How to Hang a Mirror Without Nails

How to Hang a Mirror Without Nails in 5 Different Ways

Last Updated on February 24, 2023

Have you ever purchased or moved into a home and then realised that your walls are completely blank and you have no idea how to decorate them to create a visual space?

One of the easiest ways to cover up an empty wall space is by hanging mirrors, but sometimes it can be a daunting task to hang one in the wall without using nails or screws.

Hanging mirrors can be tricky if you don’t have the right supplies, but luckily, it’s easy to use everyday household items to hang a mirror without nails.

The next time you wonder how to hang a mirror without nails effectively, refer to these five helpful suggestions and step-by-step instructions that will guide you. Read on!

Method 1: Adhesive Hooks

You don’t need to spend money on expensive tools or drilling holes in the wall. Instead, use adhesive hooks to hang mirrors in your home.

These hooks adhere to the surface of your wall with little-to-no residue, making them ideal for renters and homeowners alike. They are straightforward to use and typically come with an adhesive feature easy to remove.

In fact, the best part about these hooks is that they require no work on your part. Just peel off the back and stick it on the wall. It’s easy enough for anyone to hang a mirror on a wall using these hooks!

When using adhesive hooks to hang heavy mirrors, a helpful tip is to place them vertically at eye level and about six inches from where you want your mirror hung.

Another handy tip is to double-check that they are safe and strong enough before you hang your mirror.
Note that if there’s an electric outlet nearby, avoid positioning your mirror on it. You can continue mounting your mirror by going to the next step after making sure everything is secure.

Hanging a Mirror on a Wall Using Adhesive Hooks

Step 1: Prepare the Wall

Before hanging anything, it’s essential to prepare your wall. Make sure it’s smooth and dry, especially in humid climates. Ensure you cover all rough patches. If needed, you can also plaster surfaces or walls. Clean the wall once done to get rid of any dust or dirt.

Step 2: Drill Holes to the Mirror

Measure and mark the areas where the hooks will support the mirror when it is hanging. If your mirror is re-drilled, you can use a rope or string to hook it to the hooks. You can also drill around the mirror frame.

Step 3: Place the Adhesive Hooks and Mounting

On the clean walls, place the adhesive hooks. Peel off the back to reveal the sticking side of the hook sticker, place it and hold it to the wall firmly for 60 seconds.

Repeat this process until all your hooks are in place.

Method 2: Command Strips

Instead of using long screws, you can use command strips to hang light mirrors on the wall. Using these large strips is the perfect way to ensure that your bathroom or bedroom is clutter-free and clean.

The best part about using hanging strips to hang your mirrors is that they’re extremely affordable and easy to install. It doesn’t get much easier than command strips if you’re looking for an alternative to nails.

Using these plastic pieces means you don’t have to deal with drilling holes in the wall, which can be messy and loud.

The only downside is that command strips aren’t as strong as screws, so it might not be your best option if you plan on hanging heavy mirrors.

If you decide to use command strips, make sure they adhere correctly to the wall. This will ensure that your mirrors stay firmly in place for longer.

This method is perfect for renters looking for an easy way to install mirrors but doesn’t want to drill any holes into their walls.

Hanging a Mirror on a Wall Using Command Strips

Step 1: The Strip

The first step to using command strips is picking the strip. For proper mounting, you need very large command strips.

Step 2: Cleaning and Placement

Clean the area you intend to lay the strips and the back of the mirror. Doing this gets rid of dust or dirt particles that may interfere with the adhesion of the strips. Carefully lay the strips on the mirror and press for maximum adhesion.

Step 3: Mounting

Carefully lift the mirror to the wall and hold the mirror firmly in place to adhere.

Method 3: Magnets

An effective approach to attach a small mirror to your wall is with magnets. You can safely hang smaller items and even large, bulky mirrors with the appropriate magnets.

But remember: magnets should only be used on ferrous materials (iron and steel), which will work best on walls with drywall or plaster.

You’ll need solid magnetic adhesives to adhere heavy mirrors—even two larger ones —to your wall so that you don’t have problems during or after installation. If you’re going to use magnets, make sure you buy quality ones for heavy objects.

This will ensure that once it’s there, it stays in place. Make sure you are using the right poles in your magnets, or they will repel instead of attracting, making it impossible for you to mount your mirror.

Make sure that whatever surface you choose has been cleaned thoroughly because any dust particles or residue left behind could affect your entire project.

If you’re hanging a full-length mirror against an existing wall, consider using decorative brackets to keep them from looking too industrial.

Hanging a Mirror on a Wall Using Magnets

Step 1 (Optional): Try Magnetic Paint

If you do not have a magnet-ready surface in or around the area you want to mount your mirror, then you can always make one.

To do this, you need magnetic paint. Clean the surface you intend to paint. If needed, strip any existing paint, prime the walls then get to painting.

When your newly painted walls are dry, you also need to apply magnetic paint to the back of the mirror or the mirror frame. Note, however, that this solution might work on very small and light mirrors and is not recommended for very large or heavy ones.

Step 2: Installing the Magnets

Place your ‘wall magnets’ on the wall. Make sure the magnets you choose can hold the weight of your mirror.

Next, strategically place the remaining magnets in the mirror. Do this with the thought that you need to balance the mirror’s weight.

Step 3: Mounting the Mirror

A woman is looking at her reflection

Once the magnets are correctly laid out to both the wall and mirror, gently lift the mirror and bring it close to the suitable surface, and the magnets will immediately attract, and you will have a mounted mirror in next to no time!

Method 4: Heavy-Duty Mounting Tapes

If you want your mirrors to stick for a while, then look into heavy-duty mounting tapes. These sticky strips will keep your new mirrors in place even when exposed to moisture and high humidity.

Make sure that you buy heavy mirror tape at least 2 inches wide, as anything thinner will not provide adequate holding power for your mirrors.

Before applying any mounting tape, it’s always good to clean and dry your mirror’s surface with soap and water —otherwise, adhesives may have a hard time sticking.

Use well-known brands when purchasing heavy-duty mounting tapes; non-branded products often aren’t as solid or reliable.

Position your mounting tape on your heavy mirror and press firmly. Make sure that you place it at least 3/4 of an inch away from the frame around your mirror, as any less will make it difficult for mounting tape to form a proper seal.

The adhesives used in these heavy mirror tapes are incredibly strong—be careful when applying them so you don’t get adhesive on your fingers or other surfaces. If you do get some adhesive on your hands, make sure that you wash it off quickly with soap and water.

How to Hang a Mirror on Tiles Without Drilling Holes

Step 1: Clean the Wall

The first step to mounting a mirror using heavy-duty mounting tape is cleaning the area you intend to mount mirrors. Use rubbing alcohol to clean the surface.

Thoroughly wipe down the wall with water and warm water: this will strip down any oils and dust from the wall that will affect the tape’s adhesive capabilities.

During this step, make sure to wipe down the back of the mirror too. This increases the adhesion between the mirror and the tape.

Step 2: Apply the Tape

With the wall and the heavy mirror cleaned, it is time to place the tape on the mirror. Unroll the tape and section it out into the size you prefer. Ideally, the length of the tape should cover the perimeter of the mirror or the mirror’s frame.

Carefully apply the heavy-duty tape to the mirror and firmly press the tape to the mirror. Make sure there are no bubbles trapped between mirror adhesive.

Step 3: Mount the Mirror

Now that you are done with the cleaning and tape placement, it is time to mount. Depending on the size of the mirror, you may need an extra pair of hands for this step.

Round frame hanging on a tiled wall

Carefully peel off the tape backing and place the mirror on the cleaned wall area. Hold the mirror in place for one to two minutes to mount effectively. Make sure to apply pressure to the taped area for the tape to adhere to the wall properly.

Method 5: French Cleat Brackets

A mirror bracket and French cleat brackets are great for hanging a larger mirror on a wall’s smooth surface, giving you loads of placement flexibility and no weight limit. Try inexpensive brackets. Each type of bracket does exactly what it sounds like. Note, however, that this method will require the use of screws, so it won’t be ideal if you live in a rental property and are not allowed to hang anything on the walls.

You can use French cleats brackets almost anywhere, but they’re especially useful if you have limited access behind your full-length mirrors. If you want to test out these brackets before getting started, pop in a corner cabinet store or Ikea—they’re very common to find.

Take measurements beforehand and attach your brackets before removing your mirror from its packaging to make things easy. This can save time and ensure your brackets are perfectly placed. You can use as many or as few of these with French cleat hanging.

You can also put them anywhere behind your mirror, accessible behind your wall or door. Unlike other brackets, French cleats allow for much more installation flexibility.

Hanging A Mirror Using French Cleat Brackets

Step 1: Install the Top Cleat to the Mirror

Depending on the type of French cleat you have, you should attach the top cleat to the back of the mirror. Make sure to align the cleat to the top of the mirror. Use a screwdriver to fasten the cleat using the screws provided.

Step 2: Install the Bottom Cleat to the Wall

Going back to the instruction manual provided with your French cleat, you can now install the bottom cleat to the wall. Use a stud finder to quickly locate any studs in the wall where you want to install the mirror.

Mark the areas where you want to install the cleat with a pencil. Hold the cleat to the indicated mark, and with a screwdriver, screw in the cleat and fasten it in place to a firmer grip.

Step 3: Mount the Mirror

With both cleats secured in place at the top of the mirror and the wall, lift the mirror over the wall-mounted cleat. Lower the mirror gently into the wall cleat until it latches on. And voila!

How to Hang a Heavy Mirror Without Nails

All the instructions and methods discussed above on how to hang a mirror without nails will help you quickly hang your mirrors and other objects.

Mirror hanging can be a frustrating process at times, but taking your time and using tried-and-true methods should help ensure success. If you are looking for other options (especially for brick walls), monkey hooks, toggle bolts, or drywall hooks can also get the job done. Always remember to check the weight of your mirror before embarking on this task and make sure that your chosen method will hold it in place!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top