Where should I place a dressing glass?

These mirrors suit dressing tables, low chests of drawers, or console tables where the height allows comfortable use while seated or standing. Freestanding cheval versions work well placed directly on the floor in bedrooms or dressing rooms. Ensure the piece sits on a level surface to keep the pivoting frame balanced and stable during everyday adjustment.

How do I adjust the swing mechanism?

Most swinging mirrors rely on brass side screws or threaded pivots that can be tightened or loosened by hand or with a small tool. Adjusting these tension fittings controls how freely the glass tilts. Take care not to over-tighten the hardware, as this can strain the wood around the pivot points and damage the upright supports.

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

A toilet mirror is compact and built to sit on top of furniture, usually featuring a small drawer base. A cheval mirror is a tall, freestanding floor model designed to show the full figure. Both types utilise the same swinging pivot principle, but their scale and placement in a room differ completely.

How do I identify a Georgian dressing glass?

Georgian examples typically feature rich mahogany timber, elegant bracket feet, and hand-cut dovetails on the base drawers. The proportions are often refined, with subtle mouldings and original cast brass hardware. Later Victorian and Edwardian interpretations often introduce heavier proportions, different secondary woods, or decorative marquetry and inlay work.