2 Simple Ways to Hang a Frameless Mirror

Frameless mirrors are a popular mirror choice for bathrooms and accent mirrors, as their lack of a frame keeps them looking clean and simple. However, this pared-down look can present a few challenges for installation, as they aren't installed in the same way other wall hangings might be. But don't worry—it's not too difficult to figure out. Keep reading to learn how to hang a frameless mirror.

What You'll Need

Hanging a frameless mirror is a bit different than hanging a regular mirror or a picture frame. Here's what you'll need:

• Level
• Pencil
• Window cleaner
• Clean cloth

If using mirror adhesive:

• Mirror adhesive
• Caulk gun
• Nails (optional)

If using mirror or z-clips:

• Mirror or z-clips
• Stud finder
• Drill and drill bits
• Wall anchor
  

Step 1: Determine Mirror Placement

Before you bring out too many tools, figure out where you want to hang your frameless mirror first. Make sure your mirror is hung at your eye-level—not too high or too low. Additionally, use a level to make sure the mirror isn't hung at an angle.

Both of these things will be monumentally easier with another person to help, so consider recruiting a friend to assist with this task. Once you're satisfied with the mirror's potential placement, mark the wall with a pencil.

Step 2: Choose Your Hanging Method

There's more than one way to hang a mirror, and the method you pick depends largely on the size and weight of the mirror. A small, lightweight frameless mirror can be hung using only adhesive, while a larger mirror will require the use of small mirror clips or other hardware. We'll look at how to hang a mirror with adhesive first.

Use Mirror Adhesive

You'll need a strong construction adhesive to hang your small frameless mirror, like Liquid Nails. Don't skimp out on strength here and make sure you are choosing a strong enough adhesive that's meant for hanging heavy objects. Apply the adhesive using a caulk gun in large, half-inch thick blobs all over the surface of the back of the mirror.

Next, place the mirror onto its predetermined spot, and hold it in place for at least 10 minutes while the adhesive begins to cure. If you're still worried about the strength of the adhesive while it cures, you can add a few temporary nails beneath the mirror to support it and pull them out once the adhesive has fully cured, which can take up to 48 hours.

Use Clips

There are two types of hardware you can use to hang your larger frameless mirror: mirror clips and z-clips. Mirror clips are small clips that are installed directly above and below your frameless mirror that hold it in place and prevent if from falling forward or slipping backward.

Z-clips are two-part interlocking clips where one clip is secured to the mirror and the other is secured to the wall. The clips slide together and lock into place. However, z-clips can only be used on mirrors if the mirror-facing clip is already pre-installed, as you cannot screw directly into a mirror without damaging the glass.

Step 3: Install Hardware

For both types of hardware, you'll need to first locate wall studs and drill anchor holes into the wall, which provide extra security to your mirror hardware and ensure it doesn't slip out of the wall.

Find wall studs using a stud finder, which will beep when it's located the edge of a stud. Use these studs to determine the placement of where your clips will be installed and mark their spots. If using mirror clips, make sure these spots are directly above and below where the mirror will go. Next, drill anchor holes into these spots using a screwdriver, and then place wall anchors into the holes.

Then, screw the clips into the wall anchors, making sure they're a tight, secure fit. Finally, slide the mirror either in between the clips (if using mirror clips) or onto the clips (if using z-clips).

Step 4: Clean It Up

Once your frameless mirror has been fully installed and secured, it just needs one finishing touch—some glass cleaner. The process of mirror installation leaves fingerprints and grime all over the glass surface, so give the mirror a good clean with a dry cloth and glass cleaner before calling it a day.

Your frameless mirror may have also come with a protective film—if that's the case, no need to grab the Windex. Instead, just peel the film off for a sparkly clean mirror.