How To Hang A Heavy Mirror [3 Simple Ways!]

If you are considering placing a heavy or large mirror on your wall, you may be wondering what the best methods are for doing so. No one wants to walk to their home to find that their brand new mirror has fallen and is now shattered on the floor. Large mirrors need a bit of assistance to help support their weight and this can be done in a few different ways. 

Here are 3 methods that you can use to hang a heavy mirror on the wall:

  • Use hooks
  • Install angle brackets for reinforcement
  • Use threaded wire

Take note of the type of wall that you have before you hang a heavy mirror on it. For example, do you have plaster, drywall, or masonry? When purchasing your hardware to hang the mirror, be sure that it is compatible with your wall material (oftentimes, it will come with the mirror). For more details on how to hang a heavy mirror, keep reading.

Side view of a black living room with a mirror, How To Hang A Heavy Mirror [3 Ways]

How To Hang Heavy Mirrors

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Interior of a luxury restaurant with a large mirror hanging on the wall

Before attempting to hang your mirror on the wall, it's important to know the weight of the mirror. It can be found on the box that it came in when you purchased it. If you don't have the box, you can simply place the mirror on a scale.

If the mirror weighs less than 25 lbs, you can use threaded wire to hang it on the wall and if it weighs between 25 lbs and 65 lbs, brackets may be best. And if you're hanging a frameless mirror, you can use an adhesive backing.

Things you'll need:

  • Cordless drill with bits
  • Rubber bumpers
  • Tape measure/ruler
  • Mounting clips
  • Pencil
  • Wall anchors
  • Picture hanging wire or hardware
  • Screwdrivers
  • Flat angle brackets/corner brace
  • Level
  • Painter's tape

Method 1: Hang a Mirror With Hooks

This is probably the simplest method for hanging a heavy mirror on the wall. Start by using a pencil to mark the position on the wall where the mirror will go. You may need an additional hand to assist with this task. 

Step 1

Turn your mirror around and look at the placement of the D-rings or wall hooks to determine your anchor locations. If there is a wire on the back of the mirror, gently tug it to determine the amount of slack that it has.

Step 2

Now it's time to measure the distance between your hooks or D-rings. To do this, simply place your tape measure between the rings and note the measurement. You can also use your level for this. Take your time when performing this step as you don't want to have to re-do all of your work if it's not level.

Step 3

Next, place one of the mounting hooks under the D ring to determine how it will be placed on the wall. Then measure the area from the top of the mirror to the mounting hook. 

Step 4

Use this distance and apply it to the wall to determine how much space will be needed. Be sure to measure down from the mark at the top of the mirror's position (the measurement that you took in the first step).

Step 5

Place your level on the wall and use your pencil to mark the location of the holes of the hooks. Make sure that your level is centered to avoid hanging the picture at an angle.

Step 6

Now it's time to install your wall hooks. Use your drill to drive the hooks into the wall, making sure to place them on the marks that you made with your pencil. Place your mirror on the wall and secure it on top of the hooks. 

Click here to see this cordless drill on Amazon.

Method 2: Use angle brackets for reinforcement

All mirrors may not come with the necessary hardware to hang them securely. If your mirror is antique or designed without a sturdy frame, you can use angle brackets to reinforce the frame. Here's how to do it.

Step 1

Decide where you want to hang the mirror on the wall.

Step 2

Take a stud finder and make sure that at least two of the anchors can be positioned over the studs in the wall (note: this may not be necessary if the mirror weighs under 25 to 30 lbs.).

Click here to see this stud-finder on Amazon.

Step 3

Once you found the stud, mark the center of it and take note of any electrical components that may be nearby such as outlets or light switches.

Step 4

Use your tape measure to measure the length of the bracket as well as the area between the top of the mirror and the bracket.

Step 5

Use those measurements on the wall to determine where the brackets will be placed, then mark them with your pencil.

Step 6

Make use of anywhere from 3-10 anchors to mount the mirror, depending on its size. Start with the middle anchor and use your drill to drive all of the anchors in place. Be sure to purchase the correct size screws for your anchors if you did not purchase them in an all-in-one set.

Step 7

Next, drill your hooks into the wall and mount the mirror on the wall.

Method 3: Threaded Wall Anchor

If the mirror weighs less than 25-30 lbs., you can also use a hanging wire to help support it. Here's how to do it.

Step 1

Find the spot on the wall where you want to hang the mirror.

Step 2

Use your tape measure to measure the distance from the top of the mirror to the floor and mark the spot on the wall with a pencil. 

Step 3

Then place the end of the threaded end against the wall and use your drill to drive the anchor into the wall. Make sure that the anchor is driven into the drywall so that the threads make contact with the surface of the drywall. The best way to do this is to set the drill on its lowest speed so that the anchor goes in straight as the threads burrow into the wall. 

Step 4

When you notice that the head of the anchor is lying flush with the drywall, stop drilling to avoid possibly breaking the anchor. If you need additional adjustments, use a hand-held screwdriver instead of the drill. 

Step 5

Next, put your anchor screw into the appropriate hole of the anchor and use a Phillips screwdriver to turn it so there is an ample amount of room for the hanging wire to loop over the head of the screw.

Click here to see this Phillips screwdriver on Amazon.

Step 6

Place the mirror over the wire to be mounted to the wall.

If the mirror weighs up to or over 60 lbs, follow these steps:

Step 1

Find the spot on the wall where you want to hang the mirror.

Step 2

Start by measuring the distance from the top of the mirror to the floor. 

Step 3

Place the first bracket on the wall and use your level to ensure that it is straight. 

Click here to see these mounting brackets on Amazon.

Step 4

Next, mark the location of the mounting holes on your mirror using a pencil. Then remove the bracket.

Step 5

Press the end of the wall anchor into the drywall until the thread makes contact with the surface of the wall. 

Step 6

Use your drill to drive the anchor into the wall (at a slow speed) and continue to drill until it lays flush with the wall.

Step 7

Then place your brackets over the anchor's mounting holes and screw them into place.

Step 8

After the lower bracket is in position, place the mirror into the lower mounting clips.

Step 9

Next, attach the upper mounting bracket so that the mounting clips tightly grasp the bottom of the mirror. 

Step 10

Use your level to mark the mounting holes of the upper bracket and then screw the wall anchors into place.

Step 11

Then place the upper bracket over the mounting holes of the anchor and screw the anchor into place.

Step 12

Place the mirror inside the brackets and adjust the mounting clips so that they fit securely around the mirror.

Is It Okay To Hang A Heavy Mirror On Drywall?

Bathroom sink and square mirror hung on a drywall

Yes, you can hang a heavy mirror on drywall. Whether or not you will need the support of a wall stud will depend on the weight of the mirror. Mirrors that weigh 30 to 60 pounds should be supported with anchors or toggles to ensure that they do not fall and shatter.

If the mirror weighs over 60 lbs, the support of a stud is typically recommended.  Also, if heavy mirrors are not raised properly, they could cause the drywall to buckle or cave in, resulting in them falling. 

How Much Weight Can You Hang On Drywall?

Without anchors, drywall itself can hold anywhere from 5 to 10 lbs. of weight, depending on its thickness. However, if the drywall is old, damaged, or in bad shape, it may not hold much weight securely.

A drywall anchor works to provide extra support when hanging objects on drywall. If you are worried about your drywall not being able to hold a heavy mirror or picture frame that weighs anywhere from 5 to 20 lbs., simply use anchors to help secure it.

Can You Use Wire To Hang A Heavy Mirror?

Yes, you can use a hanging wire to hang a heavy mirror, depending on the weight of the mirror. However, if the mirror weighs more than 25 to 30 lbs., it may be best to use anchors to help support it. And if the mirror weighs more than 30 to 60 lbs., you can also use toggles (which will be driven into the studs in the wall) to provide a more secure hold. 

Click here to see this mirror with mounting anchors on Amazon.

Wrapping Things Up

It's best to first plan out how you will hang your heavy mirror before simply jumping into the task. Also, be sure to test the strength of the anchors on the mirror before hanging it up. Before you go, be sure to check out some of our other posts:

How To Hang Bathroom Mirror [9 Simple Steps]

How To Paint A Mirror Frame [6 Steps]

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