How to hang a heavy mirror (measurements included)

After staring at the interesting wallpaper in our guest bedroom, I knew that there needed to be another natural element in the room. A more organic shape. Something that would bounce around light. Got it — a mirror!

The guest room is small in my opinion. A mere 11×11 room leaves not much space to move around. As a result, I chose the optical illusion created by a mirror to trick the eye into believing it’s a larger space.

I didn’t have an exact style of mirror in mind at first; I just knew it had to be circular. My quest for the perfect mirror began.

Check out my other One Room Challenge posts! week 1 | week 2 | week 3

Shopping for the perfect mirror

I first tried this mirror, but I felt the pattern was in competition with the wallpaper.

This cutie was a viable option, but it didn’t create that visual interest I wanted.

This mirror felt juuuuust right. The subtle motif for the frame spoke back to the pattern found in the wallpaper. Thus, they didn’t conflict but rather, they worked in harmony with each other!

Steps to hanging a heavy mirror

First, to find the perfect placement, I cut a template of the mirror and labeled it with its diameter. It does not need to be perfect!

Measurements for the perfect placement

Next, to find the middle, I measured the length of my headboard and divided that in two. I placed a sticky note there for reference. Then, I used my stud finder to see if a stud was where I placed my sticky note. Surprise — the stud was 4 inches off. Lucky me! (Side note — this is usually the case with any DIYer. The stud is never where you need it!) I moved the sticky note to the stud and the template in the middle of the headboard.

I decided to hang the mirror approximately 8 inches above the headboard so that it did not look like it was floating on the wall. Therefore, I added 8 plus the diameter of the mirror, which in my case, was 26 inches. I then measured that amount — 34 inches — above the mirror and moved my sticky note there. That mark is where the top of my mirror would land.

Of course, if I were to drill a hole at 34 inches, the mirror would be hung too high. As a result, I needed to measure the hanging hook on the back of the mirror for the most accurate placement. To do this, I flipped the mirror over and measured from the top of the mirror to the top of the hook. I measured 1 in. for my mirror.

Next, I made the same mark on the template as well.

Securing the mirror

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After that, I hammered in a wall anchor capable of supporting 102 lbs! My mirror isn’t quite as heavy as 102 lbs., but it’s better to do too much than to not do enough! To create a hole wide enough to hammer in the anchor, I began to drill a hole using a 7/54th drill bit, working my way up to the 1/4th bit. Then I tapped in the anchor and drilled in the screw.

Here comes the not-so-easy part! Even though this mirror was heavy, I was still able to hang it myself because of all of the measurements and prep I did before. I made sure to watch from the side to make sure the mirror hung on the screw before I let it go!

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This bad boy was heavy, so I definitely was sweating (and cussing) while hanging it myself!

I love the beauty and depth the mirror adds to my wallpapered accent wall! Overall, the time and energy was worth hanging this heavy mirror all by myself! I hope you learned some tips that helps you do the same with any type of heavy wall hanging. You’re now ready for heavy mirrors, pictures, and even TVs! Math upfront makes everything easier.

Sincerely,

Felicia

P.S.: Take a look at the other ORC week 4 posts for more great ideas!