Where should I hang a cresting top mirror?

These mirrors traditionally anchor a room when positioned above a fireplace mantel where their height draws the eye upward. They also function effectively on main living room walls to reflect light and create a sense of expanded space. Ensure the wall construction supports the substantial weight of carved wood and gesso frames. Professional fixings rated for heavy antique mirrors are essential for secure installation.

What periods do these mirrors come from?

The available selection centres primarily on the nineteenth century, encompassing Victorian and Edwardian examples alongside French styles. Pieces from the eighteen-sixties and eighteen-seventies feature prominently among the heavier giltwood overmantels. Revival styles span earlier aesthetics, incorporating Queen Anne walnut and Baroque influences executed during the later Victorian and early twentieth-century periods.

Are the mirror plates original?

Many nineteenth-century examples retain their original glass plates, which often display characteristic signs of age such as light foxing and minor surface distortion. These natural imperfections confirm the historic integrity of the object. Some pieces may have received replacement mirror plates over their long lifespan to improve reflection clarity. Examining the backboards and framing rebates helps determine whether the glass dates to the construction of the frame.