Mounting an Over-the-Door Mirror Flat Against a Wall: A Step-by-Step Guide

You can hang a mirror on a wall.

Over-the-door mirrors usually come with two metal hooks fixed to the back of the frame. To mount such a mirror flat against a wall, you first detach those hooks, then carry out a simple installation. Because the load pulls downward on the fasteners, heavy-duty wall anchors are typically not required in most cases. No specialized tools or carpentry background is needed for this project.

Step 1: Place the Mirror Face-Down

Lay the over-the-door mirror face-down on a flat surface. Using a screwdriver, unscrew the door hooks from the mirror frame and remove them.

Step 2: Position, Level and Trace

Hold the mirror against the wall at the height where you want it to hang. Check with a carpenter's level and adjust until the mirror is plumb and level. While holding it in position, draw a faint outline on the wall marking the top, bottom and corners of the mirror. Then lift the mirror away.

Step 3: Measure and Mark Clip Locations

Determine where the lower mirror clips will go, measuring so each sits an equal distance from the corresponding bottom corner of the mirror. Set the first lower clip against the wall with its supporting surface lined up with the mark for the bottom edge of the mirror.

Step 4: Transfer Screw Positions With an Awl

Press the tip of an awl through the screw hole in the mirror clip and into the wall. Remove the awl, then mark where the second lower mirror-clip screw hole should go. Widen both holes with the tip of a pointed knife so the plastic wall anchors will fit.

Step 5: Insert Anchors and Attach a Clip

Press the wall anchors into the holes until their screw openings sit flush with the wall surface. Position a mirror clip so its screw hole lines up with the hole in the wall anchor. Drive a screw through the clip into the anchor with a screwdriver. Repeat the process for the second lower mirror clip.

Step 6: Seat the Mirror and Fit Upper Clips

Set the mirror onto the two lower mirror clips that now support it. Place the upper mirror clips along the top of the frame, matching the spacing used at the bottom. Use an awl to mark where their screw holes fall on the wall. Then remove the mirror and the upper clips.

Step 7: Add Upper Anchors and Secure

Install the upper wall anchors following the same procedure used for the lower ones. Put the mirror back onto the lower clips. Line up the screw holes in the upper mirror clips with the corresponding wall anchors, then screw them into place to hold the mirror.