I need to re-hang a very heavy mirror over my mantle. It has been hung using a wire strung between 2 loops at the edges of the wood frame. They have now bent due to the weight -- so clearly this isn't a good idea. Also, it has been suggested that I try and tilt the top of the mirror toward the room. How the heck am I going to do that??? I need suggestions about HOW to mount/hang it to a PLASTER wall and how to achieve a TILT.Thanks!

 

whether you use the wire method, or just hang it from some sort of metal loop on each side, the key to getting it to tilt forward at the top is to place either the wire or the loops about a 1/4 of the way down from the top. the closer to the top you place the hangers, the flatter against the wall it'll hang. so lower the hangers, but no lower than 1/2 way down. i'd stick with 1/4 or 1/3 down.

is the wall really plaster or drywall?

if it's drywall: it would be best if you could utilize the studs in the wall & fasten into those. but if you can't, you need to use toggle bolts rated for the weight of your mirror. it's a long bolt with a thing on it that sort of looks like butterfly wings. you drill a hole in the wall, then while compressing the wings, slide this toggle bolt into the wall. then once inside, the wings spring back open.

if it's plaster: i don't know!!! anyone?

 

You will also want to use a stronger wire and possibly double up on it for extra strength to hold the weight of the mirror.

 

You don't want to use wire since you can see what has already happened.........."They have now bent due to the weight ". This is why it must be hung directly from the the loop hangers. The mirror will hang at slight angle since the hangers are at usually positioned 1/3 down on the mirror. The proper way to hang it is to nail a 1/4" X 3" piece of plywood to the wall. Hammer nails at 45° angle every 8" or so and don't be concerned if you hit studs or not. The trick is the nails 45° angles and the mirror hanger is already made to nail at that angle also. The plywood prevents the hangers from pulling through the plaster or sheetrock. The length of the plywood should be a minimum of 1" more than the distance from the center to center of the hooks. It can be longer if it doesn't show past the mirror.