need to hang a heavy mirror or picture? usethese helpful tips to hang it safely in the perfect spot. you’ll need to check a few things beforeyou buy the hardware. first, know what type of wall you have: drywall, plaster, or masonry.to see if you have drywall or plaster, push a tack into the wall. if it goes in easily,it’s drywall. a hanging mirror has to have a strong frame.if your new mirror already has hardware attached, it’s safe to hang. if you’re not sureabout an old mirror, you can reinforce the frame with angle brackets. next, weigh the mirror--a bathroom scale worksfine. hardware weight limits are listed on
the package. pick a spot to hang the mirror. locating itover a stud is helpful, but not necessary with the right anchors. always mark the centerof the stud, and keep in mind utilities might be attached to it if the stud is near a lightswitch, outlet, or faucet. hold the mirror in place—close to eye level.mark the wall near the center of the top edge with a pencil or painter’s tape. on the back of the mirror you’ll probablysee d-rings or a wire. you can hang rings or wire from (two) hooks on the wall.to get the right space between, stick a long piece of tape on a level, and mark the spacebetween the d-rings. set the level aside and
grab one of the mounting hooks. lock it onthe ring, measure from the hole to the top of the mirror, and transfer this distanceto the wall using the line as a guide. now center up your level on the wall and markthe holes. if you’re in line with a stud, secure thehardware to it. if not, install a wall anchor and attach the hardware. now add bumpers tothe bottom of the mirror to prevent scratching the wall, and gently hang it on the hooks. you can also use metal cleats to hang mirrorswith sturdy frames, just follow the package directions. usually, you position the topcleat at the top of the frame, make shallow holes, and attach with screws.
on the wall, level the bottom cleat, and securewith screws. then set the mirror in place. now your blank walls can have a bit more personality. want more great ideas and how-to’s? go tolowes.com/howto or just click to subscribe. next, add more dã©cor to your home with newcurtains.