Hanging a Heavy Framed Mirror

An oversized framed mirror hung at the right place, can do a lot of wonders for a room. It can instantly brighten up a space, multiply a particularly interesting view (such as the garden) and generally make the room feel more spacious.

However, hanging a heavy and oversized mirror on the wall can be intimidating. Incorrect installation can cause the mirror to fall and break. So you must be especially careful and ensure that the mirror is securely installed on the wall.

For this tutorial, we will be using hooks. Here are the steps to hanging the mirror:

• Decide on the area where you will hang the mirror. Generally, this will be above a piece of furniture such as the console table or the living room sofa. Because of the size of the mirror, the wall space should not be filled with just the mirror. Rather, you would want some space around the mirror so that it does not overwhelm the entire wall. Also, the ideal placement should just be high enough for visitors to be able to view themselves as they walk past.
• Test the structure of the wall. The wall’s “support system” should be strong enough to hold the heavy item. Also, check to see what kind of wall you have – whether it’s masonry, plaster or drywall. For drywall, look for studs (as you will need this to securely anchor the nails on the wall). The location of the stud will also minimize the risk of hitting an electrical wire or pipe.
• Prepare your workspace. Lay down the mirror on a table lined with thick towels or a blanket (to prevent scratching). Clear the space surrounding the area where the mirror will be installed. Clean the wall and wipe off any dust.
• Prepare the mirror. Weigh it to determine the correct number and type of hanging hooks required. Check to see that the frame is stable and strong. Otherwise, place some reinforcements in key areas such as adding angle brackets in the corners. The mirror should also have D-rings at its back (this is where the hooks mounted on the wall will go). If not, you can install these D-rings yourself. Add bumpers at the bottom corners of the mirror. Or, if you are using a framed round mirror or oval ones, attach the bumpers following the shape of the mirror’s lower part.
• Measure the distance of the D-rings from each other. At the wall, this distance will be where you will put the hooks that will go into the D-rings. Use a level to mark the locations of the hooks. If the hooks are to be placed in line with a stud, you simply have to install the hook. Otherwise, you will need to use a wall anchor before you install the hook.
• Find the center of the mirror. For a framed rectangular mirror, get the middle point of the upper edge. To get this for framed round mirrors or oval ones, divide the diameter into 4 then mark the lower edge of the first quarter of the diameter. Then, get the center point of the line you marked.
• Attach the D-rings into the installed hooks. Do not let go of the mirror immediately. Rather, keep hold of the mirror but gradually loosen your hold until the hooks fully support the entire weight of the mirror.

Remember:

• Do not go at it alone. Get some help, as the mirror can be quite heavy and holding it at eye level prior to its installation can be a challenge if you are on your own.
• Wear gloves. This protects your hands from potential cuts. This also prevents oil transfer from your fingers to the surface of the mirror. You would also want to protect the finishing of the frame – particularly if this is an ornate antique picture frame design with lots of carvings.
• Keep all materials on within easy reach. Mirror framing accessories and tools should be nearby in case you need it so be sure to set this up on a table close to where you will hang the mirror.
• Do not hang the mirror on walls that are newly plastered.