How to hang a wall mirror – on a brick wall or drywall

How to hang a wall mirror successfully isn't all about the positioning. Follow our step by step to nail hanging a mirror safely and without a hitch.

3 round mirrors on green wall in hallway
(Image credit: Habitat)

Figuring out how to hang a wall mirror and need advice? We've got you with our easy how-to.

A statement mirror hung perfectly over your mantelpiece will finish your room off beautifully. As easy decor hacks go, it can transform a space, make it look bigger and bring in more light when placed in just the right spot.

hykkon kobe accent mirror above a sink in white bathroom

(Image credit: Wayfair)

However, hanging a large wall mirror can be a daunting task and if not hung properly, it can be downright dangerous to boot.

It's important that a mirror is attached to the wall safely, so it's worth taking extra care. We'll take you through how to hang a wall mirror to ensure it stays put on a standard brick wall or drywall.

hallway table with red wall and circular mirror

(Image credit: FuturePLC/Dominic Blackmore
Styling credit: Sarita Sharma)

What you'll need

  • Wall screws
  • Drill
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Cable detector/Stud finder
  1. Check the wall: Solid brick and plasterboard walls need separate fixings so make sure you use the right one. You need to use the right fixings for your wall. With masonry (for example, a stone or brick wall), use a plastic Rawlplug and a screw. To hang a mirror on plasterboard, use a fixing like a spring toggle, which will be more secure than a screw. Experts at Made.com add, 'For mirrors over 16kg, you’ll need to find a spot on the wall where you can anchor your mirror more securely. Try to find the stud in the wall – knock and listen, and avoid the places where it sounds too hollow.'
     
  2. Test the wall with a detector: To check that there are no pipes or electric cables in the wall at the point where you plan to attach your mirror, use a detector. Cables usually run vertically up from light switches and down from sockets.
  3. Look at the mirror's back: Make sure that the mount or wire on the back of your mirror is strong enough to carry its weight. If the mirror is heavy, it may be better to use side fixings like mirror plates
  4. Prepare tiled walls: If fixing a bathroom mirror to a tiled wall, put a cross of masking tape over the area you wish to fix the mirror. The tape stops the drill skidding across the surface of the tile and you should be able to drill a hole without cracking the tile. Once you've inserted the appropriate fixing and hung your mirror, use a spirit level to check it's straight.
Jenny McFarlane
Senior Digital Editor

Jenny is Senior Digital Editor and joined the team in 2021, working across Ideal Home, Real Homes, Homes & Gardens, Livingetc and Gardeningetc. Since getting on the property ladder, her passion for interior design and gardening has taken on a new lease of life. She loves collecting and salvaging unique items (much to her other half's despair) but sniffing out stylish home bargains is her one true love. When she has a spare minute, she loves crafting, having studied textiles at university – although she hardly gets the chance with her daughters keeping her permanently on her toes.