Installing a bathroom mirror: suction cups, screws or adhesive, the guide
The mirror is an essential element of the bathroom, whether it is plain, illuminated or a medicine cabinet. But a poorly fixed mirror is a real danger, especially when it is heavy or large. Three methods exist: screw fixing, gluing, and suction cups for light models. The choice depends on the weight of the mirror, the support and the look you want. Allow 30 minutes to an hour for a simple installation, and a budget of 30 to 200 euros for the mirror depending on its options.
The three fixing methods
- Screw fixing: the most reliable for heavy mirrors, with fixing brackets or L-brackets screwed to the wall
- Gluing with silicone sealant or special mirror adhesive: invisible, suited to medium mirrors fitted on tiles
- Suction cup fixings: simple to install and removable, reserved for light mirrors on perfectly smooth surfaces
- The recessed mirror or the medicine cabinet, which is fixed like a piece of furniture on wall anchors
- The trestle or floor-standing mirror, with no fixing, for spacious bathrooms
For a mirror over 5 kilos, screw fixing is the safest. Mirrors equipped with supplied brackets are fitted at a minimum of two hanging points, spread out to balance the weight. Silicone gluing is very aesthetic because no fixing is visible, but it requires a clean, flat and sound surface, and removal is tricky. Suction cups are the simplest solution for a light mirror under 2 kilos: they are fitted without drilling and removed without leaving a trace, ideal for rented homes, but they do not support heavy mirrors or impacts.
The necessary tools
- Drill with bits suited to the support (concrete, tiles or plasterboard)
- Wall anchors, screws and fixing brackets suited to the weight of the mirror
- Spirit level, tape measure, pencil and centre punch
- Neutral silicone sealant and cartridge gun, or special mirror adhesive
- Fine sandpaper and a clean cloth to prepare the surface
- Hole saw or tile bit if you are drilling the tiles
Fitting the mirror step by step
- Choose the location: the mirror must be placed above the basin, at a height such that your face is centred.
- Mark the two hanging points with a pencil, checking the horizontality with a spirit level.
- Drill and insert the wall anchors, taking care not to drill into a pipe or cable behind the wall.
- Screw in the brackets or L-brackets, then hang the mirror by seating it carefully.
- For gluing, apply the silicone in dots spaced 10 cm apart on the back of the mirror.
- Press the mirror against the wall, hold it for a few moments then wedge it with spacers while waiting for it to dry.
- Check the level one last time and clean off any traces of adhesive or silicone.
The electrical safety and humidity rules
In a bathroom, the illuminated mirror or medicine cabinet with lighting must respect the safety zones defined by the electrical regulations: fixed appliances are generally installed outside the areas directly exposed to water splashes. If you are not sure of the distances to respect, leave the electrical installation to a professional. Likewise, a plain mirror placed very close to a shower must be protected against humidity: choose a model with a moisture-resistant finish or apply a specific treatment to the back, following the manufacturer's recommendation.
The mistakes to avoid
- Drilling into a pipe or cable in the wall, by forgetting to detect the pipework before drilling
- Using an unsuitable adhesive that attacks the mirror's silvering (the reflective coating)
- Underestimating the weight of the mirror and settling for too light a fixing
- Drilling the tiles without a tile bit, which cracks the tile
- Fitting a mirror right next to a heat source that distorts the glass
Installing a bathroom mirror is within everyone's reach, provided you choose a fixing suited to the weight and the support. Suction cups suit light, removable models, gluing offers an invisible finish, and screws remain the reference for safety on large surfaces. If your mirror is illuminated or has a socket, have the electrical connection checked by an electrician. With a well-prepared support and a correctly sized fixing, your mirror will stay in place for years.