How do I choose the right size dress mirror?

Consider the proportions of your room and whether you need a full-length reflection or a tabletop piece for a dressing surface. Tall leaner mirrors require adequate floor space and a secure wall anchor. Smaller cheval mirrors or toilet mirrors suit bedrooms and smaller dressing areas, providing adjustable angles for personal use without dominating the floor plan.

How do I tell an original Victorian mirror from a reproduction?

Examine the construction of the frame joints, the backing boards, and the fixings holding the glass in place. Older pieces often show hand-cut screws, oxidation on the mirror plate, and shrinkage cracks in the gesso. Reproduction frames frequently use modern synthetic resins for mouldings and lack the subtle wear patterns and patination accumulated over a century or more of use.

How should I clean an antique mirror glass?

Use a soft, dry microfibre cloth to gently remove dust from the surface of the glass and the gilded frame. Avoid spraying liquids directly onto the mirror plate or the carved gesso. If moisture is necessary, apply a small amount of mild soapy water to the cloth rather than the glass, ensuring no liquid seeps behind the edges where it can damage the original silvering.