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A lot goes into hanging a mirror. From getting the positioning right to aligning screws and drilling safely, sometimes it's better to just hire a handyman to get the job done.
Handyman ServicesHanging pictures and mirrors feels like one of the simplest DIY jobs... Until something goes wrong. A cracked wall, a wonky frame, or the sudden realisation that you’ve drilled into the wrong place can turn a five-minute task into a much bigger problem.
Behind most walls are hidden services, weak points or materials that don’t behave the way people expect. Add the weight of mirrors, the fragility of plasterboard and the cost of repairing mistakes, and it becomes clear why picture and mirror hanging is a job worth doing carefully.
This guide explains what to check before drilling, how to choose the right fixings, and when it’s sensible to get professional help to avoid damage and ensure everything stays securely in place.
Before a drill goes anywhere near a wall, there are a few key things that should always be considered.
Not all walls are created equal, and the fixing method depends heavily on what’s behind the plaster.
Misidentifying the wall type is one of the main reasons fixings fail later. This also might be a good opportunity to handle some small plaster repairs. Often bundling small jobs together makes it more cost-effective to hire a handyman.
Walls don’t just hold up pictures, they also conceal services.
Common hidden hazards include:
Drilling without checking can lead to damaged wiring, leaks or expensive repairs that go far beyond the original job. Identifying these hazards comes naturally to professionals that have the tools to tell them where pipes and cables lie. Find out more about FMT Solution's general handyman services.
A small photo frame and a large mirror behave very differently once hung.
Mirrors are heavier than they look, and their weight is often concentrated unevenly. What might feel manageable in your hands can be enough to pull fixings out of a wall over time if they’re not designed for the load.
This is where many DIY attempts fail. Not immediately, but months later.
Using the correct fixings is just as important as drilling in the right place.
Standard wall plugs are rarely suitable for plasterboard on their own.
Better options include:
Choosing the wrong fixing can result in holes enlarging, walls crumbling or items pulling away entirely.
Solid walls need:
Rushing this step can lead to loose fixings that never quite tighten properly.
Heavy mirrors often need:
Mirrors don’t just fall. They can shatter, making correct installation especially important.
Most issues come down to a handful of repeat mistakes:
These mistakes don’t always cause immediate problems, which is why they’re so common... Until gravity catches up.
Even if something looks secure on day one, walls and fixings can change.
Over time:
This is why pictures start to tilt, mirrors pull away from the wall, or fixings suddenly fail months after installation. Funnily enough, the same thing can happen to your doors, but don't worry, we've got a guide to door repairs as well.
DIY picture hanging is usually fine when:
For simple frames in low-impact areas, careful DIY can work well.
Professional help is worth considering when:
In these cases, experience and preparation make a noticeable difference to both safety and finish. It's always worth considering trusted home maintenance support for help with household jobs.
A professional approach removes the guesswork.
This includes:
Nothing gets drilled until it’s safe to do so.
A handyman will typically use:
This ensures the item is secure, straight and long-lasting.
The end result should be:
It’s about doing the job once, properly.
Common requests include:
These are often booked alongside other small jobs, such as kitchen repairs, making a handyman visit efficient and cost-effective.
Most jobs are quicker than expected:
Planning several tasks together can minimise disruption.
No, cables and pipes often run in predictable but hidden routes.
Visual clues help, but proper detectors are the safest option.
Specialist plasterboard fixings designed for the item’s weight.
That depends on wall type, fixings and distribution, not just weight. Make sure you get the correct fixings to begin with to prevent costly repair work later.
Yes, if the correct fixings and methods are used. Contact FMT Solutions for general maintenance support if you're not sure.
Movement, vibration and settling all play a part.
Yes, but moisture, tiles and hidden services must be considered.
Where possible, studs offer strong fixing points for heavier items.
Hanging pictures and mirrors properly isn’t about perfection. It’s about safety, longevity and avoiding unnecessary damage. A few checks before drilling can prevent cracked walls, failed fixings and expensive repairs later on.
For lightweight jobs, careful DIY may be enough. But for heavier items, awkward walls or valuable pieces, professional help removes the risk and ensures everything stays exactly where it should.
As part of a wider approach to home maintenance, having a reliable handyman take care of these tasks means fewer surprises, and a home that looks good without the worry.