Tips for hanging an antique mirror

Follow these steps to ensure your treasured mirror is securely displayed

There are many different mirror styles to choose from, but large vintage and antique decorative mirrors can be surprisingly heavy and it’s important to hang them correctly to avoid seven years of bad luck!

You will need

• Wall plugs, screws or masonry nails
• Drill
• Screwdriver
• Heavy-duty plasterboard fixings (if required)
• Spirit level

1 Check the mirror’s fittings

Look at the back of your mirror to check the fittings are in place, and if so, that they are secure. If not, replacing these will be your first task.

2 Check your wall

Most experts agree that you can hang a mirror weighing up to 50kg on a plasterboard wall with just a wall plug and a screw, and it should stay safely in place. For a really large mirror, use heavy-duty plasterboard fixings for additional support. If you have a hollow stud wall, drilling screws into the wooden supporting battens will make it more secure. If your hanging wall is brick, you can use masonry nails.

3 Measure and mark

Measure the distance between the fittings and the distance from your fittings to the top of the mirror, and make a mark on the wall where you need to install the screws or nails for hanging at the right height.

4 Install the fixings

Mark out the position where the hanging screws need to go and install the fixings – it’s important to get the location right, as they can’t be moved once installed.

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5 Hang and check the level

Hang your mirror on to your fixings and check with a spirit level to ensure a perfectly straight finish.

Sourcebook

• Find a wide selection of antique decorative mirrors in different styles and from different eras at Cleall Antiques, Overmantels and The Hoarde.

WORDS: LINDSEY HARRAD