When you’re hanging something heavy, a simple nail probably won’t do the job. Whether it’s an heirloom family mirror or a large painting, you want to be confident it will hang securely on your wall for years to come.
The right method for hanging your object depends on the type of wall you have and where you want to hang it. There are several ways to approach this task, depending on whether your wall is plaster, drywall or brick.
If your home was built before World War II, it likely has plaster walls, BobVila.com says. Most newer homes are made with drywall, though homeowners may opt for plaster if they’re looking for a textured or glossy finish. If you’re unsure, you can try pinning a tack into an unobtrusive portion of your wall. If it’s easy to push the tack into the wall to hang up a picture or a poster, it’s likely drywall, BobVila.com says. Plaster is brittle and can’t usually be pierced in this way.
Before trying any of the following methods, check the guidelines on the hardware you purchase to make sure it will be able to withstand the weight of the object you’re trying to hang. If you’re unsure, you may want to hire a professional handyman to hang your picture or mirror.

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