Easy is always a relative term. Like when I have a problem with some electronic device and Bluwaterguy tells me how to fix it, starting with “it’s easy” ~ and of course, it rarely is from my perspective. So when he told me he had an easy way to hang a mirror, I thought, “uh-oh, here we go” ~ but this really is an easy way to hang a mirror!
This hanging hardware uses a two-part cleat system that holds a heavy mirror or picture securely in place, and flush to the wall. And it comes with this tiny bubble level that slides along the cleat channel, so you can check the position as you work ~ and slides out when you’re done. Nice!
This is the mirror that goes with my dresser and nightstand, that I refreshed with Amy Howard One Step Paint. You can see the project reveal here and read tips and tricks here. The mirror originally mounted to the dresser with forty-year old hardware ~ because it was HEAVY ~ but, I wanted to separate it from the dresser, and hang it on the wall. Enter, “it’s easy”.
I painted the mirror in a wonderful color called “Vintage Affliction” and used Amy Howard’s Liming Wax as I did on the other pieces ~ and we were ready to hang. Actually, I use the term “we” loosely, as Bluwaterguy did most of the work, and I mostly took the photos. 🙂
Follow the instructions to position the top part of the cleat along the top edge of the piece, and screw in place. Fortunately Bluwaterguy had already done this twice hanging bathroom vanity mirrors, so he already had it figured out!
Then check the bottom part of the cleat ~ that will mount on the wall ~ to be sure it will fit snugly in place under the piece mounted to the mirror. It may even be a little too snug, and you can use your fingers to work it in and out.
Then check one more time to be sure you’ve got the correct alignment, and know which way the bottom piece needs to mount to the wall. It can get a little tricky when you flip things back and forth, or up and down, so be sure you remember which way to hold it for mounting
Then we measured for placement ~ and this involved math, never my super power ~ so we tripled checked our measurements!
After we figured out placement, the stud finder let us know where we needed wall anchors, vs. where we could drive directly into a stud.
Then you drive one screw to hold the cleat in place, so you can move the cleat as needed to get it level ~~~
Use the handy~dandy sliding bubble level to get it properly lined up & mark the other holes ~~~
And then maybe check it “just one more time” with the actual level, because you can ~~~
Ok, all good? Remove the single screw, place the wall anchors, and get ready for business ~~~
Drive in all the screws ~ wall anchors and studs ~ so the bottom part of the cleat is now wall mounted ~~~
And slide the mirror or picture vertically down the wall, until the two separate cleat pieces fit together ~ which by the way is impossible to photograph ~ so just try to envision that part!
Now here is another cool thing ~ if you need to slide a bit to the right or left to get it aligned perfectly with your furniture piece below, you can! Just lift slightly and slide the piece along the cleats. It’s super secure, stays level, and you don’t have to cheat and move the furniture underneath to compensate if your measurements are slightly off ~ and yes, that has been my preferred method of alignment prior to learning about this easy hanging trick! Look perfectly aligned and level!
Here are the dresser and mirror in place, and there are more pictures here. I’m happy to have this project complete. I love the colors, love that my furniture has a new look, and there really is an easy way to hang a mirror!
Especially if someone else is doing the work hanging it and you’re really just along to take the pictures!
