With their incredible ability to create the illusion of large and open spaces, large mirrors can be that nice extra touch in almost any room in the house. However, the weight of a large mirror takes a little more time and care to install than a print or photo. Don't worry - with a couple of simple tricks, it's not hard to hang a heavy mirror the right way. Follow the first step to get started.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Prepare the Wall for the Mirror
Step 1. Choose where you want to mount the mirror
Choose a part of the wall that is relatively free of other objects and large enough to accommodate the entire mirror with extra space. You could also hang the mirror so high that people can look into each other's eyes as they pass by, although there are circumstances where an exception can be made, for example if you want to hang it above a mantel.
Step 2. Clear the area in front of the wall where you will hang the mirror
Make sure you have plenty of room to work in your chosen area. Having free space to move around avoids the risk of tripping over furniture or other objects that can be annoying and disastrous if the mirror is antique.
- The wall should be cleaned if it is dirty. It's usually understandably difficult to clean behind a large mirror, so use this to do some cleaning before the mirror is on the wall.
- Set the mirror aside in a safe place to avoid damage while moving other furniture.
Step 3. Use a detector to locate the studs in the wall
Finding the pins is very important in this operation. Behind most of the interior walls there are equidistant wooden balusters called uprights. You must make sure that the nails or screws that you will hang your mirror on are hooked directly to the uprights, otherwise they will not be supported by anything other than plasterboard and masonry, which will not be able to bear the weight. Use an automatic detector (which you can buy at any hardware store) to track down the wall posts. Mark with a pencil the outer contours of each of them in the area where the mirror will go; they will serve as a guide when it is time to mount it.
If you are confident and cannot use a detector for some reason, you can roughly find the position of the uprights by tapping on the wall. Use your index finger to tap firmly (but not violently) on the wall and listen to the sound as you move back and forth. When you hit between the uprights, the sound is deep and almost echoes, while when you hit the uprights the sound should be flat. Note that this method is nowhere near as accurate as using a detector
Step 4. Use a tape measure to mark the center of each riser
Spread it (or keep a line) between each group of pencil marks on the wall. Use this method to find the center of each strut, marking it with the pencil from time to time. The center of the post is the strongest and most stable place to hang the mirror, so you will need to mount the screws as close to the center as possible.
Part 2 of 2: Hanging the Mirror
Use a Cable
Step 1. Use a tape measure to find the center of the mirror
Measure the length and width - the center points of these measurements, taken together, will give you the exact center. It is important to locate the latter in order to accurately mount the supports on the mirror frame.
It is also a good idea to mark the center of each of these measurements behind the frame
Step 2. Fit D-rings to the back of the mirror
Mark two points behind the mirror about 6 inches from the top of each side in the center. Attach the two D-rings in these places. These rings will guide the cable for hanging once it is installed, keeping it even and balanced.
Step 3. Insert ring screws towards the bottom of the mirror
Mark two points near the bottom of the frame, one on each side of the center.
Step 4. Unroll a long amount of heavy duty metal wire
Fold it in half and thread it through one of the eye screws, up and through the D-rings, and then back into the other side of the frame. Leave some play for the wire, as it will then have to hang from the wall mount.
Step 5. Use separate pieces of wire to reinforce the cable holding the mirror
Cut four pieces of medium length cord. Roll a piece of wire tightly around the support cable several times and then squeeze it with pliers to close it, securing it to one of the ring screws. Repeat for both places where the cable passes through the D-rings.
Step 6. Feed a final loop of cable through the remaining eye bolt
Cut and wrap the thread, locking it. Tighten it with pliers.
Step 7. Carefully lift the mirror to the desired position
Carefully, use a free hand or have a friend help you mark the wall in the center of the top of the mirror. Store the mirror safely, handling it with care.
Step 8. Use a level to draw a line on the wall
It is advisable to draw a line perfectly parallel to the floor - you will use this line to judge whether your mirror is straight or not. Place a spirit level against the top center point mark you just took, then, when the bubble is perfectly in the center of the spirit level lines, carefully draw a straight line along the edge.
Step 9. Draw lines along the center of the two posts adjacent to the top row
Find two uprights within the area that your mirror will cover - the farther they are, the better, but be careful they are not outside the mirror's contours. From the center of the uprights, draw a straight line to connect them to the top horizontal line. Mark a point approximately 10 to 12 cm from the top line along the center lines of each post.
These are the places where you will install the supports in the wall, so use a level to make sure they are aligned horizontally
Step 10. Insert the hooks in the two positions you just marked
Insert two heavy duty wall screws into the wall - one in each of the points you drew. Use a drill to make a hole in each spot that is narrower than that of the screws you have chosen, then use an electric screwdriver to drive the screws, making sure they protrude from the wall to support the wire.
- Before inserting the screws, make sure they are suitable for holding more weight than your mirror. Remember that the actual weight of the mirror can increase as you move it away from the wall to clean behind it.
- Not all wall screws are the same. Rely on the advice of an experienced professional or the manufacturer's instructions included in the packaging of the screws if you are unsure how to install them safely.
- Alternatively, you can choose to use heavy nails, as shown in the image.
Step 11. Slowly and carefully lift the mirror to the desired position
Secure the mirror cable on the two screws. Make sure the wire rests firmly on both screws, and then slowly and gently let go of the mirror, entrusting it to the screws that will support its weight.
Step 12. Arrange the mirror to stand upright and clean
Use the horizontal line on the wall and / or a level to adjust the position so that it is perfectly parallel to the floor. When you're done, carefully use an eraser to remove the lines you drew on the wall.
Some home care sites recommend special cleaners to remove pencil strokes, particularly "magic eraser" and other similar melamine sponges
Use a French Rooster
Step 1. Prepare the wall normally
Following this method, a particular type of support called a French cleat is used to hang the mirror in place of the cable. Either way, still use the studs in the wall for support, so you need to prepare the wall and mark the studs and their centers, then proceed with Part One as normal, clearing the surrounding area and carefully tracing the position of the studs.
Step 2. Buy or build a French cleat
French cleats (or wedges) are wide and toothed wedge supports, made of wood (or sometimes metal), used to hang heavy objects on the walls. They can usually be found in hardware stores - if you want to buy a ready-made one, look for a type that is structured to support weights heavier than your mirror. However, if you have a good piece of wood and woodworking expertise, it's not difficult to build one. Follow the instructions below:
- Cut a solid piece of wood about 18mm thick so that its length is slightly less than that of your mirror.
- Make a 30-45 degree angled cut along the board near the center. You should now have two pieces of wood, each with a narrow and a wide side, and each with an angled edge. These pieces of wood will snap together creating a solid support for your mirror.
Step 3. Attach one of the wedges along the top of the back of the mirror
Using strong putty or appropriate screws, secure one of the wedges behind the mirror - it will usually be the smaller of the two. Place the narrow side just below the top of the mirror, with the angled edge pointing down. Use a spirit level to make sure it is perfectly straight. By doing this you should have made a "hook" facing down, which will then join the wedge mounted on the wall to support the mirror.
If you use wedges you bought, follow the instructions on the package; however, the basic idea should be the same: it is essential that the "hook" of the wedge points down so that it fits into the one fixed to the wall
Step 4. If necessary, fix a tablet on the bottom of the mirror to give the right weight balance
When the mirror is finally supported against the wedge, the weight will be supported from the top. If there is nothing to support the bottom of the mirror, the weight of the mirror may cause it to "twist" towards the wall, damaging it or tearing the wedge from the wall. For this, it is important to make sure that the bottom of the mirror rests comfortably against the wall. Attach a piece of wood the same thickness as the wedge to the bottom edge of the mirror. This tablet will support the bottom of the mirror against the wall.
If you're planning to build a mirror yourself, one way to avoid the need to balance the bottom is to sculpt the top of the mirror frame with an angled edge that can act as a wedge
Step 5. Mark the position of the second wedge on the wall
The wedge that goes to the wall (usually the larger of the two) must be firmly mounted to the wall to make sure the mirror is properly supported. Use a spirit level to draw vertical lines along the center of your posts, then use the spirit level again to draw a horizontal line - these positions are where you will secure the wedge to the wall.
Step 6. Attach the second wedge to the wall
Use solid wood screws (made for a weight greater than that of the mirror) to fasten the wedge to the wall, through which you will pass the screws that will then arrive at the uprights. The wedge should be positioned so that the wider side is away from the wall and the angled side faces up, creating an upward facing "hook".
Again, if you are using purchased wedges, follow the package instructions, but the general idea should be the same
Step 7. Hang the mirror
Lift it to the desired position and secure the two "hooks" together. They should fit together like pieces of a puzzle. Gradually reduce your grip on the mirror until it is fully supported by the wedge.
Note: If you used glue to attach the wedge to the mirror, be sure to wait until it is completely dry before hanging the mirror. Even if you are 100% sure that the glue is dry, hang the mirror very flat and very carefully. If possible, have a friend assist you who can help you grab the mirror if the glue doesn't hold properly
Advice
- It is best to get help to lift the mirror.
- Many art and frame stores sell picture hanging kits that contain all the hardware and wires needed to hang your mirror. When choosing a kit, be sure to get one made specifically to work with a similar weight to your mirror and follow the instructions in the box.
