How to Hang a Framed Wall Mirror

You can hang a heavy framed wall mirror on any wall.

A framed wall mirror can be an excellent way of creating the illusion of a larger room, as well as serving as a decorative element in its own right. Of course, a good wall mirror is also useful for checking your hair, tying a tie, or coordinating an outfit. Unfortunately, framed wall mirrors can be quite heavy. The good news is that, with the right preparation, you can securely hang even a very heavy framed wall mirror from any type of wall.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Small nail
• Hammer
• Drill
• Toggle bolt (optional)
• Washers and nuts (optional)
• Masonry bit (optional)
• Expansion anchor and screw (optional)

1. Determine the placement for your framed wall mirror. Drive a small nail into the wall at the hanging point. If the nail passes into the wall easily, the wall is hollow. If the nail will not enter the wall, the wall is solid.

2. Hang a framed wall mirror from a hollow wall with a toggle bolt. Drill a large hole in the wall at the hanging point (large enough to fit a toggle bolt with a collapsed toggle).

3. Slide a washer, a large nut, and a second washer onto the toggle bolt (they can fit loosely). Thread a toggle onto the bolt so that the tips of the collapsed toggle point toward the head of the bolt.

4. Insert the toggle bolt into the wall so that the toggle opens behind the wall. Tighten the toggle bolt while pulling on the bolt, to maintain pressure on the toggle against the wall. Hang the framed wall mirror from the nut and washers on the head of the bolt.

5. Hang a framed wall mirror from a solid wall with an expansion anchor and screw. Use a masonry bit to drill a hole in the wall slightly smaller than the diameter of the expansion anchor. Gently tap the anchor into place with a hammer, and thread the anchor with its accompanying screw. Hang the framed wall mirror from the head of the screw.

References

• The Natural Handyman: Using Wall Anchors