Many of us have no clue how to install a mirror in the bathroom.
Well, don’t be embarrassed; I was also in the same shoes.
But through a bit of research and practice, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve on bathroom installation id like to share.
So read on.
Check: Best Bathroom Mirrors With Lights
How to Install a Mirror in the Bathroom? [Complete Guide]
Installing a bathroom mirror is relatively easy (not as ABC-but pretty much!).
But whether you plan on installing an oval-shaped mirror, a rectangular bathroom mirror, or any other type or shape, you need the right tools.
Things you will Need for Bathroom Mirror Installation
In anticipation of the process, it’s essential to know what materials and items you will need. They include:
- Mirror (frameless)
- Mirror adhesive (mastic) or Mount
- Measuring Tape
- Trims or Edging Frames (Mirror Frame)
These are the essential items you need for your bathroom mirror installation.
You can use other accessories and additional materials to enhance the physique of your custom mirror.
For instance, if you’re aiming for a lighted vanity mirror, you’ll need an LED light fixture; if you want frameless mirrors, you need a good-quality, sturdy frameless mirror, and so on.
Next are a few easy steps, and you will have your perfect bathroom mirror.
Step 1: Locate the Desired Position for the Bathroom Mirror
The most crucial factor to keep in mind when installing a bathroom mirror is where you’ll place it. Whether you’ll mount it or stick it onto the wall, you need a good plan.
The suitable wall space to hang a mirror [1] is above the sink or basin. However, it’s not mandatory to place it here.
You can always switch things up and install your mirror anywhere in your bathroom.
After deciding where you want to hang your beautiful mirror, mark the center spot with an “X.” You can use a pencil or a dry erase marker to do this.
That’ll help you with how you’ll place your bathroom vanity mirror.
QUICK NOTE: I recommend installing your wall mirror at eye level [2] above your bathroom sink. Eye-level is where you see most of your upper torso without adjusting your height.
Step 2: Take your Mirror’s Measurements
After deciding where you want to place your mirror, it’s now time to measure it.
Using a measuring tape, like Komelon’s Professional Scale Power Tape, take the product dimensions, including the height and length.
Here’s a quick video of how you can measure a larger mirror.
Continue measuring and drawing until you get the length and height of the mirror marked on the wall. Mark the corners with an “X” mark so you’ll quickly see it.
Alternatively, you can also measure it by holding the mirror up against the wall and marking it. This method would work best for custom mirrors because they’re usually oddly shaped.
For a heavy mirror, though, you’ll need the assistance of another person to do the measurement while you hold it up the wall.
I did mine by holding my vanity mirror up while a friend made the marks. I found this to be an easier and faster process because I finished it in one go.
Don’t forget to clean the bathroom mirror.
Step 3: Dry Fit the Mirror
Never leave out or skip the dry fit step. This is the part where you’ll ensure that the mirror fits just right into the space.
This applies to whatever type of mirror you plan on installing.
Skipping it could lead to problems with measurements later on. In my case, since I was installing a rectangular bathroom mirror, I needed the perfect fit.
The dry-fitting process helped me realize that the mirror was tilting to the left. And so, I was able to make the necessary adjustments before installation.
QUICK TIP: Always perform a dry fit procedure before you screw holes. This will help you visualize how it would look like.
ALSO CHECK: How to Fix a Scratched Bathroom Mirror
Step 4: Drill Holes on the Marked Spaces or Install the Mounts
Now that you have the accurate markings on the wall, the next thing to do is to drill holes on the marked spaces using a power drill.
The DEWALT MAX Drill Kit is one of the best and most efficient online. I recommend using this as I used it when I drilled support holes for my dresser mirror.
Start making holes by carefully drilling the marks. Take your time and don’t rush the hole drilling procedure.
After drilling, take out debris or dirt that could’ve piled up in the hole.
If you’re going for wall-mounted vanity mirrors or regular hanging mirrors, install the wall anchors or the mirror clips.
QUICK TIP: Ensure that the positioning of the mirror clips is accurate to avoid a slanted framed mirror.
Step 5: Install the Wall Plugs or Prepare the Mastic
After boring holes in the wall, don’t forget to insert the wall plugs.
Gently tap one wall plug in each of the holes with the help of a hammer and make sure that they are fully immersed in the wall.
Wall plugs are necessary because they help the screws to hold the mirror securely. With it, there will be zero to minimal chances of broken glass.
If you glue it onto the wall(best for unframed mirror}, prepare the mastic [3] after the dry fit procedure. Apply it onto the back of the mirror using a putty knife.
Confused? Here’s a video discussing how you can do it.
QUICK TIP: When applying the mastic, do it in circles across the entire surface of the back of the mirror. Create swirls of the mastic for better durability.
Step 6: Hang the Mirror or Press it Down
Now that everything is ready, it’s time to hang your bathroom mirror in place. Hold it against the wall accurately so that the holes and the screws match.
After that, carefully start fastening the eye-screws attached to the mirror one by one using a screwdriver. Ensure that you hold the entire mirror carefully.
If you used a mirror mastic, press and firmly hold the mirror onto the space. Press it until you feel that the mastic has expanded and spread.
QUICK TIP: If necessary, ask help from another person for the holding, screwing, or pressing of the mirror
Step 7: Check the Final Positioning of the Mirror
After fastening all the screws, carefully let go of the mirror and see if it drops or not. If it stays in place, then you’re all good!
Any further adjustments won’t be necessary.
If it is not secure, try remedying it by adjusting the positioning or pressing it harder onto the wall space.
Step 8: Add the Extras
After ensuring that the mirror is firm, the next thing to do is add the finishing touches to your bathroom mirror.
If you’re into fashion and want side-lighted mirrors, now’s the time to add the LEDs in place.
If you want a modern bathroom with a smart mirror or a backlit vanity mirror, try adding the accessories needed.
That’s it! That’s the process of how to install a bathroom mirror.
Check our guide on how to decorate bathroom mirror.
With this guide, you’ll no longer need to seek help from a mirror-installing professional! Save up on labor costs and do it on your own!
Few Additional Tips to Keep in Mind
- Always install your mirror on the drywall. Wet walls might erase the markings and make it hard for you to make perfect holes.
- If you install a lighted bathroom mirror, make sure you have a power socket nearby. Otherwise, you’ll find it tough to toggle the lights.
- Don’t forget to use safety goggles while drilling. It will keep your eyes protected from the bits and particles of the wall.
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FAQs on How to Install a Mirror in the Bathroom
Have a few questions in mind that I did not cover? Here are a few of the questions that are commonly asked by people who try it:
Can I Hang a Heavy Mirror on a Brick Wall?
Yes, you can hang a heavy mirror on a brick wall. You need to use a hammer drill and drill through stone. Then, install the plugs and then the wall mount for the mirror.
How Do You Install a Frameless Bathroom Mirror?
You can install a frameless mirror using adhesive (mirror mastic) or mounting clips.
How to Easily Remove Glued Bathroom Mirror From the Wall?
You can remove a bathroom mirror glued from the wall by heating the edges/corners of the mirror, going to the center. Do this for at least 15 minutes to melt the adhesive.
Then, carefully pull the mirror out from its positioning.
That’s How You Install a Bathroom Mirror!
May it be a vanity mirror, a frameless mirror, a décor-type of a mirror, or a heavy mirror, the process of installing a mirror in the bathroom is the same.
With my guide, you won’t need to look for a professional to help you with improvement projects! Save up on additional costs by using this tutorial as a reference!
Sources
1. How To A Hang Bathroom Mirror [9 Simple Steps] [Internet]. Home Decor Bliss. 2020 [cited 2021 Dec 17]. Available from: https://homedecorbliss.com/how-to-hang-bathroom-mirror/
2. Available from: https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=0hxXBvB3UnMC&pg=PA31&lpg=PA31&dq=bathroom+mirror+installation+eye+level+journal&source=bl&ots=oNDqHMo367&sig=ACfU3U3bkxTf13MxmiQ90Ng_QKB7zUWHfA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjP0-2VveH0AhWhxYsBHc4VCOQQ6AF6BAgVEAM#v=onepage&q=bathroom%20mirror%20installation%20eye%20level%20journal&f=false
3. Mirror Mastic Installation Health | Medical Standards and Guidelines [Internet]. www.medmalrx.com. [cited 2021 Dec 17]. Available from: https://www.medmalrx.com/?mirror-mastic-installation/
If you have more tips on how to install a mirror in the bathroom, let us know in the comments below!
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