How to Hang Your New Mirror or Wall Art

How to Hang Your New Mirror or Wall Art

You have just purchased a few new mirrors and some new wall art for your home, and you are anxious and eager to hang them up and start taking advantage of these beautiful pieces. However, you then realise that you aren’t entirely sure how to go about hanging the pieces properly, or if you even have all the tools you need to do so.

While it is always recommended to use a qualified trades person to come in and hang your mirror and wall art for you, there are still a few things you need to know about the process before you call in the professionals. If you are using a hanging service you will also be required to inform the installer of the location for where the wall mirror or framed print might hang, and more specifically the type of wall it is to be hung from. Is the wall constructed of brick, cement block, plasterboard or timber lined? What is the weight of the mirror or wall art to be hung? This information is most important for the installer to choose the correct anchor points, and wall fixings that will safely and securely hang your beautiful piece!

It is also important to note that there are other things to factor in to get the most out of your brand new mirrors such as the right location, size and shape, surrounding lighting, and more. For example, round mirrors are a great choice of mirror for living room areas, whereas dining room wall mirrors are typically rectangular in shape and large in order to create a more airy atmosphere for diners. If you are unsure about the right location for your wall hanging please read our guide, Don’t know where to place your new Wall Mirror? Find out here! which will help you decide.

With so many new trending mirrors and unique wall art pieces to complete the perfect home interiors, the last thing you want is to go wrong with hanging these accented wall pieces. Well, with the tips and ideas below, you will be able to get it right the first time around!

Clear the Space

Mosiac Wall Art

Once you have determined where you want to hang the mirror or wall art, you will need to clear the area so there are no obstructions that could interfere with the hanging process. Particularly with large mirrors or frames that are heavy, it is important to have enough room to move around freely to avoid any mishaps.

Next up, it is time to clean the wall and gather the tools that will be needed to hang up the wall piece; typically, a drill kit is required for the job, especially for large mirrors and wall art. The wall surface should be wiped and cleaned down with a microfibre cloth to ensure it is free of dust before any marking and measuring are commenced. You must also be sure that the mirror you purchased is actually meant to hang on the wall as some accent mirrors are designed to just lean and be secured against a wall rather than be hung. Although some mirror types can be hung or propped up on a console table, others which include raindrops mirror designs and pendant mirrors are meant to be hung securely to a wall.

Level it Out

When hanging anything on the walls, consider the purpose and height of the Mirror and what it will reflect in the room. You want to make sure that the piece is level and not going to be hanging sideways or seem out of balance. This could negatively detract from the accent piece instead of adding to the décor. Moreover, if you have any form of OCD, a crookedly hung wall décor piece will surely drive you insane!

The most important tools required for this are, of course, a level, along with measuring tape, pencil (to lightly mark the wall), and a ladder if it is to be hung higher than you can reach. Bear in mind that the measurements will be taken from the top of the Mirror or Wall Art frame, and to the position of the D-Ring/clip and first be marked as per the dimensions against the wall and secondly, you will need levelled measurements (vertical and horizontal) of the space between the D-Ring/clips attached to the back of the mirror or frame. With these noted down and marked on the wall, only then will you be able to achieve an accurate level when hanging mirrors and wall art.

Consider the Tilt

Large Silver Ornate Framed Rectangular Mirror Tilted Against Wall

Sometimes having a slight tilt to the mirror when it is hung is also good because having this tilt allows the mirror to reflect a bit more of the room and also adds to the dramatic effect of the space. A vertical mirror with a forward tilt, placed at a higher level on the wall, creates the illusion of a higher ceiling because the floor looks further away; on the other hand, having a horizontally hung mirror slanting outward on one side (that is close to a window) is a clever way of adding more light, shine and dimension to the room.

For the average homeowner with brand new mirrors waiting to be put up, knowing how to tilt a mirror out will help save money on hiring a professional handyman to do it. Some things you’ll need include wire and D-rings which can both be purchased from your local hardware store.  

Weigh the Piece

It is a known fact that small mirrors or wall art can easily be hung on a single nail by the attached bracket or hook on the back of the piece. When you are dealing with larger or heavier pieces, however, it is imperative to know how much it weighs in order to purchase the right hooks or fixings to hang it safely. 

All hanging hooks have a very specific weight limit which must not be taken lightly as using the wrong ones run the risk of a heavy piece of wall décor crashing to the ground, or worse, injuring someone. Pay close attention to these numbers marked on the packaging or hooks itself and be sure to buy them in accordance with the weight of the mirror or wall art to be hung.

Other Tips and Tricks for Hanging a Mirror or Wall Art

Once you find the perfect location, decide on a tilt or no tilt effect, and make sure that the mirror or artwork is levelled out, you will also need a hammer, the nails and perhaps even a D hook on the back of the mirror to make sure that the mirror is safely and securely in place.

Remember, if the ceilings are a bit taller in the room you want to place the mirror, then it will be beneficial to hang the piece vertically. Also, having a mirror in the hallway is also a good idea because it will help open up and enlarge this small and confined space.

Framed Parrot Wall Art Hanging On White Wall

 

Learning how to hang your new mirror or wall art is a great way to eliminate additional costs of having a professional come in and do it for you. However, there are very valid reasons as to why it is wise to stay clear of this task because only an experienced handyman or picture hanger can guarantee that your brand new mirrors and wall décor pieces will be hung professionally, faster and most importantly, safely.

Please Contact the Luxe Mirrors team if you require a recommendation for a professional installer in your area.

If you’re looking for more inspiration or information about Design & Decoration, Whats trending now or Care & Maintenance guides, check out more of our blog.

MARCH MADNESS SALE ON NOW - SAVE UP TO 30%

X