Where should an overmantel mirror be hung?

These mirrors traditionally mount directly onto the wall space above a fireplace mantel. Their proportions suit wide horizontal expanses and help anchor the hearth visually within the room. Alternatively, large leaner mirrors can stand upright against a wall without permanent fixings. This placement suits larger reception rooms and allows the piece to reflect light from lower angles.

What is Louis Philippe style?

This French design aesthetic dates from the mid-nineteenth century and emphasises clean, understated elegance. The frames typically feature softer, rounded upper corners rather than heavy, ornate carving. Such pieces integrate easily into contemporary and traditional interiors alike due to their restrained decoration and balanced proportions.

How do I identify mercury glass?

Older mirror plates often display characteristic foxing, which appears as mottled dark spots and cloudy patches across the reflective surface. This occurs as the historical backing materials age and react with the environment over generations. Modern replacements generally present a uniform, unblemished reflection without these distinct signs of age.

What is the difference between gesso and carved wood?

Carved wood involves shaping the actual timber frame using chisels and gouges to form the structural decoration. Gesso is a chalky paste applied over the wood base and moulded into intricate relief details. Many nineteenth-century frames combine both techniques, using a wooden core with applied gesso ornaments for complex scrollwork.