This Is How You Hang A Mirror - Your Guide
Hanging a heavy mirror might seem fiddly at first, but don’t let that put you off! With a little patience and know-how, it’s possible to hang a mirror and do a professional-looking job you’re proud of – and it couldn’t be easier with our guide that explains exactly how to hang a mirror and walks you through the process step-by-step.
Whether it's an ornate mirror for the hallway, a full-length wall mirror in the bedroom or a round mirror over a bathroom vanity unit, our guide to successfully hanging a heavy mirror will ensure you get it right - first time, every time.
How Do I Hang A Mirror On A Plasterboard Wall?
The first thing you need to do when you want to hang a mirror is figure out whether the wall you want to hang your mirror on is made from plasterboard or solid brick (or stone).
This determines the kind of fixtures you need to ensure the mirror stays up safely.
What is plasterboard?
Plasterboard is a popular lightweight building material used to create interior walls and ceilings. It’s erected using ‘studs’, which are vertical wooden or metal frames placed intermittently along the plasterboard to keep the structure up. If you plan to hang a mirror on a plasterboard wall, the safest way is to locate a stud and hang the mirror from this, as it creates a stronger anchor point for it. You can find a stud by knocking against the wall to find an area that sounds dense, rather than hollow (it’s a technique you’ll see on many DIY TV shows), or by using an electrical wall scanner. These are available from Amazon and most DIY stores, and can detect studs, electrical wires and metal pipes, making them a very useful investment. Then use the appropriate fixings to hang a mirror (these vary, so a trip to your local DIY store is your best bet here). Common fixtures include:
- D-Rings or keyhole brackets (these go on the back of the mirror)
- Wire hanging (for adjustable positioning)
- French cleat (best for heavy mirrors).
When you’ve secured the fittings, carefully lift and place the mirror onto the nail, screw or cleat. A useful tip is to use adhesive strips or bumpers on the back of the mirror to prevent shifting and protect the wall.
Brick, stone (or even concrete) provides a more solid anchor point from which to hang a mirror but requires a drill with a metal bit that’s strong enough to bore into it. Insert a rawlplug into the hole (a rawlplug is like a plastic cover for the screw that makes sure the screw stays where you want it to). Insert the screw into the rawlplug and you’re ready to hang a mirror!
What Measurements Do I Need To Take To Hang My Mirror?
You'll love the way mirrors add character, charm and warmth to your home, and how versatile this particular home accessory is - you can hang a mirror in one spot, but if you've changed your mind by the next morning, you can move it somewhere else in minutes, changing up the look and feel of your room in no time.
Finding the perfect spot to hang a mirror is easier if you can enlist the help of a friend to hold the mirror while you measure up.
Measure across the entire wall you’re hanging the mirror on, then find the centre. Measure the mirror and find the centre. Measure out from the centre of the mirror to where each of the hooks, clips or D-rings (hanging ‘hardware’, basically) are on each side of it, then measure the same distance out either side of the centre of the wall.
Now you need to find the height at which you want to hang a mirror. Ideally, you should be able to see your upper body and face clearly. Obviously, this varies depending on the height of the people using the mirror, and whether you’re hanging the mirror over anything, such as a sideboard or vanity unit, but a rough guide is 60 inches (152cm) from the floor. Experiment to find what works best for you. When deciding where to hang a mirror, consider the height you need it to hang at and what it will be reflecting back at you.
Easy When You Know How
Beyond their practical uses, mirrors bring undeniable aesthetic value to your interiors.
First and foremost, mirrors amplify light, making rooms feel brighter and more welcoming. Hang a mirror opposite or adjacent to a window to help bounce natural light around the space, which reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day and creates an airy, uplifting atmosphere.
Secondly, mirrors can add depth and dimension, especially in smaller or more enclosed rooms. A large wall mirror or a full-length floor mirror can make compact areas feel much more spacious, cleverly tricking the eye into perceiving more square footage than actually exists. It’s a subtle design trick used by interior stylists and architects alike.
Thirdly, mirrors serve as beautiful focal points or artistic statements. A decorative mirror for the wall - be it round, arched, or framed in black or gold - adds instant character and anchors your design scheme. Hang a mirror that reflects your style: minimalist for modern tastes, ornate for classic elegance, or even typography mirrors for a playful touch.
When styled thoughtfully, mirrors do far more than reflect your reflection - they reflect your personal taste and creativity. With the right placement and design, they become integral elements that elevate your home’s look and feel effortlessly.
Hang a mirror and watch how it transforms your home in all the best ways, and introduces more light and even the illusion of space into a room. Whether you choose a sleek, modern piece, prefer an ornate, vintage-style aesthetic, or even mirrored wall art, your choice of mirror is as individual as where you choose to hang it. It's completely up to you – your home, your rules, after all.
Hang A Mirror For The Perfect Finishing Touch
Ultimately, the best place to hang a mirror is the spot in your home from which it speaks most to you - above an armchair in your favourite reading nook, for example.
Hang a mirror as part of a gallery wall in the downstairs loo if you feel it needs a little extra love (go as ornate as you dare), or in unexpected places, like a pantry or the laundry room.
Where you hang a mirror in your own home is completely up to you, of course, but we're betting that once you start thinking outside the box on the best places to hang a mirror, there will be no stopping you. Hang a mirror in the cupboard under the stairs, or on the inside of a wardrobe door, and you'll effortlessly introduce light to naturally dark spaces that need all the help they can get.
We like to hang a mirror behind a bar shelf to add extra glitz to an already glamorous space, but you can apply the same rule to bookshelves and double your book collection in one simple but clever move. Similarly, hang a mirror behind a collection of potted plants (or artificial plants and flowers) to make your collection of greenery look extra lush and abundant, and don't forget you can use mirrors to boost your seasonal decor, too. Simply create your Halloween or festive tableau and hang a mirror behind it to add to the spookiness or sparkle.
If you enjoyed this blog on How To Hang A Heavy Mirror, read more about how to use mirrors in the home here:
Clever Ways To Decorate Your Home With Mirrors
How To Create A Gallery Wall With Decorative Mirrors