hanging a mirror over a vanity...

17 years ago

I ask this here because, no doubt, you plumber folk likely have run into this situation.

We have a 48" vanity with a 45" square by 1/4 thick flat mirror over it. To be specific the mirror is mounted via a chrome channel that runs the length of the bottom that the mirror sits in and two mirror clips at the top. I had to remove the mirror to have the vanity top replaced. I further found that the chrome channel at the bottom was nailed in 3 locations, I believe into studs. It also rested on the vanity top. The mirror also has about a dozen blobs of glue helping secure it.

Well, the new top is in and sits an inch lower than the old. Thus the chrome channel no onger rests on the vanity top. Must I lower than channel or could I leave it where it is? Will it still support the mirror if I set it back in the channel, put another dozen blobs of glue and put the clips back up top OR must I lower the channel so it again sits on the (new) cultured marble top?

It may not sound like a big deal to lower it but if I could leave it where it was I would have no spackling and repainting to do?

Thanks!!!!

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Comments (5)

homebound
17 years ago
If it's nailed into studs, you can leave it. Just confirm that it's solidly up there by trying to pry it off the wall with your fingers - it shouldn't budge.
heimert
17 years ago
I had a mirror set that way, with the J-channel a few inches above the vanity. It was no problem at all from a support standpoint.

I would not touch it. The absolute worst thing that could happen is that it falls off, and then you're in the position you'd be if you tried to take it off (including likely having to clean up broken mirror).
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stash-hdy
17 years ago
An idea, why not hang another mirror, one that has a frame. Remove the channel and glue, patch the wall and hang the mirror. Don't take the breaking of the mirror casually, when they break the can cut very easily, they are not tempered.
dan_martyn
17 years ago
The support channel should be more than enough support and the mastic also helps support the weight. I have a mirror that is a similar size which is held in place with just four of the chrome clips (Secured into studs) and mastic. You can leave it as-is or I would remove the old and get 4 new metal clips (Home Depot by mirrors), screw two into studs just resting on the backsplash/top, use mastic and attach the other two clips at the top. This would be a cleaner look and you won't have to worry about paint or water damage between the sink and mirror. A little extra work, better end result.

Hears looking at you,

Dan Martyn
andrelaplume2
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks. Actually, to make it clear, I HAD to remove the mirror (not the channel) for them to get the old top off. Once the new one was installed I came home to find that the new top sat lower than the old, thus the channel now sat about an inch higher than the top. I just was not sure it was safe but so long as the chrome strip is in the 3 studs it appears it is safe. I think it will look a little better above the top anyway. So I'll pop it back in place after putting some blobs of liquid nails for mirrors in place and then use the metal clips from HD at the top.

I did not mention this but I had already spruced the mirror up a bit with some faux oak molding spot glued around the top and two sides. I may even be able to fit the molding around the bottom now.

Thanks All.