With their uncanny ability to create the illusion of large, open spaces, large mirrors can beautify almost any room in your home. However, the added weight of a large mirror requires you to spend a little more time and care than when hanging photos or paintings. Fear not - with a few simple tricks, it's not difficult to hang a heavy mirror properly. See Step 1 below to get started.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Walls For Mirrors
Step 1. Choose where you want to place the mirror
Choose a section of the wall that is relatively clutter-free and large enough to accommodate the entire mirror while leaving “room for spare”. In general, you'll also want to hang a mirror high enough for people to see themselves as they walk by, although there are situations where you will make exceptions to this rule, such as if you want to hang a mirror over a fireplace.
Step 2. Clean the area of the wall where you will hang the mirror
Make sure you have plenty of room to work around the area where you will hang the mirror. Having a large workspace prevents you from bumping furniture or other items around the mirror storage area, which could be a "disaster" if your mirror falls and is an antique as well.
- You may also want to clean the walls yourself if they get dirty. As we know heavy mirrors are difficult to clean on the back, so take this opportunity to clean “before” the mirror is hung.
- Set the mirror in a safe place to avoid damage when you are moving any furniture.
Step 3. Use the button detector to mark the end of the mirror on the wall
The button detector is a “very” important tool in mirror fitting. Behind some of the interior walls are spaced wooden beams called studs. You need to make sure that the screws or nails in the hanging mirror are driven directly into the studs. Otherwise, they will be supported by nothing but plaster which will not be able to withstand the weight of the mirror. Use an automatic button detector (available for sale at most hardware stores) to locate the buttons on your walls. Mark the outer edge of each button in the area where your mirror is with a pencil. This mark will serve as a guide when you install the mirror.
If you feel confident and have any reason not to use a button detector, you may be able to get closer to the button location by pressing the mirror against the wall. Use your index and middle finger to press firmly (but not too hard) against the wall and listen to the sound of the tapping as you move back and forth. When you press between the buttons it should sound more "loud" or "bouncing", while your pressure should sound flat and dull during the buttons. Note that this method is not as accurate as using a button detector
Step 4. Use a tape measure to mark the center of each button
Stretch a tape measure (or use a ruler) between each pencil mark on the wall. Use the tape to find the center of each button and mark it with a pencil. The center of the studs is the sturdiest and most stable place to hang the mirror, this is where you attach the screws close to the center of each stud.
Part 2 of 3: Using Wire Hangers
Step 1. Use a tape measure to find the center of the mirror
Measure the length and width of the mirror - the center points of these measurements, when combined, will give the mirror the exact center. It is very important to find the exact center of the mirror so that you will be able to accurately attach the supports to the mirror frame.
It's also a good idea to carefully mark the center of each edge of the mirror on the back of the frame
Step 2. Attach the D-ring to the back of the mirror
Mark 2 spots about 15.24 cm from the top on either side of the center of the back of the mirror. Place two D-rings on the mark. This D-ring will guide the wire hangers that are later attached, keeping them aligned and balanced.
Step 3. Install the screw eye on the bottom of the mirror
Mark two spots near the bottom of the frame, one on each side from the center of the mirror.
Step 4. Bend the metal wire
Split the two wires and connect them through one eye of the screw, and through the D-ring, then back to the eye of the screw on the other side of the frame. Keep some of the wire slack, as you'll need to hang on to the supports to attach to the wall later.
Step 5. Use scrap wire pieces to strengthen the wire hanger
Cut the wire into four wires of the same length. Wrap the scrap wire tightly around the wire hanger a few times and secure the loop with pliers, hooking it to one of the screw eyes. Repeat a second time at the place where the wire connects with the D-ring.
Step 6. Make the final wire loop through the remaining screw eye
Cut and wind the wire, connecting it tightly. The winding of the wire is tightened with pliers.
Step 7. Gently lift the mirror to the desired position
Be careful with using your hands or asking a friend to mark the wall in the middle at the top of the mirror. Be careful putting the mirror down and back down to a safe place.
Step 8. Use a ruler to draw a line on the wall
You'll need to draw a line on the wall that's exactly parallel to the floor - you'll use this line to see if the hanging mirror is straight or not. Position the ruler on the wall at the top of the center that has just been marked, then when the curve is kept between the two lines in the horizontal tube, be careful to draw a straight line along the edge.
Step 9. Draw a line along the center of the two adjacent buttons all the way to the top row
Locate the two studs that are within the area of the mirror you will be using – the wider the better, but it doesn't have to be outside the rim of the mirror. From the center of this button, draw a vertical line with a horizontal line on top. Mark a point about 10, 16 - 12.7 cm from the top line along the center line of each button.
These are the points where you will attach the mirror supports to the wall, so use a ruler to make sure these points line up horizontally
Step 10. Attach the hanger to the wall in the 2 positions just marked
Push the two screws into the wall for the hangers - one at each of the points just marked. Use an automatic drill to make holes that are narrower than the screws for the hangers you choose at each mark, then use a screwdriver to push the screws in, making sure there are enough screws protruding from the wall to hang the wire.
- Before screwing in, 'make sure' to calculate that your total weight is greater than the mirror's weight. Keep in mind that the effective weight on the mirror can increase when you pull it off the wall to clean the underside.
- Not all screws for hangers are the same. Follow the advice of an experienced professional or the manufacturer's instructions that came with the screw if you are unsure about how to install the screw securely.
- Alternatively, you can choose to use concrete nails, as pictured.
Step 11. Slowly lift the mirror to the wall position
Hook the mirror wire on the two screws for the hanger. Make sure the wires rest on the two hangers securely, then slowly and gently remove the mirror, allowing the screws to hold the weight.
Step 12. Adjust the mirror so that it is level and easy to clean
Use a horizontal line on the wall and/or a ruler to fine-tune the position of the mirror so that it hangs perfectly parallel to the floor. When you're done, be careful to use the eraser gently to erase the lines you just made on the wall.
Some home improvement companies recommend special cleaning products for removing pencil marks, specifically the "Magic Eraser" and other similar melamine foam sponges
Part 3 of 3: Using French Cleats
Step 1. Prepare the walls as usual
This method uses a special type of mount called French cleats to hang the mirror, rather than using hanging wire. However, still use the studs on the wall for support, so it is necessary to prepare the walls and mark the studs and their centers, then proceed through Part One from above as usual, cleaning the surrounding area and carefully marking the studs.
Step 2. Buy or make French cleats
French cleats are wide, the supports are made of wood (or sometimes metal) used to hang heavy objects on the wall. These are usually available at building stores - if you are looking to purchase commercial cleats, look for a set that is rated to support a load greater than mirror to hang. However, if you have a piece of wood and a basic knowledge of woodworking, it's not that difficult to make your own. Follow the instructions below:
- Cut the board about 2 cm thick so that the length is slightly shorter than the width of your mirror.
- Make a 30-45 degree slope which will reduce the length of the board near its center. You now have two pieces of wood, each with a wide face and a slightly smaller surface, and each with a beveled edge. The pieces of wood will match or match to make a sturdy hanging platform for your mirror.
Step 3. Attach one of the cleats along the top edge of the back of your mirror
Using strong glue or suitable screws, secure one of your cleats to the back of the mirror - usually fewer than two. Position the small surface of the cleat just below the top edge of the mirror with the beveled edge pointing downwards. Use a ruler to make sure it's completely straight. This should make it face down like a "hook", which will eventually hang on the wall cleat to support the mirror.
If using commercial cleats, follow the manufacturer's instructions - However, the basic idea should be roughly the same - you want the cleat "hook" to point downwards so it will catch the cleats adhering to the wall
Step 4. If necessary, attach the board to the bottom of the mirror
When the mirror finally sits on the cleat, the weight will be supported along its top edge. if there is no support for the bottom of the mirror, the weight of the mirror can cause the mirror to "twist" against the wall, damaging the mirror or tearing the cleats out of the wall. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the bottom edge fits snugly against the wall. Add a length of board equal in thickness to the cleat to the bottom edge of the mirror. These are called "offset boards" - the supports for the bottom of the wall mirror.
If you plan to install your own mirror, one way to avoid using offset boards is to trim the top edge of the mirror's wood frame with beveled edges so it can act as a cleat on its own
Step 5. Mark the position of the second cleat on the wall
Mount the cleats in (usually the larger of the two) must be securely mounted on the wall to ensure the mirror is well supported. Use the ruler to draw a vertical line through the center of the stud, then use the ruler again to draw a horizontal line through the new lines at the right height if you want your cleats to be firm. Mark each intersection of the stud center path and the horizontal line above you - this is the location where you will secure the cleats to the wall.
Step 6. Install the second cleat on the wall
Using wood screws (commonly used for larger weights than mirrors) to fasten the cleats to the wall, turn the screws through the wood cleats and into the centers of some of the studs. The cleats should be adjusted so that they have a wide surface showing from the wall and the beveled edge is pointing up like a "hook."
Again, if you're using commercial cleats, follow the manufacturer's instructions, but they're usually the same as you normally would
Step 7. Hang the mirror
Lift the mirror into place and lock the two cleat "latches" together. They should be the same as pieces of a puzzle. Continue reducing the load on the mirror until it is fully supported by the cleats.
Note - if you have used wood glue to secure the mirror cleats, be sure to wait for the glue to dry completely before hanging the mirror. Even if you are 100% sure that the glue has dried, hang the mirror up slowly. If possible, ask a friend to help hold the mirror, it must be glue that is proven to have enough strength to support a greater weight than the mirror
Tips
- Ask for help lifting the mirror.
- Many art and framing stores sell picture hanging kits that contain all the hardware and cables to hang your mirror. When choosing a kit, be sure to choose one specifically designed to handle the weight of your mirror and follow the directions on the package.
