Where should I hang a crest overmantel mirror?

These mirrors traditionally anchor the space directly above a fireplace mantel, where their proportions balance the hearth below. They also function successfully as leaner mirrors placed on the floor against a principal wall. Because of their substantial weight and height, secure wall fixings into masonry or studs are essential. Positioning them opposite a window maximises the natural light they bounce around the room.

How do I identify a Victorian overmantel mirror?

Victorian examples frequently display heavy giltwood frames, arched tops, and elaborate crest mouldings influenced by Rococo or Renaissance revivals. They tend to be heavy, utilising standard mirror glass rather than earlier mercury plates. Examining the construction of the wooden backboards and fixings often reveals nineteenth-century manufacturing methods. The scale is typically generous, designed to dominate the chimney breast in a Victorian parlour.

Foxed glass refers to mirror plates that have developed dark spots, speckling, or mottled patches over time due to the degradation of the backing material. This ageing process occurs naturally as air and moisture interact with the reflective layer behind the glass. Many collectors prize foxed glass because it proves the antiquity of the piece and provides a soft, atmospheric reflection. It distinguishes antique mirrors from modern reproductions that use flawless, uniform glass.