A Guide to Mounting a Mirror in a Horizontal Orientation
Changing a mirror's orientation from vertical to horizontal can give a wall a fresh look. Some mirrors are designed for both orientations, but others can still be hung sideways. This guide covers methods using existing brackets, double-sided tape, or mounting hardware, along with necessary tools and precautions.
By Harper Young9 steps
Use mirrors to decorate any room in your apartment or house.
Mirrors can make a room feel larger and bring interest to a bare wall. Positioning one sideways can produce a particularly striking effect. While some mirrors are manufactured to be hung either vertically or horizontally, you can still orient your mirror as you wish even if it wasn't designed that way. Hanging a mirror sideways does not involve modifying its structure, and you can always switch it back to a vertical position later if you prefer.
Step 1
Inspect the back of the mirror to see if it has a hanging bracket that permits horizontal hanging.
Step 2
If such a bracket is present, hold the mirror so it is level with the wall in a horizontal orientation.
Step 3
Raise the mirror above the nail already in the wall, then lower it so the bracket catches on the nail.
Step 1
If no horizontal bracket exists, stick double-sided tape patches to the back of the mirror. Follow the tape package instructions for the correct number of patches. Determine the mirror's weight by placing it on a scale, or by weighing yourself first and then weighing yourself while holding the mirror; the difference between the two weights equals the mirror's weight. The mirror's weight dictates how much tape you need.
Step 2
Take the nail out of the wall. Using a wall leveler, tape measure, and pencil, draw a level line on the wall at the spot where you want the mirror to go.
Step 3
Peel off the paper backing from the tape patches on the mirror, then press the mirror against the wall along the drawn line. Keep holding it in place for the duration specified on the tape packaging.
Step 1
Press the mirror against the wall and use a pencil to mark the corners on the wall. Check with a wall level that the mirror is straight.
Step 2
Take the mirror away from the wall. Position the mirror brackets from the mounting kit against the wall at the bottom corner marks. Push the mounting screws from the kit through the brackets and drive them into the wall with a screwdriver.
Step 3
Place the mirror onto the brackets so it sits flush against the wall. Put the top brackets over the upper edge of the mirror and tighten screws through them into the wall to hold everything in place.
