How to Hang a Mirror

How to Hang a Mirror

Mirrors are an effective way to fill empty wall space and create the illusion of a more open room. But they can be heavy and breakable, so they must be hung securely with the correct fixings for your wall type.

You also need to take into consideration the way your mirror is designed. Some use holes for mounting, others use hooks or D-rings, or older mirrors may even have a string cord. All of this will determine the method you use; Speedy Hire will cover them all below.

 

You will need:

• Detector
• Hammer drill
• Rawl plugs
• Screws (or hooks)
• Spirit level
• Tape measure
• Masking tape
• Pencil
• Screwdriver

A really lightweight small mirror for decorative purposes only may only require a picture hook nailed to the wall, so the guide below is for larger mirrors requiring screws or heavy hooks.

Your mirror may come with the necessary fittings already, so check when you buy. If not, ensure you purchase rawl plugs and fittings which are suitable for both your wall type and the weight of the mirror, as well as screw heads which are the correct size for the holes to fit over.

If you need hooks, heavy-duty J-hooks may be the best option. They can usually hold large weights and sit flush to the wall, ensuring your mirror doesn't sit at an angle.

 

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How to hang a heavy mirror: Step by step

The first step, no matter the mirror type, is to check your walls using a detector. This will pick up anywhere you can't drill, such as over wires or pipes, and can also pick up any studs in a stud wall, which can help hold heavy items.

Wear PPE for the below jobs. You will need a mask and eye protection when drilling due to dust, as well as grip gloves when lifting your mirror.

You can move on once this is done and you are kitted up.

 

1. Measure the wall

You will want to measure the wall length to determine the centre point and then measure your mirror width to see where it will hang.

Then, determine how high the mirror will have to be. If it is a functional mirror, check you can comfortably look into it. If more decorative, you may want to consider the spacing above the fireplace or similar.

Make a small pencil mark on this central point to use as a guide.

 

2. Mark the holes

Masking tape is an excellent hack for marking the exact placement of the holes to hang a mirror, cutting out the need to take measurements. Just ensure it is a standard low-tack white tape for better visibility of pencil marks.

Stick one long piece of masking tape over the back of the mirror, covering the screw holes. Use a pencil to mark where the holes are. Also, mark the centre point of the mirror.

Peel off the masking tape, then stick to the wall, ensuring you follow the mark already on the wall for the central point. This should now show you where you have to drill. Use your spirit level to check the tape is in a straight line.

If your mirror uses D-hooks or string, use the masking tape hack to mark the D-hooks or evenly space out where the string hooks will need to sit.

 

3. Drill

You can drill your holes with the masking tape still in place as a guide.

First, drill the pilot hole. Use the correct drill bit for both the wall type and the size of the rawl plugs/screws being used.

Once done, push the rawl plugs into place, tapping snugly into place with a hammer if needed.

 

4. Fit the screws

Now's time to screw the screws into the rawl plugs using a screwdriver. It is important here to not screw them in completely so your mirror has something to sit on.

Try and roughly work out how deep the holes are and leave that much screw protruding. You want to ensure the mirror is flat to the wall, so don't leave too much screw protruding, either. A guide of around 10mm is usually the norm.

If using hooks, screw the hooks into the rawl plugs by hand instead. These will need to be tight to the wall.

 

5. Hang the mirror

Now is the time to hang the mirror. You may need help here if it is heavy. Match up the holes to the screws and slot in. The mirror will then slot down slightly so the screw sits in the thinner part of the hole.

And there you have it! Your mirror should be securely fitted to the wall. If it's not quite flat against the wall, bring it down again and screw the screws in a bit further.

 

FAQs

Can I hang a heavy mirror on my wall?

A home generally has two types of internal walls: masonry and stud plasterboard walls.

A mirror over 20kg in weight is best hung on a masonry wall for strength, but you can also hang it on a plasterboard wall if you use the correct fittings and try using the studs as a drill point.

Anything below 20kg is acceptable for all wall types, although you should still use the fitting dedicated to your wall type for additional security.

Mirrors over 50kg generally shouldn't be wall mounted, even on masonry walls. So, when buying your mirror, check if it is suitable for wall mounting. Alternatively, you may sit it on a fireplace or large mantel, but you will still need to secure it to the wall.

In this case, it is best to consult a professional.

 

Can I place a mirror anywhere?

Mirrors can be placed anywhere if you've checked the wall for wires and pipes and are sure the wall is load-bearing for the mirror's weight.

You may want to check the user guide for your particular mirror, though. Some recommend that their mirror isn't used in areas of high heat, so it may not be suitable for use above a fire or radiator. Others may warn of areas with high humidity so as not to hang their mirrors in a bathroom.

This advice generally refers to mirrors with frames where specific glue or materials have been used.

 

How can I clean my mirror?

Again, refer to user guides and care instructions for your specific mirror. A feather duster could clean the top of the frame, and a microfibre cloth with glass cleaner can clean the glass. Remember to not press too hard, as you don't want to cause the mirror or hooks to come loose.

We'd recommend removing the mirror from the wall for deeper cleaning, such as a spring clean. Lay flat on the ground on top of a thick cloth or old duvet, and get someone to help you take it up and down.

 

READY FOR MORE DIY TIPS?

Thank you for reading our Speedy Hire blog. We hope you found this guide to hanging a mirror helpful.

If you are adding more decorative additions to your home, read our guide on putting up a shelf for inspiration.

Why not start planning your next DIY project and open a Speedy account online or on the app for all your tool hire needs?

 

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