Proper preparation, including choosing the right hardware, is critical to safely and securely hanging a mirror.
But it’s important to know how to hang a heavy mirror safely.
Note that the tools you need will be dependent on what wall anchors you use.
Credit: Maria-Carla Atencio
Then, collect the important details needed to pick the best installation hardware recommended for hanging a heavy mirror.
Most new purchases have mounting hardware included.
If your mirror doesn’t have mounting hardware, you’ll first have to install it.
Credit:BHG / Sanja Kostic
If youre unsure which jot down you have, try pressing a thumbtack into the wall.
Youll be able to easily push the tack into drywall but not into plaster.
This will also help you visualize the mirror in the room.
Then, use amultifunction stud finderto locate any studs, pipes, or wires in the area.
Measurements are critical in making a mirror level.
When transferring installation dimensions to the wall, its also imperative tolevel the measurementbetween the mounting points.
Credit: Annie Schlechter
Measure from the top of the mirror to the bracket and the length of the bracket.
Transferthose measurementsto the wall.
Then measure the distance between the two mounting points.
When transferring these measurements to the wall, pay special attention to the leveling of the two mounting points.
Wire
Measuring for wire is a little trickier since youll need to determine the mounting points yourself.
We suggest two points so the weight is better distributed.
When transferring these measurements to the wall, level the two mounting points.
Instead,use wall anchorsto secure a heavy mirror.
Its good practice to choose a fastener that can hold more than the required weight.
D-rings, keyholes, and wire-mounted mirrors can all be hung on an anchored screw.
Just remember to leave a quarter- or half-inch sticking out.
Brackets, however, need to be in place before screws can be installed.
Check out sleeve expansion anchors for lighter weights.
Molly bolts and toggle bolts are hollow wall anchors that also work on drywall.
Toggles are recommended for the heaviest objects on both drywall and plaster.
This gets the screw through 1 inch of plaster wall and 2 inches deep into the stud.
Molly bolts are a medium-weight hollow wall anchor.
Tighten the bolt into the wall to expand the anchor.
Once youve tightened the bolt fully, you could unscrew it a bit for space to hang the mirror.
A metal toggle bolt is the strongest wall anchor available due to its metal material and functional design.
It typically holds up to 85 pounds.
Push the toggle (wings folded down) through the pilot hole.
The wings will open once inside.
Pull the bolt towards you to secure the wings against the wall.
Screw the bolt into place, tightening the wings.
Check out plastic sleeve anchors that are good for masonry or a masonry sleeve anchor for really heavy decor.
Unlike the others, brick requires more specialized installation tools, including a hammer drill and masonry drill bits.
Use carbide-tipped bits when drillingceramic tileto prevent cracking as youre making a hole for an anchor.
Just see to it the mirror thickness matches the indicated clip thickness.
