How to Hang a Large, Heavy Mirror

Small or lightweight mirrors can be hung just like any other picture. But if you have invested in a large heavy mirror, you need to take extra care in hanging it. This is especially true when hanging on drywall. Unless you are lucky enough to have a stud right behind where you are planning to hang it, there are steps you need to reinforce your mirror so it won’t come crashing down! This is a two person job, so make sure you have someone available to help before you start.

You will need to have three things on hand to do this correctly and safely. First is a good quality D-Ring Picture Hanger. Don’t cheap-out on this. Get the best ones you can find, you don’t want them bending. These are inexpensive, you can find this in any hardware store; they are about $1.99 each. Second would be mirror wire. This is easy to find also. Just make sure you have specifically bought mirror wire, and not picture wire. It is stronger and thicker than picture wire. The third and final thing you need is what is called ‘molly bolts’. These are hollow wall anchors. They come in different sizes, so to know which size you will need, you are going to have to know the weight your mirror. These usually come kits and you can never have too many when dealing with drywall. They are good to have on hand.

The best way to weigh your mirror (avoid estimating) is to weigh yourself, then get on the scale holding the mirror, and weigh both you and the scale. The difference between your weight and the new weight is the weight of the mirror. If it is too heavy for you to lift, get someone else to do it, you will need help anyway with the rest of the steps.

1. On the back of the mirrors frame, measure and mark 1/5 of the distance from the top to bottom on each side. Then position the D rings and mark the holes. Drill pilot holes where you have marked, and attach the rings with screws. Make sure you attach this securely and tightly to the frame! Never over tighten, or you will end up cracking the frame. Use your judgment.

2. Insert the mirror wire through each D ring, leaving the wire snug between the two rings. Knot the wire around the hook or “D” of the D ring, and twist the excess wire to prevent it from unraveling and slipping.

3. Have someone help you position the mirror. Use a level to draw a light line across the wall at the top of the mirror. Mark the center of the line you have made, and measure to the left and right of that mark a distance that equates to ¼ of the overall distance between the two rings. Draw two vertical (up and down) lines down from there.

4. Have your helper hold the mirror by the attached wire, holding it up against the vertical lines, marking where the molly bolts (anchors) will go. Again this is a two person job; do not try to do it yourself. This is nearly impossible. Measure the distance from the wire to the top of the frame. Transfer that measurement to the wall. Install the molly bolts with the hooks at the lower points.

5. Finally you can hang your mirror safely and securely.

Take a step back, admire yourself in your newly hung mirror, and pat yourself on the back for a job well done! Don’t forget to thank your helper too.
Small or lightweight mirrors can be hung just like any other picture. But if you have invested in a large heavy mirror, you need to take extra care in hanging it. This is especially true when hanging on drywall. Unless you are lucky enough to have a stud right behind where you are planning to hang it, there are steps you need to reinforce your mirror so it won’t come crashing down! This is a two person job, so make sure you have someone available to help before you start.

You will need to have three things on hand to do this correctly and safely. First is a good quality D-Ring Picture Hanger. Don’t cheap-out on this. Get the best ones you can find, you don’t want them bending. These are inexpensive, you can find this in any hardware store; they are about $1.99 each. Second would be mirror wire. This is easy to find also. Just make sure you have specifically bought mirror wire, and not picture wire. It is stronger and thicker than picture wire. The third and final thing you need is what is called ‘molly bolts’. These are hollow wall anchors. They come in different sizes, so to know which size you will need, you are going to have to know the weight your mirror. These usually come kits and you can never have too many when dealing with drywall. They are good to have on hand.

The best way to weigh your mirror (avoid estimating) is to weigh yourself, then get on the scale holding the mirror, and weigh both you and the scale. The difference between your weight and the new weight is the weight of the mirror. If it is too heavy for you to lift, get someone else to do it, you will need help anyway with the rest of the steps.

1. On the back of the mirrors frame, measure and mark 1/5 of the distance from the top to bottom on each side. Then position the D rings and mark the holes. Drill pilot holes where you have marked, and attach the rings with screws. Make sure you attach this securely and tightly to the frame! Never over tighten, or you will end up cracking the frame. Use your judgment.

2. Insert the mirror wire through each D ring, leaving the wire snug between the two rings. Knot the wire around the hook or “D” of the D ring, and twist the excess wire to prevent it from unraveling and slipping.

3. Have someone help you position the mirror. Use a level to draw a light line across the wall at the top of the mirror. Mark the center of the line you have made, and measure to the left and right of that mark a distance that equates to ¼ of the overall distance between the two rings. Draw two vertical (up and down) lines down from there.

4. Have your helper hold the mirror by the attached wire, holding it up against the vertical lines, marking where the molly bolts (anchors) will go. Again this is a two person job, do not try to do it yourself. This is nearly impossible. Measure the distance from the wire to the top of the frame. Transfer that measurement to the wall. Install the molly bolts with the hooks at the lower points.

5. Finally you can hang your mirror safely and securely.

Take a step back, admire yourself in your newly hung mirror, and pat yourself on the back for a job well done! Don’t forget to thank your helper too.