DIY Flip Projects >> How to Hang a Vanity Mirror

How to Hang a Vanity Mirror

Vanity mirrors bring instant pizzazz to any room. After all, most if not all people always have to look at their reflections discreetly in public and intensely in private. Mostly though, vanity mirrors can be found in bathrooms, where we are free to ogle and analyze ourselves without the public eye. But vanity mirrors can serve a lot of other purpose, like to reflect light into a room or be a focal point or part of the interesting furniture that brings charm to a room. It’s no wonder then that all kinds of vanity mirrors exist in the market today, from wood to metal to diamond vanity mirrors, and from the smallest ones to enormously big ones.

As useful as it is, installing a vanity mirror can actually be quite tricky. For instance, hanging frameless vanity mirrors and framed ones require somehow different methods. For frameless mirrors, you should mark the top and bottom edges about six inches on the side, where you will attach the clips. Usually, frameless mirrors come with clips to hold them in place. Some clips easily screw into place while some are spring-loaded. Before inserting the mirror into the clips, place four foam bumpers around 1-2 inches at 6 inches inside the edge of the mirror to secure mirror in place. 

Framed mirrors usually have picture wires already attached to it. To hang, you need to have a picture hook that can hold 100 pounds. If the framed mirror is much heavier, use a molly screw to hang the mirror. Using two picture hooks instead of one is also a great way to distribute the weight. 

When hanging the mirror, it is best to hold it against the exact space in the wall where you want it to be while someone else watches it from a distance and makes sure it’s all level. Once balance is ensured, mark the spots where the hangers should be with a pencil. It would be great to use a level to make sure the item is even and straight before the wall is marked. Remember that the best hanging hardware is usually the J-hook that is designed to keep the nail that goes into the wall at a sharp angle. However, the J-hook should be properly weighted for the item you want to hang. Self-leveling adjustable J-hooks work great for large heavy mirrors as its hangers can be adjusted without moving the nails from the wall. 

Don’t forget that vanity mirrors are installed to make sure it meets the vanity needs of the people – in short, they should actually see their reflections on it. Consider the range of people’s heights. Tall people should not stoop down so much, while short people should not tiptoe. If the vanity mirror is installed to help reflect light, then it needs to be hung in a spot where the light will best hit it. If it is primarily for decoration over a mantle or bed, it should be at complementary level with the height of the ceilings and the furniture. 

DIY Flip Projects >> How to Hang a Vanity Mirror

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