Using Command Strips for Hanging a Mirror

Do you have a mirror obsession like I do? Whenever I see an antique mirror for cheap on facebook marketplace or a unique mirror at the thrift store then I cannot resist to add it to my collection. It’s safe to say I have a lot of mirrors. I like to change them up every so often as well, so I started researching command strips for hanging a mirror.

Can command strips hold a wall mirror? Yes! Command strips are hanging adhesive strips that make decorating easy and leave no damage on walls.

When applied to the back of the mirror properly, command strips work excellent for hanging mirrors. If you live in a rental or don’t want to make tons of holes in your walls, command strips great for easy installation and removal.

I have a mirror gallery wall that I want to transition to command strips, but I wanted to test this on a smaller scale in my bathroom first.

Check out the brass gallery shelf rail I just added to this powder room where the mirror will be hung.

How Do You Mount a Mirror With Command Strips?

Follow these steps to properly mount a mirror with command strips:

1. Take a clean cloth and rubbing alcohol to clean the area of the wall where the mirror will hang
2. Grab two command strips and press the velcro side together.
3. Remove one of the sticky sides and press firmly to adhere to the back side of the mirror. The pull tab should be facing towards the ground.
4. Depending on the weight of the mirror, determine how many pairs of strips are needed.
5. Place the strips evenly across the top and bottom of the mirror and press firmly to adhere.
6. Remove the other sticky sides and press the mirror into place on the wall. I recommend measuring and marking before pressing the stick part onto the wall.
7. Hold pressure for 30 seconds to make sure the sticky command strips strongly adhered to the wall
8. Take the mirror off the wall for one hour. Reattach the mirror by clicking the strips together.

How Many Command Strips Does The Mirror Need?

Command Strips come in 3 different sizes: small, medium, and large. The small size can hold up to 1 lb(s) per pair of strips. The medium size can hold up to 3 lbs per pair of strips. The large size can hold up to 4 lbs per pair of strips.

Once you know how much the mirror is, place the correct number of strips on your mirror. This gives the best chance for the mirror to stay on the wall for as long as needed.

Common Mistakes When Using Command Strips To Hang Mirrors

• Not doing the proper prepwork-the area has to be thoroughly cleaned of all dust and debris before trying to apply for the best adhesion possible
• Using to few command strips to hang the mirror-take note of the weight of the item being hung and use the right amount command strips. More is better than not enough.
• Not using enough pressure when applying-when applying the mirror to its place on the wall, it’s very important to hold for 30 seconds of pressure minimum before releasing.
• Using the wrong size strips-this is pretty easy to match up-large mirror requires large command strips and so on. Don’t use small ones on a large mirror.
• Not following instructions for after application and installation-the final step after installation is to remove the item hanging (mirror, picture, etc) and wait for 1 hour. This reinforces the adhesive and allows it to build.

Note-If your surface is newly painted, the command strips will not work. The paint has to cure for at least two weeks before anything can be mounted on it.

Pros and Cons Of Hanging A Mirror With Command Strips

So now you have heard all of these amazing things about command strips, but let’s look at the pros and cons.

Pros

• No damage to the drywall or holes in the wall to hang the mirror
• Easy to install, easy to remove
• The variety of weight that can be held using the different sizes
• Temporary and rental friendly

Cons

• Depending on how many command strips needed, it can be costly
• Even after following all the steps and instructions correctly, your mirror could still fall off the wall due to unseen factors and break

FAQ About Command Strips

Can you use command strips to hang a full length mirror? Yes! Just like a mirror for the wall, take into account the number of strips and what size of strip is needed and follow the instructions for application. This is great for doors as well where screws and nails are not an option.

Can command strips be used to hang things on all surfaces? Command strips can be used on drywall, metal, cinderblock, plaster, wood, but not brick or extremely uneven surfaces.

How to remove command strips from mirror? Take the mirror from the bottom and pull upwards. Pull the easy off tab downward slowly to remove from the wall. On the back of the mirror, peel the strips off like a sticker and discard.

Final Thoughts

Deciding to hang your mirror with command strips is a great decision. It’s a great way to hang different items on the walls without using nails or screws. They are great for hanging mirrors or pictures in rental units as well.

Some things to remember are to apply only to a clean surface. Use the right amount and size strips for your mirror. Apply enough pressure for 30 seconds when applying the velcro together. Take down the mirror and allow one hour to grow adhesive bond on the wall.