How to Hang Large Mirrors and Frames
It’s time we come clean – we are obsessed with large mirrors. Adding a large reflective surface to your home is a simple and stylish way to give your decor an instant lift, lightening up dark rooms, making a small space seem bigger and deflecting attention from any awkward gaps on your wall.
If you’re wondering if a large mirror could work for you, the answer is… probably. There are lots of options to choose from, so you should find something that fits your wall, your style and your budget quite easily.
Now for the hanging. Mirrors tend to be on the heavier side so a second set of hands is always helpful, but the part that can sometimes be tricky is getting the screws or nails level for hanging. You can use these rules to hang large pieces of wall art and picture frames too.
You will need:
- Electric drill
- Screws appropriate for the wall type
- Wall plugs to match screw size
- Pencil
- Measuring tape
- Masking tape
- Spirit level
How to hang your mirror or frame:
Before you begin – Remember, only use hanging kit fixed to the back of the product and not wire or a string to support the mirror or frame.
1. Unroll a piece of masking tape to make a template of the width between the fittings, or use a measuring tape and pencil to make a note of the width.
2. Once you’ve decided where you want to hang your mirror or frame, it’s time to mark the fitting placements on the wall. Use a spirit level to get your hanging points straight. If you’re hanging your mirror of frame in a central location it’s best to get someone else to give you a hand (or second pair of eyes) to make sure everything is in the right position.
3. Before you start drilling, use a stud detector to ensure there are no pipes or electrical wires in the way. If you’re not certain, consult a qualified tradesman.
4. Hold the wall plug up to the drill bit, and use a piece of tape to mark the length of the plug on the bit. You’ll need to drill slightly deeper than the length of the plug. Check the visual guide below for some help in choosing the right plug for your wall type.
5. Using the recommended drill bit to match the wall plug and hole size, drill horizontally. Don’t force the drill or enlarge the hole, otherwise the wall plugs won’t give the snug fit you need.
6. When you push the wall plug into the hole it should be a tight fit but you should still be able to push it in using your finger. The aim is for the top of the plug to be level with the wall, which might require a light tap with a hammer.
7. The wall plug is now ready for you to add a screw.
8. Repeat with the second hanging point if needed.
9. Hang your mirror or frame!
Your brand new wall candy should be sitting perfectly and won’t need any more fittings to keep it stable, but you can use a spirit level to check it’s definitely hanging straight.
Now you’re all done, but to keep your mirror or larger artworks hanging happily, we recommend you:
a) Check the fittings and fixings now and then to make sure they haven’t loosened b) Try not to let hard or pointed objects make contact with the glass c) Keep hot and cold items away from the glass (a quick change in temperature can cause damage) d) Keep mirrors crystal clear with a soft damp cloth, and canvases and wall art looking good with a dry cloth or duster.
And that’s that! Congratulations, you have successfully hung your mirror, frame or piece of art on the wall. We bet it looks great and we’d love to see the proof, so remember to share any photos of your stylish new decor on Instagram using the hashtag #MyDunelm.