Advice for hanging/framing a large mirror

toobhed

I have an old 30"x60" plate glass mirror i want to hang. I am also thinking of framing it to make it look better and protect it. I don't know if i should hang it on a wire (it has loops for that) and frame around it or secure it to the wall with the framing. I hope i am using "frame" in the right context. Think picture frame.

My concern with using a wire is that it won't hang flush against the wall, and could be pushed around. If i put some kind of frame around it, that would protect it, but it still probably will not sit tight against the wall and frame since it would have to stick out a little to be able to hang on the wire.

Alternatively i was thinking of attaching the bottom of the frame to the wall and setting the mirror on that, then putting the rest of the frame around it to secure the mirror. I would probably have to cut a lip in the backside of the framing where the mirror would fit. I wonder if i do this, should i keep it tight or allow room for expansion of the glass?

Over-thinking it? Maybe...I am just a little paranoid about a piece of glass that big getting broken.

What have you done in situations like this?

sdsester

Your glass shop will have near invisible and near flush mount mirror clips. Use as many as needed for the thickness and weight of glass you have to mount the glass to the wall. Then use your idea and cut a recess in the back of your picture frame (notch out a bit extra for the mirror clips if you have to do so) to fit over the mirror glass. Fasten the frame to the wall as a separate unit.

This way you do not rely on the picture frame molding to hold the glass and should you break it you can easily replace it.

Another option is to buy molding that has enough space in back for you to glue a lip strip to the mirror with construction adhesive and screwed to the wall. The lip on the mirror sits on the lip on the wall and the frame would be flush to the wall. Key would be finding the molding with a deep enough space.

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joecaption

This type moulding would frame the face of the mirror and cover up the gap if you used a french cleat.

Anytime you hang any picture or mirrow from a wall with a wire always use two hooks on the wall not one. It will always stay level that way once it's set.
http://www.eastcoastmouldings.com/ma...ubcategory=103

Blondesense

If you frame it in trim or wood, don't forget to finish the backside of the trim as the edge will be visible in the reflection of the mirror.

Hammer450R

Build your frame to the outside dimension of the mirror, then set the mirror in the hole.