What is a toilet glass?

A toilet glass is a historical term for a dressing table mirror used for personal grooming. They were placed on top of chests of drawers or dressing tables. The frame holds a pivoting mirror plate above a small set of drawers intended for jewellery and cosmetics.

How do I date a mahogany mirror?

Dating relies on combining the timber choice, cabinet construction methods, and overall style. Georgian pieces show different proportions and mouldings compared to Victorian examples. Secondary woods inside the drawers and the type of mirror glass also provide clues to the period of manufacture.

Are the mirror plates original?

Many mirrors retain their original glass, which can exhibit light foxing or silver degradation due to age. Replacements occur frequently because fragile mirror plates broke easily over the centuries. Original glass often shows slight distortions and thinner silvering compared to modern replacements.

What is the difference between a toilet mirror and a cheval mirror?

A toilet mirror is a small tabletop piece designed to sit on a surface. A cheval mirror is a much larger floor-standing glass. Some Edwardian variations bridge the two categories by sitting on a table while functioning as a larger cheval glass with an attached jewellery cabinet.