Where should I hang an overmantel mirror?

These large pieces sit naturally above a fireplace mantelpiece where they anchor the room's central focal point. Ensure the weight is properly supported by structural fixings in the wall. Positioning the glass at this height also helps reflect light from opposite windows back into the living space, brightening darker corners effectively.

How do I identify French Rococo revival pieces?

French Rococo revival frames display asymmetrical scrolls, C-scrolls, and naturalistic motifs like acanthus leaves and flowers. The carving tends to be deeply textured and dynamic. These pieces frequently utilise gesso over timber to build up high-relief ornamentation that characterises the mid to late nineteenth-century aesthetic.

What causes foxing on antique mirror glass?

Foxing appears as small dark spots or cloudy patches where the backing silver has oxidised over long periods. This chemical ageing process occurs naturally through exposure to atmospheric moisture. Many collectors value original glass with light foxing because it proves the antiquity and untouched nature of the mirror plate.

Can these mirrors be cleaned safely?

Dust the carved wooden and gilt surfaces gently with a soft, dry brush to prevent accumulation. Avoid commercial liquid cleaners on the frame entirely. Clean the glass plate sparingly using a soft cloth slightly dampened with water, taking care not to let moisture seep behind the rebate into the gesso.