How to Secure a Large Mirror

Take care to provide adequate support when hanging large mirrors.

A large mirror can enhance the decor of a room and make it seem lighter and larger by adding reflected light and space. Installation of a large mirror requires careful planning and the assistance of at least one person to avoid dangerous accidents. Mirrors are available with or without frames, and the hanging procedure is slightly different depending on which kind you choose. A mirror with a frame uses D-ring type picture hangers, while an unframed mirror requires plastic mirror clips.

Things You'll Need

• Stud finder (optional)
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Level
• Screwdriver
• Drill and bits
• Framed mirror:
• Heavy-duty D-ring picture hangers
• Heavy-duty mirror or picture wire
• Electrical tape or duct tape
• Wire cutters
• Heavy duty picture hangers (optional) or drywall anchors
• Unframed mirror:
• Heavy duty mirror clips with screws and drywall anchors

Instructions

Framed Mirror

1. Attach the D-rings to the mirror frame at a 45-degree angle about 1/5 the distance from the top to the bottom. Tilt the top of the D-ring toward the middle of the mirror. Make sure they are each installed at exactly the same distance from the top of the mirror and the inside edge of the frame.

2. Cut a length of picture wire at least three times the width of the frame.

3. Attach the wire to the first D-ring by threading it through the D-ring, then looping it back under itself and back through the D-ring. Bring it back through the loop and twist it several times around the wire below the loop for about 4 to 5 inches along the length of the wire. Cut off any extra wire and wrap a length of tape around the end of the wire to secure it to itself and keep it from unraveling.

4. Pass the wire through the opposite D-ring and back through the first D-ring. Tighten the wire until it extends just below the top edge of the mirror below the frame. Wrap it through the D-ring and secure it as described previously.

5. Measure and mark the middle of the frame on the back, and 1/4 the width of the mirror to the left and right of the center mark.

6. Locate and mark the studs, using a stud finder. Secure the mirror to the wall, using the studs if possible.

7. Measure and mark with the pencil where the top corners of the mirror will be located. Use the level to draw a line between these two points. Mark the center point and measure 1/4 the width of the mirror to the left and right of the center line.

8. Hold the wire taut at the two 1/4 points on the back of the mirror and have a friend measure the height from the top of the frame to the point at the tip of the angle where it will be hooked over the hanger extending from the wall. Make sure this measurement is equal on each side so that it hangs level.

9. Mark the wall where the hooks should be placed. Use the level to make sure the mirror will hang correctly.

10. Screw the picture hanger hooks into the wall if there is a stud behind the appropriate mark on the wall. Otherwise, insert the dry wall anchors and leave the screw extended from the wall about 1/4 inch. Use the drill if needed.

11. Erase the lines drawn on the wall, lift the mirror into place and hook the wire over the two picture hangers or screws. The heads of the screws should be flat, not angled, so that the wire has no chance of sliding off the head of the screw.

Unframed Mirror

1. Measure the mirror so you have the exact dimensions.

2. Mark the mirror's dimensions on the wall with a pencil, using the level to make sure the lines are straight.

3. Locate the studs, using the stud finder. If possible place some of the mirror clips so that they will be screwed into the studs.

4. Measure and mark where the mirror clips will be installed, utilizing studs where possible. Use about one mirror clip for every foot with the ones on either end about 6 inches from the edge; use more if the mirror is very heavy.

5. Insert the mirror clips along the wall at the bottom of the mirror. Where there are no studs, use the drywall anchors to secure the screws holding the mirror clips in place. Lift the mirror into place and have a friend hold it while the rest of the mirror clips are installed along the other three sides. Use the drill if needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Calculate the weight of your mirror by multiplying the width times the height in meters. Multiply that result by the thickness of the mirror in millimeters, and multiply that by the standard weight of glass which is 2 1/2kg per mm per square m. For example, a mirror that is 1m by 2m and 12.7mm thick would weigh 63.5kg. This is handy if it is too large for one person to weigh by holding the mirror while standing on a bathroom scale or if no scale is available.

• Make sure all the hardware and wire used for hanging the mirror is rated for the weight of the mirror.

• Have at least one friend help with this procedure as glass is very heavy, unwieldy, and dangerous if it breaks.

• Use the gloves or glazier's handles to move the mirror to protect both your hands and the mirror's backing that can be damaged by sweat or grease.

References

• New York Times: Home Clinic: Preparing to Hang a Large Mirror
• HGTV: Hanging a Large Mirror
• True Value: Hang a Heavy Mirror on Drywall