Three Ways to Hang a Mirror

It’s been quite the journey, but we’re putting the finishing touches on our basement bathroom remodel. While writing my post on bathroom lighting ideas, how the layout of mirrors and lights can significantly impact bathroom ambiance.

Having completed multiple bathroom remodels, we’ve refined the best methods for hanging mirrors securely without studs. These techniques ensure your heavy mirror is properly installed and stays in place for years to come. You can be confident these methods will enhance your bathroom’s aesthetic and usability.

Safety Precautions

Drilling blindly into walls isn’t a good idea. Even if you think you don't have an accessible stud, you need to check for them and any other plumbing/electrical.

How to check for studs? Definitely use a stud finder and, whenever able, double check by rapping your knuckles along the wall (similar to knocking on a door with an open fist). You’ll notice that the sound your knock makes will change when you go over/near a stud. It will sound less hollow, more solid. Another helpful hint for checking for studs? Outlets and light boxes are always attached to the side of a stud.

Use a helper for large or heavy mirrors. No one wants seven years of bad luck…why risk it?

Watch for moisture problems. If you’re building your own mirror frame, check that it’s well-sealed from moisture and allows for expansion without cracking the glass.

Before You Start

While using studs or hanging a horizontal 2×4 between two studs will generally offer the most secure attachment, sometimes this simply isn't possible.

Pro Tip: Weigh the mirror - stand on a bathroom scale without and then with the mirror to check for the difference. Weight limits are generally listed on hardware or anchor packaging.

Tips for Different Wall Types

• Drywall: Use wall anchors or toggle bolts for extra support.
• Plaster: Be cautious of crumbling; use toggle bolts or secure into studs.
• Brick/Concrete: Use masonry sleeve anchors or screws designed for brick/concrete.

1. Heavy-Duty Wall Anchors or Toggle Bolts

Make sure you check your anchor’s weight rating for the mirror. Generally speaking, the heavier the weight, the bigger the hole you’ll need to make.

• Materials Needed: Heavy-duty wall anchors or Toggle Bolt, screwdriver, drill and drilling bits.
• Step-by-Step Instructions:
  1. Determine the weight of the mirror.
  2. Select appropriate wall anchors rated for the mirror's weight.
  3. Mark the placement on the wall and check for level.
  4. Drill holes for wall anchors or toggle bolts. Twist wall anchors into the hole, if using.
  5. Screw the mounting brackets or toggle bolts through the mirror's hanging brackets.
  6. Hang the mirror on the brackets.
  7. Double check for levelness and security.

2. Mirror Clips

Mirror clips work best for mirrors that are a frameless sheet of glass. There are a few different types of clips from metal j mounts to plastic with screws. Sometimes it’s possible to add a frame over the clips to hide them.

I photographed the old mirror from our upstairs bathroom remodel. It utilizes the molded backsplash to bear the mirror’s weight. The metal channel along the bottom helps prevent the mirror from stress points and cracking. Note the plastic clips at the top to help secure the mirror.

• Materials Needed: Mirror clips, J mount or channel, screws, screwdriver, drill, level.
• Step-by-Step Instructions:
  1. Measure and mark the positions for the clips.
  2. Install the bottom channels first, ensuring they are level.
  3. Place the mirror in the bottom clips.
  4. Install the top clips to secure the mirror.
  5. Double check levelness and security.

3. French Cleat Hangers for Deeper Frames

French cleats are great for hanging heavy objects because they’re so durable and all of the hardware can be hidden behind the mirror rather than around it.  You do, however, need a frame support across the back of the mirror to attach French cleats. The mirror frame needs to be relatively thick in order to hide the bulk of the system.

We built the frames above to hold the mirrors and added a French cleat behind each. A strip of wood goes across the back of the mirror to attach the hanging cleat.

• Materials Needed: French cleat hangers, screws, drill, level.
• Step-by-Step Instructions:
  1. Attach one half of the cleat to the wall, ensuring it is level.
  2. Attach the other half to the back of the mirror.
  3. Lift the mirror and slide the cleats together.
  4. Double check for level again.