DIY Ballet Barre and How to Hang a Heavy Mirror for a Kids’ Bedroom Makeover
Are you tired of the expected frilly pink bedroom posts? Good — because despite the girly touches, I’m genuinely loving the process of transforming Livie Bug’s room. It’s been fun to indulge a little nostalgia while creating a practical, pretty space for a little dancer. One of my favorite additions so far is the ballet barre and the large mirror we installed, and I want to share how we hung that heavy mirror safely and mounted an affordable barre for dance practice.
The project looked straightforward at first, but the technical part — centering and securing a very heavy mirror when the wall studs don’t line up exactly where you need them — is where most people get nervous. If you want a centered, secure installation without compromising aesthetics, the right hanging hardware and thoughtful placement are key.
Supplies Used
(Affiliate links were referenced in the original project.)
- 18″ heavy-duty hanging plate system (a sturdy picture hanging system designed for heavy mirrors)
- Large mirror — ours measures about 35″ x 45″
- Power drill
- Level
- 2″ wooden dowel
- Two stairway handrail brackets
My parents had given me this ornate mirror years ago. It started off black with gold leafing, so I updated it with silver spray paint to match the bedroom’s lighter palette. It’s a beautiful piece, but notably heavy — and because it sits within reach of a small child, safety was non-negotiable.
We used a heavy-duty picture hanging system (often called a Hangman-style system) that accepts plates on both the mirror and the wall. This approach lets you anchor the mirror evenly even when the ideal center point doesn’t sit directly over a single stud. Instead, you can fasten the wall plate across two studs and hang the mirror securely from the plate mounted on its back.
To begin, we attached one plate to the back of the mirror, making sure it was perfectly level. Then we located two studs on the wall and positioned the corresponding wall plate so the mirror would hang centered between them. Mark the screw locations carefully — it’s worth taking extra time with these measurements to ensure the mirror hangs straight and safely.
With the mirror plate in place and the wall plate secured using screws into the studs, the wall plate forms a lip that accepts the mirror plate and holds it firmly. This gave me real peace of mind — if that mirror were to shift at all, it wouldn’t come crashing down.
Once the mirror was safely up, it was time for the ballet barre. We wanted the barre to support some weight in case Livie used it for balance, but we also wanted to keep the project inexpensive. A 2″ wooden dowel and two stairway handrail brackets did the trick — the total cost was around $16. We placed the brackets where they could be screwed into studs, using the same stud alignment that centered the mirror, which kept the whole installation balanced and strong.
Robert predrilled holes in the dowel so the bracket screws would sit cleanly and hold the dowel in place without splitting the wood. With a little teamwork — and an obliging family member lending a helping hand — we fastened the dowel to the brackets and mounted the assembly to the wall. The final result is low-cost, solid, and true to the feel of a studio barre.
Livie loves it. After we finished, we spent a happy hour having a dance session in her room — equal parts “Swan Lake” imagination and “Uptown Funk” energy. The barre not only looks authentic (just like the ones I used growing up) but it has already encouraged stretching, balance practice, and imaginative play.
If you’re doing a kids’ bedroom makeover and want a focal point that’s both pretty and practical, a mirror paired with a simple DIY ballet barre is a great option. Use heavy-duty hanging hardware for large mirrors, anchor brackets into studs for any barre or rail that will bear weight, and take time to level and mark before drilling. The result is a room that looks polished, feels safe, and invites creativity and movement.
Want to see the rest of the room as we finish the makeover? Keep an eye on the reveal for the full transformation and more budget-friendly DIY tips that make a child’s bedroom both stylish and functional.
