By Kerry Hale

How To Hang & Install A Bathroom Mirror

  • Tuesday 06 December 2022
  • 5 minute read

Bathroom mirrors are stylish and practical, helping you get ready in the morning whilst adding a finishing touch to your space.

Mirrors can also make your bathroom look brighter and more spacious if you find the perfect placement. Our step-by-step guide to installing bathroom mirrors will help you hang mirrors securely, no matter your bathroom configuration or chosen mirror design.

Choosing a bathroom mirror

Before choosing a bathroom mirror, consider where you’d like to hang it and how much space is available. Popular locations for bathroom mirrors include above the sink or on a wall adjacent to the window to reflect light around the room.

Once you’ve got the measurements, there are a range of shapes to choose from, including round, oval, square and rectangular bathroom mirrors. Then, decide whether you’d prefer a framed or frameless mirror. Some framed designs can add colour to your bathroom.

Alternatively, mirrored bathroom cabinets are a great choice if you’re short on space, providing extra storage above the sink.

How to hang a bathroom mirror

Whether your mirror needs screwing directly into the wall or has brackets, follow our step-by-step guide for a safe and efficient installation.

What you’ll need

To hang your bathroom mirror, ensure you have the following tools and equipment handy before you begin. You may also need a step ladder if you’re hanging the mirror high.

  • Tape measure
  • Spirit level
  • Stud detector
  • Pencil
  • Drill with appropriate drill bits (i.e. tile drill bits)
  • Hammer
  • Screwdriver
  • Mirror fixings (including wall plugs, washers and nails suitable for the weight of the mirror)
  • Dust sheet

Step-by-step guide to hanging a mirror

  1. Firstly, use a stud detector to check the wall where you intend to hang the mirror for pipes, cables or studs.
  2. Once you’re happy with the location, hold the mirror in place and use a spirit level to check it’s straight. You may need assistance with this step, especially if the mirror is large or heavy. Use a pencil to mark the points where the fixings will go.
  3. Remove the mirror and place it somewhere safe. Lay a dust sheet over your sink and bathroom fittings to prevent dust and debris from collecting.
  4. Check the length of your wall plugs against the drill bit to gauge how deep the hole needs to be. Then, using the correct bit for the material, drill the spots marked in pencil.
  5. Use a hammer to gently tap the wall plug into the holes, ensuring they sit flush against the wall.
  6. Line up the mirror with the holes, place a screw through the front and attach a washer to the back. Once the mirror is aligned at all four corners, screw them in securely. Take care not to over-tighten the screws, as this could cause the mirror to crack.
  7. If your mirror has brackets on the back instead, screw these into the wall, then carefully hang the mirror.
  8. Wipe down the mirror to remove any dust or fingerprints. Follow our guide to cleaning a mirror to get a streak-free finish.

Questions about bathroom mirrors

Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about bathroom mirrors, including how to put up different types of mirrors on various surfaces.

How to put up a bathroom mirror without nails

Various options are available if you can’t use nails to hang your bathroom mirror due to cables, pipes or studs obstructing the area. Depending on their weight, specialist adhesives and tapes can be used to hang mirrors. However, they can damage paintwork and plaster, so ensure you’re happy with the mirror’s placement before applying these products.

Hanging a bathroom mirror on tiles

Bathroom mirrors can be hung on tiles using nails, following the steps outlined in our guide. Always use a tile drill bit when drilling holes to cut through the material safely and efficiently.

Hanging a bathroom mirror in front of a window

If your sink sits beneath a window, you can still hang a mirror above it. However, you will obstruct some natural light, so this works best in spacious, bright bathrooms. Use brackets and braces on the adjoining walls to suspend your mirror in the centre of the window and achieve a symmetrical look.

Installing a frameless bathroom mirror

Most frameless mirrors can be installed using adhesive. Some frameless mirrors come with screw holes and can be fitted to walls following the steps outlined in this guide.

Installing a framed bathroom mirror

Framed bathroom mirrors can be hung on wall brackets, which are screwed into the wall. If you can’t use brackets, you may be able to use adhesive hooks, depending on the mirror’s weight.

For more DIY bathroom decoration tips, find out how to transform your bathroom on a budget in our dedicated guide.

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