In short
Mirrors and medicine cabinets are hung level and centered over the sink, using clips, a French cleat or a Z-bar sized for the weight. Old glued mirrors come off carefully, and recessed cabinets are measured to the opening between studs.
Your photo checklist
- The wall above the sink
- The current mirror, edges included
- The new mirror or cabinet with dimensions
- The vanity light
- How the old one is attached
Covered on a Rosemead visit
- Framed mirrors over sinks and dressers
- Frameless vanity mirrors on clips or a cleat
- Full-length and floor mirrors secured to the wall
- Recessed medicine cabinets replaced in the same opening
- Surface-mount medicine cabinets hung on studs
- Old glued-on mirrors removed and the wall patched
Outside what we take on
- Cutting new openings or niches into a wall.
- Changes to load-bearing walls or new framing.
- Custom built-ins and new cabinet boxes.
Bathroom walls in Rosemead
Around Rosemead’s 1959 median build year, many bathrooms were built with a small recessed medicine cabinet between studs. Newer cabinets are often a different size, so we measure the opening before you buy.
Glued-on mirrors from older updates can tear the wall surface when removed, so we cut them free carefully and patch what’s left.
How it goes
Measure
We check the opening or wall and find the studs.
Prep
Old mirror or cabinet removed, wall patched if needed.
Mount
The new piece is set level on studs, cleats or rated anchors.
Finish
Caulk or touch-up where it meets the wall.
Custom glass
Mirrors cut to size come from a glass shop. We install them once they’re made.
While we’re out for this, Rosemead customers often add picture and art hanging, towel bar and bath accessory installation, light fixture replacement or shelf installation.
What to text
A photo of the wall, the mirror or cabinet you bought, and its size and weight.
Mirror questions
Can you hang a heavy mirror?
Yes, on studs or a cleat sized for the weight.
Can you replace a recessed medicine cabinet?
Yes, if the new one fits the opening or the opening can be adjusted.
Can you remove a glued-on mirror?
Yes. We cut it free and patch the wall behind.
How much does mirror installation cost?
It depends on the size. Text a photo for a free estimate.
Mirror clips or a French cleat: which should I use?
Clips work for frameless mirrors up to a moderate size. A French cleat or Z-bar is better for heavy framed mirrors because it spreads the weight.
Can you hang a mirror on a door?
Yes, with over-the-door hooks or screws through the frame into a solid door. Hollow-core doors need special anchors.
Jobs that pair with this one
- Light fixture replacementSwap the vanity light above.
- Towel bar and bath accessoriesMatch the bath hardware finish.
- Drywall patchingRepair glue damage from old mirrors.
- Walls and paintPaint behind the new mirror.
Related guide: Mirror and medicine cabinet installation tips from our guide to replacing a recessed medicine cabinet.
Bathroom tips
- Replacing an old recessed medicine cabinetHow to replace an old recessed medicine cabinet in a Rosemead bathroom: measuring the opening, stud spacing, what you may find inside the wall, and fit.
- Replacing cracked, moldy caulk around the tub and sinkWhen old caulk needs replacing, why caulking over it does not work, and how we strip and recaulk tubs, showers and sinks in Rosemead bathrooms.
Jobs like this one are everyday work for our Rosemead handyman service, from the blocks off Garvey Avenue to the streets near Rosemead Park. A photo by text gets you a quote first.
Part of mounting and furniture assembly. You can also browse all our services or read about repairs in postwar Rosemead homes.