How to Install a Mirror in a Frame

Drill two holes into the back of the frame of the mirror on the sides about 4 inches from the top of the frame. Use an electric drill. Screw in two eye hooks. Run picture wire between the two eye hooks, going through each hook several times and twisting the wire around the strands already in place as you go. The strands of picture wire should be as tight as you can make them, so that if you pick up the frame by the wire, it moves only a couple of centimeters toward the top of the frame.

Measure the width of the frame and divide that number by two. On the wall, mark where you want the center of the frame to be. Then mark where you want the top of the frame to be. Pick up the frame by the wire and measure the distance between the wire when it is under tension and the top of the frame.

Hold a level up to the wall at the mark you made for the center of the frame. Measure down from the mark for the top of the frame the distance you calculated between the top of the frame and taut picture wire. Use the level to ensure that the new mark you make will be directly under the first mark. Using the level, draw a horizontal line at the level of the new mark.

Divide the width of the frame by four. From the new center mark you made, measure and mark that distance to the left and to the right of the center mark along the horizontal line you drew.

Use a hanger with an anchor, such as a molly bolt, if you are hanging the framed mirror on hollow drywall. Choose a bolt rated for at least three times the actual weight of the framed mirror. For a molly bolt, drill a hole in the drywall using an electric drill and a bit the size recommended by the manufacturer for the molly bolt you are using. Insert the molly bolt into hole and then use a screwdriver to turn the bolt to expand the hanger behind the wall.

Hang the framed mirror by the wire on the two molly bolts you have installed. You will probably need a second person to help you. Adjust the mirror so that it is level.