Proper preparation , let in choosing the good hardware , is critical to safely and firmly hanging a mirror .
Because they reflect light around a room , decorating with mirrorsis a flying joke to make spaces find adult and brighter . But it ’s important to know how to hang a heavy mirror safely . Both rich and fragile , mirror place a challenge for drywall and plaster bulwark because of their size and weight .
Most new mirrors come with mounting computer hardware , but selecting the right facility hardware ( the turnkey , bolts , and anchor that fasten into the wall ) need careful thinking . Afterdetermining your rampart typeand picking out the right supply , habituate the following advice on how to flow a enceinte mirror firmly to brush up your way while protecting your bulwark and interior decoration .
Credit: Maria-Carla Atencio
Note that the tools you need will be subordinate on what wall drop anchor you use .
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
Materials
Instructions
Set yourself up for succeeder with the right peter and exact measurements . Then , collect the important item needed to peck the good installation hardware recommended for hang a heavy mirror .
Determine Mirror Weight and Mounting Hardware
Look for a mirror ’s weight in the product specs , or weigh the mirror on a bathroom scale . Most novel purchases have mounting computer hardware included . Look for cholecalciferol - rings , wire , clips , or square bracket ( French cleats ) attach to the back or admit in the leverage . If your mirror does n’t have mount computer hardware , you ’ll first have to instal it .
Know Your Wall Type
New builds or recently reforge homes usually have dry wall , while many older home haveplaster wall . If you ’re incertain which type you have , essay pressing a drawing pin into the wall . You ’ll be able to well force the saddlery into dry wall but not into plaster . Masonry , such as brick , is another wall character you might encounter that will affect how you hang a mirror .
Identify Studs and Potential Obstacles
make up one’s mind where to hang the mirror , strike off the corner or edges with cougar ’s tape or a pencil . This will also aid you visualize the mirror in the room . Then , use amultifunction stud finderto locate any studs , pipes , or wires in the orbit .
Studs can be helpful for hanging a heavy mirror , but avoid drilling through pipes or inserting a screw into live wire . For especially weighed down mirror , it ’s best to ensure at least one gaoler into a stud , so now is the time to reconsider if the declare oneself smirch will work .
BHG / Sanja Kostic
Credit:BHG / Sanja Kostic
Make the Mirror Level
Not only does a crooked mirror look big , but it ’s crucial to learn how to cling a leaden mirror the right way because hang it unevenly could apply pressure that causes the fasteners to fail , potentially resulting in a lot of broken glass and abig maw in the bulwark .
measuring are critical in arrive at a mirror floor . set forth by measuring and mark the top of the mirror with painters tape , thenuse a levelto make certain the business is straight and at the center on the painters tape , too , because you ’ll necessitate to cite this point while marking where to place screw and wall anchors .
When transferring installation attribute to the paries , it ’s also imperative tolevel the measurementbetween the mounting points .
Leveling Tips for Different Types of Hardware
Brackets
This type of mounting hardware is the easiest to make level . Measure from the top of the mirror to the bracket and the duration of the angle bracket . Transferthose measurementsto the bulwark . When you ’re quick to install , start with the middle screw to have something in place , then level it out before place in the residue of the screws .
D-rings or Keyholes
Measure from the top of the mirror to the top of the five hundred - ring or keyhole . Then measure the aloofness between the two mounting points . When transfer these measurement to the paries , pay extra attention to the leveling of the two mounting points .
Wire
valuate for wire is a fiddling trickier since you ’ll need to determine the mounting full point yourself . We suggest two points so the weight is better pass on . With the mirror shore against the wall or lying face down , raise the wire to make it taut and identify two gunpoint that will distribute the pressure equally across the conducting wire .
Choose two dot that are not too close together ; commence around 12 inches ( a standard ruler duration ) for a big mirror and aline from there .
Once you ’ve find the two point , measure the distancebetween them and the space between the taut conducting wire and the top of the mirror . When transferring these measurements to the wall , level the two mounting points .
Credit: Annie Schlechter
How to Hang a Heavy Mirror on Different Types of Walls
Although hang a heavy target from a stud in the bulwark is preferred , studs are n’t always exactly where you need them . alternatively , use wall anchorsto guarantee a big mirror . The weight of the mirror and the type of paries it hangs on are the key broker in selecting the suitable wall anchor .
It ’s full practice to opt a fastener that can support more than the required weight unit .
Most fixing packaging will secern you how much weight the ware can hold , what type of wall it should be used on , and how to install it ( let in the practice bite size , if necessary ) .
D - rings , keyhole , and wire - mounted mirror can all be attend on an anchored screw . Just call back to impart a quarter- or half - inch sticking out . Brackets , however , take to be in place before screws can be set up .
How to Hang a Heavy Mirror on Drywall
Choose the Right Anchors
If sleep together into a stud , you ’ll only demand a 1¼-inch fucking or 1⅝-inch piece of tail for dependable mount through ½-inch drywall . If you ’re hang a heavy mirror on drywall without the bread and butter of a stud , you needdrywall anchorsthat can wear the weight of your mirror . checker out sleeve enlargement anchors for lighter weights .
Install the Anchors
To install , practise a pilot film hole , then insert the anchor and rap or screw it into property , loaded against the wall . Threading the screw into the mainstay with either a screwdriver or drill will cause the anchor to expand and wedge firmly into the bulwark . ego - boring drywall anchors work similarly but can handle heavier weightiness , and they do n’t require a pilot hole or bore to install .
Molly bolt and toggle switch bolts are hollow paries backbone that also puzzle out on drywall . Toggles are commend for the heaviest object on both drywall and plaster .
How to Hang a Heavy Mirror on Plaster
If get it on into a stud , you ’ll belike only need a 3 - inch screw . This get the screw through 1 inch of adhesive plaster wall and 2 inches late into the stud . If you ’re hanging a heavy mirror on plaster without a stud , your best wager is a vacuous rampart linchpin , such as a toggle thunderbolt , that enlarge and secures behind the plaster wall . In gain to picking the right weight electrical capacity , the duration of the hollow wall anchor is essential because the bolt must hold out beyond the wall so it can exposit behind it .
Molly bolts are a intermediate - weight hollow bulwark anchorman . To expend , practise a buffer yap , then tap the entire bolt — sleeve and screwing — into the hole until flush against the rampart . Tighten the thunderbolt into the wall to elaborate the anchor . Once you ’ve tightened the thunderbolt fully , you’re able to unscrew it a bit for distance to flow the mirror .
A metal toggle bolt of lightning is the strong wall anchorperson available due to its metal material and functional blueprint . It typically holds up to 85 pounds .
Drill Pilot Hole and Thread Toggle
Start by drilling a pilot pickle , then wander the toggle onto the thunderbolt so the wing open towards the wall ( not forth from it ) . Push the toggle ( wings folded down ) through the cowcatcher hole . The wing will open once inside . Pull the bolt towards you to ensure the wings against the wall . Screw the bolt of lightning into post , tightening the offstage .
How to Hang a Heavy Mirror on Brick and Other Surfaces
Choose the Right Anchor
Like plasterwork and drywall , brick demand a wall anchor when installing a heavy mirror . Check out plastic sleeve linchpin that are serious for masonry or a Freemasonry arm anchorman for really heavy decor . Unlike the others , brick want more specialised facility tools , including a hammer drill and masonry practice session bits .
Know How to Drill the Surface
Similarly , if you ’re hanging a operose mirror on a surface covering , such as beaded boardor tile , be aware that the drill needs to go through both the surface and the paries behind it .
Use carbide - tipped bits when drillingceramic tileto prevent cracking as you ’re making a hole for an anchor .
How to Hang a Frameless Mirror
Many frameless mirrors bank on mirror clipping installed at the top and bottom of the mirror ( and sometimes along the position ) . A Modern leverage would belike descend with its hardware , but you’re able to also corrupt a battalion of time for a mirror . Just check that the mirror heaviness matches the indicated clip thickness . Some mirror clips are designed to be seen around the mirror ’s edges , so there is some variety in the option of shape , material , and stopping point .
Level Carefully
Go Online for Directions
If you are n’t certain where to deploy the clips or how many to use , try checking out a like product currently for sales event at a home betterment store . These new products ordinarily include directions and mounting hardware — sometimes approachable online — that you’re able to use to get an idea of how to mount your mirror .
