Where should I hang a pier mirror?

These mirrors were originally designed for the narrow wall space between two windows to maximise ambient daylight. Today, they work effectively above console tables in hallways or as vertical focal points in living rooms.

What is verre eglomise?

Verre eglomise is a decorative technique involving painting and gilding on the reverse side of glass. In classical mirrors, these panels usually sit above the main glass plate to add contrast and colour.

How do I distinguish Regency from Georgian mirrors?

Georgian mirrors often feature intricate hand-carved mahogany or giltwood frames with architectural pediments and asymmetrical flourishes. Regency examples tend toward strict classical revivalism, incorporating ebonised details, convex plates, and verre eglomise panels.

Are original mirror plates common?

Many surviving examples retain their original mercury glass plates, which display soft grey foxing and atmospheric distortion. Replacement glass appears frequently in the history of these items due to breakage over centuries of use.