How to Hang a Picture or Mirror

Decide on the exact location where you wish to hang the mirror or picture. It is recommended to hang such an item at eye-level. If you are unsure of the height of your eye-level, stand several feet back and ask someone to hold a measuring tape from the ceiling down. Mark the wall with a pencil at the height your eyes naturally rest on the wall.

Drilling into wiring can result in serious injury and possibly fire, so it is important to check the wall for any wiring before drilling. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, use an electrical current detector to check there are no currents present in the area where you plan to hang the item. If a current is found, you should look for a different place to hang the item.

As to avoid hanging a heavy item on wallboard, use a stud finder to locate a wall stud or beam which will provide better support. Use the drill to bore a suitably sized hole into the stud or beam, deep enough for the screw to fit. If you feel the drilling is too easy and/or you feel the drill coming out the other side, you may have drilled straight through the plasterboard.

Insert your wall plug into the drilled hole and tap flush with a hammer

Secure the screw in the wall plug leaving 10-20mm sticking out. Screws are recommended for use in favour of nails as they have greater holding power. They are also simpler to remove if you change your mind on the location of your picture or mirror at a later date.

Hang your picture or mirror off the screw. You may need to use the spirit level to tweak the hanging of the item until you feel it is straight.

Shopping List

- Measuring Tape

- Pencil

- Electrical Current Detector

- Stud Finder

- Suitable Hanging Screw and Wall Plug

- Power Drill

- Spirit Level