Where should I hang a crest top mirror?

These mirrors traditionally sit above a fireplace mantel as an overmantel piece, where their height fills vertical wall space effectively. They also function as focal points on principal living room walls. Ensure the wall construction can support the substantial weight of carved wood and gesso frames. Positioning them opposite a window helps maximise natural light distribution across the room.

How do I identify a nineteenth-century piece?

Examine the construction of the frame joinery at the reverse, along with the composition of the gesso and wood materials. Nineteenth-century examples often exhibit hand-beveled glass and traditional backing boards. Stylistic cues such as French Rococo Revival or Louis Philippe ornament further point toward this period of production.

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

Overmantel mirrors are traditionally proportioned to sit specifically above fireplace mantels, usually featuring broader horizontal dimensions or substantial vertical height. Wall mirrors are designed for general placement across various domestic rooms. Both categories utilise elaborate cresting, but overmantel formats tend to dominate the scale of a chimney breast.