About Sara Tro Expertise I am a professional custom picture framer and designer. I have experience in all areas of
picture framing, and own my own custom framing shop. I can answer questions relating
to the design of a piece, the preservation of the artwork, color theory, photograph
restoration, decor, art placement, room balancing and installation questions.
Experience I have owned my own retail custom frame shop for 5 years, and managed a high-end shop before that for 5.5 years. I worked for a professional restorer and archivist for 8 months prior to the management position. I am also a fine artist myself, with a BFA in Photography and Printmaking, and have been framing my own work for years and years.
Education/Credentials BFA Fine Arts, NYSCC at Alfred University, NY
Question Hi Sara,
We bought a large mirror from Ikea recently and need some tips on how to hang it properly. I could hang it easily, but prefer to know if there's a better, more secure way to do it. The mirror is approx 36" by 48", and weighs 34 lbs. (feels like a little more than that). It has the fixed keyholes (term?) in the back so either wire or anchored screws will do, I think. We tried those 50 lb hooks from Home Depot and they bent like paper.
What do you suggest? We can probably get one screw/nail into a stud, but not the other. The wall is your typical drywall and the home is approx 22 years old. Should we get the anchor and screw combo? If so, what size screw? I ask because we have some - with the butterfly plastic anchor - but not sure if the screw is long enough. Thanks very much.
Answer Hi Lew,
Thanks for writing!
So, the best way to hang a heavy mirror is not with wire, but with whatever hardware is on the mirror (in your case, the keyholes) directly hanging on the wall hardware. So, your idea of putting a good solid screw into the wall, anchored with the drywall molly bolt or plastic anchor would be my best guess. If you can't find wood to go into for both sides, the anchor will help add support from the back of the drywall. I would probably err on the side of the screw being too long, but I'm not an expert installer.. My guy would probably say that the molly bolt and screw combo, with a 2" screw, would work out well. Is there any place on the frame for you to add a second "emergency" d-ring or something? it can be a good idea to have a secondary support system, sometimes at the bottom or top of the frame.
I also use those 50lb gold hangers all the time, even for very heavy mirrors, but I order mine from Germany and they don't bend easily.. the Home Depot ones are too flimsy, unfortunately.
One more thing, don't hang this mirror on the wall behind your bed :) I've heard horror stories...
