the process.
If you’re not confident about hanging a heavy mirror yourself, it could be time to call in the professionals. Taskers can install a mirror for you in no time, removing all of the stress from your DIY project and giving you professional results.
