How do I place a mantel mirror?

These mirrors rest securely upon a fireplace mantel or mount directly to the wall above a hearth. Their grand scale helps anchor a room's primary seating arrangement. Ensure the wall fixings or the mantel shelf can support the substantial weight of the timber and gesso frame.

What is the difference between an overmantel and a pier mirror?

An overmantel mirror is designed specifically for the wide wall space situated directly above a fireplace mantel. They typically feature horizontal or arched formats tailored to room proportions. Pier mirrors are taller and narrower, traditionally built to hang on the wall space between two windows.

How do I identify a Victorian mirror?

Victorian mirrors display robust frames utilising heavy gesso and carved wood details, often incorporating neoclassical or rococo revival motifs. They frequently appear in large formats intended for substantial nineteenth-century interiors. Examining the construction behind the frame and the style of the gilt decoration helps confirm the period origin.

Why does antique mirror glass look speckled?

The speckled appearance, known as foxing, occurs as the backing material reacts subtly with air and moisture over many decades. This ageing process creates soft, uneven reflective qualities unique to older glass. Original foxed plates are preserved by collectors as proof of a mirror's genuine historical age.