When attaching mirrors to the wall, you need to pay attention not only to the mounting system, but also to what it is intended for. This is justified by the fact that with a correctly selected arrangement, reliability can be achieved when attaching the direct device. In this case, there are a number of different rooms, the arrangement of which affects the method of selecting a mirror installation system.
Experts have identified special fittings that facilitate the correct and high-quality attachment of products. There are also places in the room where such fastening is impossible from a technical point of view. Further in the article we offer you a number of information that will definitely help you with many questions in the field of mirror installation.
From the article you will learn how to attach and hang a mirror sheet on a bracket without a frame, through a hole, how to hang large mirrors, whether you can insert it onto metal fasteners with your own hands.
How to choose a wall holder for installing a canvas?
There is a lot of material on our issue in the construction market. In order to correctly implement fasteners, it is necessary to correctly analyze a number of criteria:
- First of all, it is necessary to note the reliability of the structure and its strength. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the material of the wall and the weight of the product itself, that is, the mirror. You need to understand that a small mount is fragile, and it will not be possible to hold a large mirror. If you use the wrong material, you can completely destroy the mirror.
- Fasteners must be as inconspicuous as possible. Secondly, it is extremely important to pay attention to aesthetics. It is important to give preference to those products that will be as secretive as possible, but at the same time as effective as possible.
- Fasteners should cause minimal damage to the wall and its material. If you use a dowel, then masking such a hole on a tile will be extremely inconvenient and ineffective.
If you select a single material that meets all three parameters, then the service life and the period itself will be as effective as possible.
Mirrors and wall material
The answer to the question of how to hang a mirror on a wall depends on the walls themselves. Or rather, from the base material. Therefore, in each specific case, the owners themselves choose the method.
Concrete
This is an “apartment classic”, which makes it possible to use any option, since such walls require one thing - reliable fastening. To work with a concrete base, you will need a suitable tool: it is a hammer drill, which is the easiest way to drill holes for dowels. Do the same with brick walls.
Drywall
Recently, plasterboard walls and false walls have become popular. In this case, lightweight structures (up to 15-20 kg) allow the use of anchor bolts or special, drop-down fasteners - butterfly dowels (umbrella, bolt/screw or Molly anchor).
If the weight of the mirror is much greater, then the owners of frame structures will have to carry out additional surgery. For example, the situation is often saved by mortgages made of wood or plywood. They are mounted in the profile and between the supports. Reinforcing the wall using the “double skin” method - an additional layer of plasterboard - is another possible solution to the problem.
Tiles, PVC panels
These are not the best surfaces to mount a mirror on. If both base coatings can still withstand small products, then installing a medium-sized structure on an adhesive composition may end in an “accident.” There are two optimal options. In the case of tiles or panels, they are deepened into the base through ceramics (PVC).
Before installing plastic panels, it is better to prudently leave an uncovered area for the mirror. If the PVC frame is made of wooden beams, then there is no problem at all: such bases provide a chance to firmly attach almost any canvas. Otherwise, the wall will also need embeddings.
A common solution to the problem is to leave a space in the tiled wall. The best option in this case is the “full integration” of the mirror into the tile. To eliminate the difference between the coating and the glass, a “shield” made of moisture-resistant plasterboard is glued under the product. Or apply another layer of plaster. After fixing the mirror, the joints are sealed with sealant, which is matched to the tone of the tile. An alternative to silicone is grout.
It is simply impossible to imagine any residential building or apartment without these interior elements. Therefore, the question of how to hang a mirror on the wall will sooner or later arise before all owners who have not yet done such work. You can find the best way and immediately begin independent “accomplishments.” But there is another way - to see how other masters solve this problem. For example, “maybe” this video might be useful:
Peculiarities
First of all, it is necessary to analyze the surface on which the mirror will subsequently be mounted. Each material on which fastening will potentially be carried out can have its immediate positive and negative sides, for example:
- When constructing a concrete wall, it is extremely necessary to use a number of auxiliary materials.
First, the surface should be leveled using putty, and also a primer in the future. Regardless of how the fastening will be carried out using glue or using self-tapping screws. It is worth noting that it is concrete that provides the standard of strength compared to a number of other surfaces. It is on such a surface that there is an excellent opportunity to attach mirrors with the heaviest possible weight. - Drywall is not able to support mirrors with a large weight and large shape. The weight of the mirror on such a surface is assumed to be no more than 20 kg. In such a case, for the most positive fastening, you will need to use specially placed fittings. Dowels should not be present in this version.
- The next covering option is tiles. In this case, it is best to use a profile or fastening with brackets. They have the positive quality of being able to be glued to a surface. In a minimum number of cases, experts recommend fastening with self-tapping screws, because the surface is seriously damaged and aesthetics are lost.
You need to choose the mounting method solely based on your surface and nothing else.
Briefly about the main thing
It is best to mount the mirror on standard fittings - it is suitable specifically for this canvas, both in terms of technical characteristics and appearance
This is especially important for heavy framed mirrors - they are hung on the wall like paintings
If there are no fastenings, you can use dowels or self-tapping screws, which are a less beautiful option for standard fastenings. If necessary, you can drill holes in the glass.
Small mirrors and fragments of mirror panels can be glued to the wall using glue, sealant or double-sided tape.
It is important to take into account not only the weight of the mirror, but also the properties of the material and finish of the wall - strong fastenings are suitable for strong walls, and glue for thin and weak ones. Source
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The role of mirror surfaces in the interior
Design experts present a number of positive aspects of the mirror, as well as its relevance in the implementation of absolutely any design.
- It becomes possible to visually expand the space where the square footage of the room is small. A mirror, due to the fact that it reflects objects, can increase space.
- A mirror can also change the immediate shape of a room. With the right selection of mirrors, you can change a narrow corridor into a wider one, make a narrower room taller, and so on. For absolutely all rooms with a non-standard shape, there is a solution for visual changes.
- The mirror can direct its capabilities to increase illumination. In addition to objects, a mirror can also reflect light, allowing it to be diffused throughout the room. This solves the problem of a dark room, small windows, a neighbor's fence, and so on.
- In the living room, mirrors can create a surprise effect for guests. In this case, it becomes possible to create a small illusion of the so-called winter garden.
How to determine the mounting height of mirrors
A mirror is a wonderful interior decoration. But in addition to aesthetic functions, it must cope with its direct responsibilities. It should be placed in such a way that none of the family members experience inconvenience or discomfort when using it. Of course, in personal rooms they need to be adapted to the owner. But general accessories - in the bathroom, living room or hallway should be comfortable for everyone.
The mirror in the bathroom should have a distance of 20-40 cm from the sink. This arrangement will provide it with reliable protection from splashes, and at the same time will contribute to comfortable use. A distance of 1m 20 cm should be left from the floor. This will ensure the safety of small children. The top edge should exceed the height of the tallest person in the household by a couple of centimeters. Consider these rules when choosing a mirror. They will help you decide on the size of the canvas.
In the hallway it is better to use a tall floor-length mirror. With its help, you can always adequately assess your appearance before leaving home. The height of the panel should be comfortable for the main “record holder” for height among your family members.
Types of fasteners
Varieties of mirror mounts require installation on an adhesive and mechanical basis. The latter includes fixation by dowels and fasteners. You can't do this without drilling. In this case, holes should be made both in the wall and in the mirror itself .
Adhesive bases require the use of two components: an adhesive composition and double-sided mounting tape. The tape involves double-sided tape coated with an adhesive composition. It is easy to work with it just to the extent that it is acceptable to make mistakes during installation.
The mirror may be moved from its intended location. In order to avoid unnecessary effort, it is possible to use a small amount of transparent glue. Liquid nails must be applied to the sides after the tape has been applied. In this case, you should not go beyond the boundary of the reflective surface so that the sealant does not come out.
However, it is not permissible to glue a mirror onto any surface . Tile cannot hold liquid nails or double-sided tape. Especially in the bathroom, where the most moisture is concentrated. Glue is afraid of temperature changes, which exist in the kitchen or bathroom, due to the fact that it quickly collapses.
Before using the adhesive base, it is necessary to perform surface maintenance. The wall or facing material should be cleaned of dirt and degreased with alcohol.
Application of silicone sealant
Using silicone sealant is the fastest way to solve the problem of attaching a mirror. But, this mounting method is more suitable for those who are looking for a way to attach a mirror without any frame.
Due to the very strong attachment, a very heavy mirror can be held, but it should not contain a frame. But, in this case, it is important to choose the right glue, because if you choose a non-specialized form of glue, it will damage the amalgam of the mirror and, as a result, it will not be suitable.
The mounting method is extremely simple, and most importantly fast.:
- The glue must be applied to the wall in vertical lines and also to the mirror itself.
- Then press the mirror against the wall and hold for about 15 minutes.
This process also has its own specific nuances, for example:
- The surface of the wall must be flat.
- The surface must be clean and dry.
A special type of glue has the ability to adhere to a mineral surface. But, this method of fastening does not have the ability to interact with a material such as gloss.
We suggest watching a video on how to glue a mirror using silicone sealant:
Using construction tape
This method implies a number of very excellent positive qualities:
- It is completely optional to level the walls before installation.
- If you do not have additional capabilities to press firmly, you can use additional types of fasteners.
- If necessary, this product can be easily moved and placed in another location. At the same time, no traces of this type of adhesive tape remain on the walls.
- Fastening in the form of construction tape is not damaged due to increased moisture or elevated temperature.
Undoubtedly, each mounting method has a number of disadvantages, and in this case it is the impossibility of this installation on tiles.
It is important to note that it is strictly forbidden to use standard rolled tape, because removing it from the surface in the future will be extremely difficult.
Also, in the case of this type of fastening, the so-called amalgam can easily be damaged, especially if the mirror does not have the required level of quality. In this case, it is important to give preference to special construction-type tape , which is also double-sided.
It is important to note that mirrors should not be large and, most importantly, not heavy. Their size should not exceed more than one square meter.
Dowels and screws
The method of fastening using dowels is one of the most complex, which requires increased attention and understanding of your actions.
Dowels are relevant if installation is required on a relatively uneven surface or on tiles. This type of fastener is sold in all hardware stores. If you do not want to spend extra money, then you can build this device with your own hands.
The element design is as follows:
- The so-called sleeve, which is built into the surface of the wall.
- It is important to use an additional screw that screws into the wall.
- An element that facilitates the embedding of a screw into a surface. Such an element has a thread that is located externally, which secures an external type plug.
- A plug, which is presented in the form of nickel or chromium metal.
About installing glass fittings
Today, the market offers its consumers a very wide range of accessories for products in the form of a mirror. In total, the following types of structures can be distinguished :
- Glass fastening in the form of connectors.
- Special holder for glass display cases.
- Various lamps.
- Fastenings for mirror surfaces.
- Holders for glass ceilings.
- And so on.
It is important to note the important fact that hinges and hinges can be designed for both vertical and horizontal installation.
Due to the fact that today there are a number of new elements and ideas, it becomes possible to fix the mirror through special holes in the mirror itself. This method is necessary in order not to damage the structure of the mirror, because the glass material itself is very fragile. Thus, in order to make certain holes in it, you need to try very hard and be extremely careful.
Bonding technology
The entire process of installing a mirror using glue can be divided into several main stages:
- you need to prepare a place to install glass. It must be cleaned and degreased with alcohol;
- when installing on a concrete wall, it is necessary to prime the walls;
- If there is already wallpaper pasted in place of the mirror, then it is advisable to remove it, otherwise the mirror may fall and tear off the wallpaper. You can also fasten a piece of plywood to the wall in that place and glue the mirror onto it;
- it is necessary to mark the place where the mirror will hang;
- prepare supports, profile and liquid nails. The supports and profile will help keep the mirror level while the glue hardens;
- liquid nails must be applied either pointwise at the same distance from each other, or in vertical stripes at a distance of 10-15 cm from each other;
- When the mirror is leaning against the wall, you will need to press it lightly for a while. Then put up supports and remove them after a couple of days;
- After removing the supports, look to see if there is a target between the wall and the mirror. If available, be sure to use sealant.
Installation lifehack: how to secure and hang it with your own hands?
Various methods may not inspire confidence among consumers, because they are actually quite dangerous and not sustainable. In no case should the fastening harm the amalgam . But, most of these products often damage the surface and this factor must be taken into account when choosing a fastener.
In general, there are two types of fastening, which are the main ones. This is an end-to-end method and a non-end-to-end method. The first option is an installation using devices such as dowels. Also, in this case, it is required that the mirrors themselves already have through holes.
You can also turn to this type of fittings, which does not provide for the implementation of certain holes. This is justified by the fact that the non-through type method is more gentle and safe, both for the owner and for the mirror itself.
In any case, choosing a specific installation is based on what kind of mirror you purchased . In the event that the mirror has direct holes, then through fastening is necessary, because this is already understandable. In other cases, you should give preference to the non-through method.
Through bracket holder without drilling
The construction market contains a wide variety of devices for holding mirrors. Moreover, most of these devices involve a device without drilling a mirror. For this reason, choosing the right type of profile will not be difficult or difficult.
Do not drill holes for mounting the mirror at right angles. It is important to carry out this process at a certain angle from above and point downward.
This drilling method ensures that the holders can never fall out of their surfaces. In most cases, a mirror implies special self-care.
How to make it using dowels in plastic sleeves?
At the very beginning of work, it is necessary to make certain markings on the surface of the wall itself. Such marks can be easily made using special markers, the main thing is that they differ from the color of the wall and do not wear off. After all this, you can start the process and do it gradually:
- Making holes in the wall is done using a drill. In this case, the drill must be selected slightly smaller in diameter than the self-tapping screw that will be installed in the future.
- Such a dowel should be driven in with a hammer, which is more accurate.
- If the mirror has this ability, then it is better to hang it by the so-called fasteners.
If the mirror does not have one or another hole, then you can attach it using the corners of the mirror.
How to make a beautiful frame for a mirror
A quick glance at the mirror mounted on the wall revealed that it did not harmonize with the surroundings in the hallway. The mirror hung as a separate element and did not fit well into the interior. It was clearly missing framing it with a baguette. I had to do some modifications and figure out how to make a frame for the mirror.
When visiting a building materials store, I noticed a decorative corner designed to decoratively protect the outer corners of walls. You see him in the photo
It consisted of two strips of cardboard covered with a film with a wood pattern. A distinctive feature of this corner was the ability to take any angle. The width of the edge of the corner was 20 mm, the length of the corner was 2.5 m. Just along the entire perimeter of the mirror, a section of the wall 20 mm wide remained uncovered. My imagination suggested that this was exactly what could be used to make an excellent frame for a mirror.
The corner was cut lengthwise into two strips, and sections of the required length were sawn off with end angles of 45°. This can be done using a miter box and a hacksaw. The frame was glued to the wall with Moment liquid nails, which I used when installing ceiling skirting boards.
After framing the mirror with a decorative frame, it harmoniously fits into the interior of the hallway. An evaluation of the result of the work after installing a large mirror in the hallway confirmed that the task of expanding the space and the ability to see oneself in full height was successfully solved.
Basic ways to hang
There are eight common ways to hang mirror structures that you should familiarize yourself with.
Special glue
Most often, products are attached to the walls using special fasteners, but they are not always possible to install. For example, problems may arise when hanging on a plasterboard wall. In such cases, it is better to use adhesive liquids that can withstand a load of twenty kilograms. The main advantage of using such means is that a person does not have to drill into the wall surface.
Holders
Some people don't want to use glue and so use holders instead. Two types of such devices are available:
- Non-through. These are universal devices that can be installed on doors or walls. A special feature of the structures is that they are screwed tightly to surfaces.
- Through. When installing such products, a gap of 5-7 millimeters is made between the mirror and the wall.
Self-tapping screws or fasteners with plastic expansion joints
People often use dowels with self-tapping screws to hang mirrors. This method is considered the most common, as it is suitable for most types of walls. However, for plasterboard surfaces it is better to use a different fastening method.
Decorative profile
A decorative profile is a material that is used for cladding window slopes, columns and walls. It is also used for attaching paintings, mirrors and other products to concrete or brick surfaces. Such products are made from metal, wood or plastic.
Using special adhesive tape or mounting tape
To quickly secure the structure to the wall, you can use mounting tape or double-sided tape. The main feature of such products is that they are coated with an adhesive composition on the inside and outside. This allows the material to be used for gluing any surfaces.
Staples
The mirror can be mounted on the walls using brackets. Using such fastening material, you need to place a special fiberboard substrate under the mirror structure. Then the product is attached with staples to the wall and substrate.
Suspensions
It is no secret that various mounts are used to attach mirrors. Special pendants that are suitable for rooms designed in modern or techno style are popular. Such fasteners are made of chrome-plated metal, but there are also wooden hangers.
Hidden plate
Some people want their mirror mounts to be discreet. To do this, use special plates that hide all connecting elements. It is recommended to use such fasteners if the mirror structure will be installed in the bedroom or hallway.
