The best mirror for any person is the love eyes of his half. It is their expression that allows us to fully believe in our own attractiveness. However, you can’t do without an ordinary mirror either. This is the most commonly used piece of furniture - try to calculate how many times a day you resort to his help and everything will become clear without words. The more mirrors in the house, the better - they help us look good, their shine and depth expand the space, make the room more light and stylish. There are many options for reflective surfaces - from miniature ones equipped with an accordion-shaped holder to gigantic floor-to-ceiling panels. The mirror mount on the wall is selected depending on the type of accessory.
There are various ways of mounting reflective “portals”. Their choice depends on the shape, size, design features and purpose of the interior element. For quality fixation of products it is better to invite professionals. But if necessary, it is quite possible to do it yourself. It is only necessary to study all the subtleties of this process and arm yourself with the right tools and fittings for fasteners.
In frame
It is easy to hang a cloth enclosed in a frame. As a rule, the design is equipped with special fasteners that securely hold it on the wall. And even if there are none - no problem! Metal hinges can always be fixed on the frame, and the mirror can be hung on ordinary screws. To fix impressive and bulky products, you will need special plates with several holes to securely fix them on the frame.
Alternatively, to mount the mirror in a massive frame, you can use the following method. You will need:
a pair of rails, the length of which is slightly less than the base of the frame, and the section parameters are 50x20 mm
roulette;
saw;
electric drill;
self-tapping screws.
Each of the rails must be filed along the long side at an angle of 45 °. Then we fix one of the elements on the rear surface of the frame, departing from the top one fifth of the entire height of the structure. The second one is rigidly mounted on the wall at the required height. We install the building by connecting the slats to the "castle".
Without frame
If the mirror in the frame does not fit into your interior, give preference to an independent canvas. The mirror surface in this case becomes part of the finish.It can be as decorative elements of various shapes - a dial, figures of butterflies, flowers, clouds, and laconic canvases of various sizes. They should be mounted in a hidden way so that the fasteners are not visible.
Mounting Methods
A rich arsenal of modern building materials provides maximum freedom of choice of fasteners. The mirror can be glued, suspended using a bracket, brackets, homemade holders. The choice of material also depends on whether there are through holes in the web.
Glue or sealant
The easiest way to install a mirror without a frame is to glue it to the surface using special glue. Reflective glass is installed in minutes. Glue - the best way to fix the paintings on the doors of the wardrobe and other smooth surfaces. It contains no acids that can damage the amalgam layer. If necessary, the use of liquid nails is allowed. The only condition is that a sealant layer must first be applied to the back surface.
Installation steps:
Surface preparation - it should be clean, even and fat free. The wall needs to be freed from wallpaper, since this material will subsequently come off with the mirror. Alternatively, over a paper or non-woven finish, you can screw a sheet of plywood, metal or plastic, which acts as a substrate. The concrete wall should be cleaned of crumbling fragments. If the basis is a door and any other interior element that can be temporarily dismantled, take this opportunity. Gluing the mirror horizontally is much easier.
If vertical fixation is assumed, it is necessary to be safe and ensure the integrity of the structure for the entire period of adhesive hardening. To keep the mirror on the wall at this time, you can use double-sided tape, wooden supports.
The next step is to apply glue to the back of the canvas. The composition is applied in stripes or dots. The main condition is that you need to indent from the edge of the product, since it is almost impossible to remove the exposed adhesive. As a result, the appearance of the finish will be damaged.
Next, press the canvas to the base and wait a few minutes. Then install the supports and leave the structure for a couple of days. During this time, the glue will completely dry and the retaining elements can be removed.
Staples
This type of fastening is extremely convenient because it does not require drilling glass. The brackets are fixed directly to the wall. They support the mirror below or on the sides. On sale there are various options for such holders. They differ in material, design features and design.
Decorative holders
Holders, which simultaneously act as an element of decor, are very relevant. They consist of a suspension and a nice lining that completely hides the head of the self-tapping screw, giving the product an aesthetic and finished look. Properly selected pads allow you to "marry" a mirror with the rest of the design elements. Chrome, golden, with inserts under a natural stone, a tree - there is a suitable kit for any interior. Such mounts are not suitable for large panoramic mirrors, since high loads are not “on the shoulder”.
Suspensions
A good way to mount small paintings is to hang them with hooks installed in the wall and a thin cord or rope glued to the substrate.
Drilling holes in the canvas
Mounting holes in the mirror blade remove many issues. No additional fixtures in the form of brackets or cords are needed. Screws penetrate the canvas through and securely fix it even on an uneven wall. Another thing is when there are no such slots, and the mirror is massive and large. To mount such a product only on glue is very risky.However, there are no hopeless situations. If you have the appropriate skills and tools, you can make the much-needed holes yourself. Step by step, this process is as follows:
the mirror cloth is laid on a flat plane and fixed it;
the marker marks the location of future holes;
glue a plasticine cup over the mark, which is then filled with water;
drill holes using a special drill with a diamond tip.
Glass is a fragile material, so rush is not welcome. Proceed slowly and do not forget to add water to the plasticine cup. It is necessary for cooling the drill, avoids the formation of glass dust, protects the glass from cracks. The holes are ready and you can proceed with installation. Screws are screwed into dowels previously recessed into the wall. Between the dowel and the mirror, plastic gaskets should be installed, which will make the mount less rigid, smooth out the differences in the base and reduce the risk of cracking.
To save the wallpaper under the mirror, cut the material crosswise at the attachment point and bend the corners. If subsequently there is a need to move the accessory, you only need to remove the fasteners and stick the wallpaper in place. If you do everything carefully, the wall will be as good as new.
Steel plates
Plates - a wonderful hardware that makes it possible to install the canvas without making holes. Therefore, you don’t have to think about how to decorate unsightly bolt caps. And to look after a smooth surface without protruding elements is much more convenient.
The plates are made of durable sheet steel, which are glued to the back of the mirror. High-quality glue provides reliable and durable adhesion. The plates have special grooves, for which they are suspended on self-tapping screws screwed into the wall.
Double sided tape
Double-sided tape is an ideal tool for fixing small mirrors to a smooth surface. This is a great option when you need to quickly and effortlessly decorate furniture, the front door, tiles, plastic panels, painted or wallpapered walls with mirrors. It is indispensable for the installation of mirror panels, which consist of many small elements. The light weight of the products allows you to reliably fix them on the surface.
If this installation method is ideal for your application, pay attention to the following tips:
Before installation, prepare the surfaces of both the base and the mirror itself. They must be dry, free from dust and greasy stains;
mark the exact installation location of the mirror. The adhesive tape will stick instantly, so you won’t be able to move the product - you’ll have to tear it all away, possibly with a wallpaper or a layer of paint;
evenly distribute pieces of duct tape on the back of the web. The interval between them is approximately 10 cm;
Remove protective material immediately before installation. If you do this in advance, the glue will dry out and become less tenacious;
attach the mirror to the prepared base and push it into different areas. Thus, you will ensure a secure fit over the entire area of the product.
The temperature at which this method of fastening is appropriate is in the range from + 10˚ to + 25˚. If the temperature regime does not meet these parameters - use other options.
Features of fastening to different surfaces
The base material also affects the choice of installation method. Depending on it, one or another fittings are selected, restrictions on the maximum allowable weight of the product are established.
Concrete
The concrete base has high strength. To make a hole in it without special tools will not work. If you have to “overcome” a concrete wall, it is worth arming yourself with a perforator. Another option is to fix the mirror with glue.To increase adhesion, it is necessary to carefully dust off the surface and prime with a special composition.
To expand the space often use mirrors in the entire wall. Such cloths must be glued with a special anti-shatter film. If the panel is broken, the coating will not allow heavy fragments to fall on your head. They will remain on the wall.
Drywall
Drywall sheathing is one of the most popular ways of leveling and warming walls. When installing mirrors on gypsum plasterboard, special anchor fasteners or butterfly dowels should be used, the spacer part of which expands when the threaded element is screwed in. The flat surface of the plates is very convenient for gluing mirrors. At the same time, the weight of the panel must be taken into account - it should not exceed 20 kg.
PVC panels
Plastic siding is an inexpensive finishing material that is often used in a bathroom or toilet room. There is nothing complicated in hanging a mirror in the frame on a wall with a similar finish. If you need to fit a glass plate into the interior without fasteners, you should foresee a place for it. Since PVC panels are mounted on a wooden or metal crate, it is also not difficult to fix a mirror on it. It is only necessary to leave free space under it. Then there will be no differences at the joints of materials, and the surface of the wall will be smooth and aesthetic. Small decor - mirror mosaic, figures can be fixed using double-sided tape. This method is best used in the toilet, on the walls of which condensation does not form.
Ceramic or tile
The smooth surface of the tile is an ideal base for gluing decorative elements. Make holes in the tiles and porcelain tiles with maximum accuracy, using a special drill with a diamond tip.Incorrect drilling of tiles can lead to the formation of chips and cracks, and as a result - the need to replace part of the finish. Large mirror canvases should be installed on free areas provided even at the stage of creating a design project. The canvas is fixed with glue or metal fasteners, which are subsequently covered with decorative overlays.
How to determine mirror mounting height
The mirror is a wonderful decoration of the interior. But in addition to aesthetic functions, it must cope with its direct responsibilities. It should be placed in such a way that, when used, no family member experiences inconvenience or discomfort. Of course, in private rooms they need to be adapted to the owner. But common accessories - in the bathroom, living room or hallway should be convenient for everyone.
The mirror in the bathroom should be 20-40 cm from the sink. This arrangement will provide it with reliable protection against splashes, and at the same time will facilitate comfortable use. A distance of 1 m 20 cm should be retreated from the floor. This will ensure the safety of young children. The upper edge should exceed the growth of the tallest household by a couple of centimeters. Consider these rules when choosing a mirror. They will help you determine the size of the canvas.
In the hallway it is better to use a high mirror on the floor. With it, you can always adequately assess your appearance before you leave home. The height of the panel should be comfortable for the main "champion" in growth among your family members.
Tips for choosing the right mirror
It would seem that this is complicated? However, there are some nuances here. If you want to get a really high-quality product, you should know - by what parameters you need to evaluate the mirror panel that attracted you to the store.
Be sure to pay attention to the following details:
a certificate from the manufacturer indicating the materials used in the manufacture of this product;
glass thickness - it is desirable that this indicator be in the range between 4 and 6 mm. Finer alternatives often have an uneven surface. Thanks to this, the image is distorted, and the reflection becomes far from real. But you are not going to arrange a room of laughter right at home. The quality level and cost of the mirror depend on the thickness of the glass. For the manufacture of high-quality mirrors, three types of glass grades are used - M1 - improved mirror, M2 - mirror, M3 - polished window;
a good mirror has a smooth surface. It should not have spots, scratches, dots or chips. The presence of air bubbles is especially undesirable;
Equally important is the quality of the protective coating. Usually it consists of three layers. In traditional versions, this is a layer of silver deposited directly on glass, a layer of copper having anti-corrosion properties, and the final one consists of two or three layers of paint. In modern embodiments, this layer can be made of polymeric materials;
special attention should be paid to the edges of the material - the widest and most complex edge configuration is a sign of a worthy product. Processing is carried out not only for decorative purposes, but also in order to protect the layers of the coating. The durability and strength of the mirror depends on the method of carrying out this process.
Here are the options for edge processing in ascending order - from the cheapest to the most expensive. It is produced by:
stripping - removing sharp edges with cutting edges;
simple processing - giving the edges a rounded shape;
polishing - the formation of a smooth and transparent trapezoidal edge:
grinding - obtaining a matte opaque edge of the same shape;
beveling - the formation of beveled edges, called bevels or bevels.
When choosing a mirror, go past it and carefully look at the image. In a quality product, you will not see ripples, the image will not “float” and warp. If you have the slightest hint of any of these defects, refuse to purchase.
Conclusion
Give preference to high-quality mirrors and competently organize their installation. The correct choice of fastening is one of the leading factors due to which the lifespan of “magic glass” can be extended indefinitely.
The best mirror for any person is the love eyes of his half. It is their expression that allows us to fully believe in our own attractiveness. However, you can’t do without an ordinary mirror either. This is the most commonly used piece of furniture - try to calculate how many times a day you resort to his help and everything will become clear without words. The more mirrors in the house, the better - they help us look good, their shine and depth expand the space, make the room more light and stylish. There are many options for reflective surfaces - from miniature ones equipped with an accordion-shaped holder to gigantic floor-to-ceiling panels. The mirror mount on the wall is selected depending on the type of accessory.
Content
Features of mounting mirrors
There are various ways of mounting reflective “portals”. Their choice depends on the shape, size, design features and purpose of the interior element. For quality fixation of products it is better to invite professionals. But if necessary, it is quite possible to do it yourself. It is only necessary to study all the subtleties of this process and arm yourself with the right tools and fittings for fasteners.
In frame
It is easy to hang a cloth enclosed in a frame. As a rule, the design is equipped with special fasteners that securely hold it on the wall. And even if there are none - no problem! Metal hinges can always be fixed on the frame, and the mirror can be hung on ordinary screws. To fix impressive and bulky products, you will need special plates with several holes to securely fix them on the frame.
Alternatively, to mount the mirror in a massive frame, you can use the following method. You will need:
Each of the rails must be filed along the long side at an angle of 45 °. Then we fix one of the elements on the rear surface of the frame, departing from the top one fifth of the entire height of the structure. The second one is rigidly mounted on the wall at the required height. We install the building by connecting the slats to the "castle".
Without frame
If the mirror in the frame does not fit into your interior, give preference to an independent canvas. The mirror surface in this case becomes part of the finish.It can be as decorative elements of various shapes - a dial, figures of butterflies, flowers, clouds, and laconic canvases of various sizes. They should be mounted in a hidden way so that the fasteners are not visible.
Mounting Methods
A rich arsenal of modern building materials provides maximum freedom of choice of fasteners. The mirror can be glued, suspended using a bracket, brackets, homemade holders. The choice of material also depends on whether there are through holes in the web.
Glue or sealant
The easiest way to install a mirror without a frame is to glue it to the surface using special glue. Reflective glass is installed in minutes. Glue - the best way to fix the paintings on the doors of the wardrobe and other smooth surfaces. It contains no acids that can damage the amalgam layer. If necessary, the use of liquid nails is allowed. The only condition is that a sealant layer must first be applied to the back surface.
Installation steps:
Staples
This type of fastening is extremely convenient because it does not require drilling glass. The brackets are fixed directly to the wall. They support the mirror below or on the sides. On sale there are various options for such holders. They differ in material, design features and design.
Decorative holders
Holders, which simultaneously act as an element of decor, are very relevant. They consist of a suspension and a nice lining that completely hides the head of the self-tapping screw, giving the product an aesthetic and finished look. Properly selected pads allow you to "marry" a mirror with the rest of the design elements. Chrome, golden, with inserts under a natural stone, a tree - there is a suitable kit for any interior. Such mounts are not suitable for large panoramic mirrors, since high loads are not “on the shoulder”.
Suspensions
A good way to mount small paintings is to hang them with hooks installed in the wall and a thin cord or rope glued to the substrate.
Drilling holes in the canvas
Mounting holes in the mirror blade remove many issues. No additional fixtures in the form of brackets or cords are needed. Screws penetrate the canvas through and securely fix it even on an uneven wall. Another thing is when there are no such slots, and the mirror is massive and large. To mount such a product only on glue is very risky.However, there are no hopeless situations. If you have the appropriate skills and tools, you can make the much-needed holes yourself. Step by step, this process is as follows:
Glass is a fragile material, so rush is not welcome. Proceed slowly and do not forget to add water to the plasticine cup. It is necessary for cooling the drill, avoids the formation of glass dust, protects the glass from cracks.
The holes are ready and you can proceed with installation. Screws are screwed into dowels previously recessed into the wall. Between the dowel and the mirror, plastic gaskets should be installed, which will make the mount less rigid, smooth out the differences in the base and reduce the risk of cracking.
Steel plates
Plates - a wonderful hardware that makes it possible to install the canvas without making holes. Therefore, you don’t have to think about how to decorate unsightly bolt caps. And to look after a smooth surface without protruding elements is much more convenient.
The plates are made of durable sheet steel, which are glued to the back of the mirror. High-quality glue provides reliable and durable adhesion. The plates have special grooves, for which they are suspended on self-tapping screws screwed into the wall.
Double sided tape
Double-sided tape is an ideal tool for fixing small mirrors to a smooth surface. This is a great option when you need to quickly and effortlessly decorate furniture, the front door, tiles, plastic panels, painted or wallpapered walls with mirrors. It is indispensable for the installation of mirror panels, which consist of many small elements. The light weight of the products allows you to reliably fix them on the surface.
If this installation method is ideal for your application, pay attention to the following tips:
Features of fastening to different surfaces
The base material also affects the choice of installation method. Depending on it, one or another fittings are selected, restrictions on the maximum allowable weight of the product are established.
Concrete
The concrete base has high strength. To make a hole in it without special tools will not work. If you have to “overcome” a concrete wall, it is worth arming yourself with a perforator. Another option is to fix the mirror with glue.To increase adhesion, it is necessary to carefully dust off the surface and prime with a special composition.
Drywall
Drywall sheathing is one of the most popular ways of leveling and warming walls. When installing mirrors on gypsum plasterboard, special anchor fasteners or butterfly dowels should be used, the spacer part of which expands when the threaded element is screwed in. The flat surface of the plates is very convenient for gluing mirrors. At the same time, the weight of the panel must be taken into account - it should not exceed 20 kg.
PVC panels
Plastic siding is an inexpensive finishing material that is often used in a bathroom or toilet room. There is nothing complicated in hanging a mirror in the frame on a wall with a similar finish. If you need to fit a glass plate into the interior without fasteners, you should foresee a place for it. Since PVC panels are mounted on a wooden or metal crate, it is also not difficult to fix a mirror on it. It is only necessary to leave free space under it. Then there will be no differences at the joints of materials, and the surface of the wall will be smooth and aesthetic. Small decor - mirror mosaic, figures can be fixed using double-sided tape. This method is best used in the toilet, on the walls of which condensation does not form.
Ceramic or tile
The smooth surface of the tile is an ideal base for gluing decorative elements. Make holes in the tiles and porcelain tiles with maximum accuracy, using a special drill with a diamond tip.Incorrect drilling of tiles can lead to the formation of chips and cracks, and as a result - the need to replace part of the finish. Large mirror canvases should be installed on free areas provided even at the stage of creating a design project. The canvas is fixed with glue or metal fasteners, which are subsequently covered with decorative overlays.
How to determine mirror mounting height
The mirror is a wonderful decoration of the interior. But in addition to aesthetic functions, it must cope with its direct responsibilities. It should be placed in such a way that, when used, no family member experiences inconvenience or discomfort. Of course, in private rooms they need to be adapted to the owner. But common accessories - in the bathroom, living room or hallway should be convenient for everyone.
The mirror in the bathroom should be 20-40 cm from the sink. This arrangement will provide it with reliable protection against splashes, and at the same time will facilitate comfortable use. A distance of 1 m 20 cm should be retreated from the floor. This will ensure the safety of young children. The upper edge should exceed the growth of the tallest household by a couple of centimeters. Consider these rules when choosing a mirror. They will help you determine the size of the canvas.
In the hallway it is better to use a high mirror on the floor. With it, you can always adequately assess your appearance before you leave home. The height of the panel should be comfortable for the main "champion" in growth among your family members.
Tips for choosing the right mirror
It would seem that this is complicated? However, there are some nuances here. If you want to get a really high-quality product, you should know - by what parameters you need to evaluate the mirror panel that attracted you to the store.
Be sure to pay attention to the following details:
Here are the options for edge processing in ascending order - from the cheapest to the most expensive. It is produced by:
Conclusion
Give preference to high-quality mirrors and competently organize their installation. The correct choice of fastening is one of the leading factors due to which the lifespan of “magic glass” can be extended indefinitely.