How to Hang a Mirror

Home Improvement

To make a room appear larger, it’s important to properly place a mirror. However, hanging a mirror is not as simple as just hammering a nail into the wall and hanging it. The mirror must be placed at a level where it can be seen by most people and where the wall can support its weight. Mirrors can be placed in various areas such as bedrooms, bathrooms, hallways, and entranceways. Once you have decided where to place the mirror, you must determine how to mount it on the wall [source: Goering]. Follow these steps to learn how to hang a mirror:

1. Mark a spot on both sides of the back of the mirror frame about one-fifth of the way down.
2. Drill a pilot hole on each mark and screw in a D ring. Ensure the rings are tightly secured to the frame. Do not over-tighten the rings or the frame may crack.
3. Insert a mirror wire through the D rings.
4. Knot the wire around the D of the D ring and twist the extra wire ends to prevent unraveling. The wire should have enough play in it.
5. Hold the mirror against the wall where you want it mounted and draw a line around all sides of the mirror.
6. Mark the centers of the top and bottom lines.
7. Draw a line connecting the two center marks.
8. Measure the distance between the center line and the right side of the mirror. Draw another vertical line halfway between these two lines. Repeat the process on the left side.
9. Make a mark one-third of the way down the lines you just drew. These are the spots where you will place the hooks to hold the mirror.
10. Screw two hooks into the wall at the spots you marked.
11. Hang up the mirror and step back to see if it’s straight [source: Ooks].

FAQ

1. What is the best height to hang a mirror?

The best height to hang a mirror depends on its purpose and the height of the person using it. For example, a full-length mirror should be hung so that the center of the mirror is at eye level. A bathroom mirror should be hung so that the bottom edge is about 40 inches from the floor. In general, most mirrors should be hung so that the center of the mirror is about 57 inches from the floor.

2. What hardware do I need to hang a mirror?

The hardware you need to hang a mirror depends on the mirror’s weight and the type of wall it will be hung on. For a small, lightweight mirror, you can use picture hangers or adhesive hooks. For a heavier mirror, use heavy-duty picture hangers or wall anchors. You will also need a drill, a level, and a pencil to mark the wall where you want to hang the mirror.

3. How do I find a stud to hang a heavy mirror?

To hang a heavy mirror, you should find a stud in the wall to support the weight. Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall. Once you have found the stud, mark it with a pencil. Then, use a drill to screw the heavy-duty picture hanger or wall anchor into the stud.

4. Can I hang a mirror on a brick wall?

Yes, you can hang a mirror on a brick wall. However, you will need to use special masonry anchors and screws designed for use with brick. Drill a hole into the brick where you want to hang the mirror, insert the anchor, and then screw the heavy-duty picture hanger or wall anchor into the anchor.

5. How do I hang a mirror without nails?

You can hang a mirror without nails using adhesive hooks or mounting tape. Adhesive hooks can hold up to a certain weight, so make sure to choose the appropriate weight rating for your mirror. To use mounting tape, clean the wall and back of the mirror, cut the tape to size, and press the mirror firmly against the wall.

6. How do I hang a mirror with wire?

To hang a mirror with wire, you will need to attach the wire to the back of the mirror using picture wire or D-rings. Then, use a heavy-duty picture hanger or wall anchor to hang the mirror on the wall. Use a level to ensure that the mirror is straight.

7. Can I hang a mirror on a door?

Yes, you can hang a mirror on a door. You can use adhesive hooks or over-the-door hangers to hang a small, lightweight mirror. For a larger or heavier mirror, use heavy-duty picture hangers or wall anchors to attach the mirror to the door.

8. How do I prevent a mirror from sliding or tilting?

To prevent a mirror from sliding or tilting, use mirror clips or J-channel. Mirror clips are small metal clips that attach to the bottom of the mirror and the wall. J-channel is a metal track that is attached to the wall and the mirror rests inside. Both options will keep the mirror secure and prevent it from moving.

9. How do I clean a hanging mirror?

To clean a hanging mirror, use a soft, lint-free cloth or microfiber towel and a glass cleaner. Spray the cleaner onto the cloth or towel, not directly onto the mirror, and wipe the mirror in a circular motion. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or paper towels, which can scratch the mirror’s surface.