Foolproof! Hang Art or Mirror with 2 Hole Hangers
Showing you how to hang a mirror or art with those weird key holes on the back and get it right the first time!
No more messing up your walls trying to hang heavy artwork or a heavy mirror that requires drilling in two screws.
I’m here to show you the easiest way to hang any mirror or heavy piece of art that has two key holes as the hanger.
What that means is it has to be mounted in two places because it is heavy.
It makes it a little more challenging because you have to make sure the holes are PERFECT and align with the mounting hardware.
Oh and that they are level too! I’ve used this method to hang all of the artwork and the mirrors around my home because it is foolproof.
I just recently hung this mirror using the same method during a bathroom makeover.
Little ole me hung it all by myself because I was able to get the mounting hardware to line up exactly with the keyholes on the back of the mirror.
Contains hand selected products, with affiliate marketing links where I may earn a small commission if a purchase is made. {full disclosure here}
A Foolproof Way to Hang a Heavy Mirror or Art
This post originated because my BFF Theresa (who lives in Atlanta) texted me asking how to hang a big mirror with the two holes on the back.
I tried to talk it through with her, but promised I’d create a tutorial the next time I hung something similar. You can thank her for this how-to guide.
If you have no clue what I mean by the type of hanging hardware, here is a picture of the back of the mirror.
See those two “key holes”? It is more complicated to hang a piece like this versus wire on the back.
pin it for later!
The mirror is out of the frame for this tutorial, so I can show you more detailed instructions.
The truth is my brand new mirror arrived with the glue dried out and the mirror wasn’t attached to the back. So what you are seeing is just the frame in this tutorial.
It’s much easier to see exactly what I am doing since the mirror is removed.
Here it is the mirror we will be hanging in full glory…shop the mirror here
Supplies
- Hammer
- Power Drill
- Level
- Tape Measure
- Drywall Anchors (65 lbs)
- 1/16 Drill Bit
- Pencil
- Painter’s Tape
Seriously, these are the tools I use ALL of the time. I keep them handy in a tool drawer in my laundry room. It seems I am always hanging or assembling something 🙂
If you are new to DIY, check out my guide to your first tool box. CLICK HERE.
How to Hang Mirror or Art with Two Holes on the Back
Foolproof way to hang heavy art or mirror with two keyhole hangers on the back. Get it right the first time without damaging your walls.
Materials
- Pencil
- Painter's Tape
Tools
- Hammer
- Power Drill
- Level
- Tape Measure
- Drywall Anchors (65 lbs)
- 1/16 Drill Bit
Instructions
- Place a strip of frog tape between the holes and end to end on the frame.
- Use the pencil to punch the keyholes out through the tape.
- Measure the total distance from the bottom of the frame to the tope portion of the hanging holes.
- Record distance to the hole and add the number of inches you want the frame or mirror to hang above a couch or table. This will be the height the screws are placed on the wall. See note for hanging advice.
- Mark the center of where you want the mirror to hang on the wall and mark the center between the two holes on the tape.
- Place tape on the wall and align those two marks (I did mine in pencil, but to show you made them bold in editing).
- Level tape on the wall. I found it helpful to draw a level line with my pencil on the wall, so I could line up the tape. MAKE SURE your two center lines are still lined up!
- Drill 1/16" pilot holes to see if you are hanging on drywall or if there is a wood stud. NOTE: Make sure you are drilling at the top part of the "keyhole" because that is where it will hang off of the screws. If it is just drywall, you MUST use drywall anchors.
- Using your hammer, making sure the anchor is level GENTLY pound just the tip of the anchors into the wall on each side. Then screw into place flush with the wall.
- Peel off tape and screw in screws to the anchors. Leave about 1/4 inch of the threads exposed, so you have enough clearance to hang the mirror. You will hear a little "pop" as the anchor expands to hold it into the wall.
- Hang the artwork or mirror on the two screws. EASY! Please get help if it is heavy.
- Stand back and enjoy!
Notes
TIP: Add between 8 inches and 10 inches for the perfect height above an object. Mine will hang 9 inches above the credenza to allow for taller accessories and to balance with two lamps. 36 inches + 9 inches = 45 inches.
Note: I photographed this tutorial without the mirror in place to take pictures of the tutorial.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Final Results
Seriously, this whole process took 10 minutes and that included me taking pictures to produce this tutorial.
I hope you’ve found this tutorial empowering – you can do it! Go slowly if it is your first time using a process like this.
Keep checking your measurements and that the holes are level BEFORE you install the anchors.
No one wants the hassle of having to patch a wall because you have to pull out the anchors.
Say something happens and you aren’t happy or make a mistake. My advice is to hang the art or mirror 1 inch LOWER so you don’t have to worry about the holes failing.
I’ve got other helpful tutorials on how to hang everything from lights to artwork in a row.
More Helpful Tutorials: How to Hang Things
Porch Time with Tracey
Sign-up for my Monday morning emails! At my house we put problems on the porch and give them a cocktail. Everything is figureoutable. I’m your go-to friend to find that perfect paint color, get helpful decorating ideas, or learn how-to paint anything!
Until next time,
Porch Daydreamer
Tracey
The tape “trick is so easy and works well. I am hanging a very large mirror and want to “angle” it at the top, to take advantage of the ocean view from the window opposite and 17 feet away.
Do you happen to know how to calculate how much of an angle I would need to tip the mirror? The top of the window starts 12″ from the ceiling.
Thanks so much!!!
Nancy
Nancy, I’m so glad you like the trick! Honestly, I’ve never angled a mirror before so I don’t have any tips on that. My first idea is to play with the wire on the back and stand back to see if you see what you want in the mirror? Good luck and share if you find a trick!
If it is grossly heavy, I screw a 1×4 a little shorter than the item into all the studs behind.
Tracey, great tutorial. I have to admit that I hate those double hooks. Very frustrating to hang, but your tips are very clear. Granted, when we bought our new sunburst mirror in March, I hired hangers to come out to do it. OUr king bed would have to be moved and that was a task we couldn’t do by ourselves. I was thinking, where did she get those pink shoes and then you gave the link. Thanks so much. Before I order, how was the sizing? They can hold them at my Target down the street and I want them TODAY!
Hey! Sizing is no issue for me. They run true. I’ve worn them a lot, since buying them ?
I was JUST telling my husband he needs to show me how to screw anchors in the wall! I need to (re) hang a towel bar the right way. This is perfect! Love the mirror and shoes by the way!!
Toni, Hi! So glad it’s helpful 🙂 Yes, this whole technique works for tons of stuff! I hung ALL of my towel bars in the past two houses, so you can too. Thanks, the shoes are SO comfy.
Perfect Tutorial!!!! and I love that I can Pin It to come back to easily as well as share!!!
Theresa, since you were the inspiration I am SO happy it helped you 🙂