Welcome to Schoolhouse Switchboard, the place our workforce solutions your most urgent design questions—one matter at a time. This week, we’re breaking down how you can dangle artwork and mirrors like a professional.
Hanging a heavy mirror or piece of artwork can really feel like a type of deceptively easy duties—till you’re standing there with a drill in a single hand and a stage within the different, making an attempt to verify every little thing strains up excellent. It’s probably the most frequent questions we get on the Switchboard: What’s the most secure, most dependable strategy to dangle one thing heavy on the wall?
This week, we’re breaking all of it down. From understanding totally different mounting strategies to strolling you thru the instruments and steps you’ll want for a safe set up, contemplate this your go-to information for getting it executed cleanly, confidently, and with out damaging your drywall.
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Q: What’s the distinction between all these mounting strategies?
A: All of it begins with what’s on the again. Earlier than you decide up a hammer or drill, flip your mirror or artwork over and try the way it’s meant to hold. There are just a few frequent sorts you’ll see:
Image Wire
A basic for a cause. This one’s normally discovered on lighter mirrors and framed paintings. Simple to hold with a hook or two, and even simpler to regulate as soon as it’s on the wall. Typically paired with D-rings for added flexibility.
Keyhole Brackets
They might look smooth, however keyhole brackets could be a bit difficult. Getting the screws to align completely with the bracket openings takes persistence (and possibly slightly trial and error). That mentioned, they provide a brilliant flush end as soon as in place.
French Cleats
Our private favourite for heavier items. A French cleat mounts in two components—one on the wall and one on the mirror—locking collectively to create a brilliant sturdy maintain. Bonus: you get a number of screw holes for added energy and straightforward horizontal changes.
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Q: How do I really dangle one thing heavy?
A: Deliver on the ability instruments—safely. If you’re coping with critical weight, you’ll wish to dangle your mirror right into a stud for optimum help. But when your studs don’t align together with your mounting {hardware} (which occurs as a rule), you’ll want a toggle anchor to assist distribute the load.
Right here’s how we did it with a heavy mirror + French cleat combo:
Measure & mark your peak
Begin by determining precisely the place you need the highest of your mirror to sit down. Then, mark the place the cleat will go on the wall. Precision is essential right here!
Discover your stud (or not)
Use a stud finder to find the studs behind your wall. When you’re fortunate, considered one of your cleat’s holes will line up completely. If not? That’s the place the toggle is available in.
Screw into the stud
On the aspect with the stud, use an everyday wooden screw to anchor your cleat securely.
Use a toggle anchor on the opposite aspect
Drill a bigger gap in your snap toggle (these are included with our heaviest mirrors), pop it by means of the drywall, and pull it cosy earlier than screwing in.
Grasp your mirror
As soon as the cleat is mounted and stage, you’re prepared to hold. Ask a pal for assist in case your mirror is cumbersome.
Picture by Schoolhouse
Remaining Tip: All the time learn your mirror or artwork’s mounting directions, use the precise instruments, and when doubtful—ask for assist. Hanging one thing heavy doesn’t should be worrying, and the payoff (aka that completely positioned assertion piece) is so price it.
Nonetheless have questions? The Switchboard is all the time open. Whether or not you’re hanging paintings or rethinking your flooring plan, we’re right here to assist. E mail us as at [email protected]
What are your greatest suggestions for hanging artwork and mirrors?
