Where should I hang an overmantel mirror?

These large horizontal mirrors are traditionally hung centrally above a fireplace mantelpiece, anchored securely to the wall studs to support their substantial weight. Positioning them at this height allows the glass to reflect light from opposite windows and visually anchor the fireplace within the room.

What is foxing on mirror glass?

Foxing refers to the small dark spots, blemishes, and cloudy patches that develop on older mirror plates over decades as the silvering degrades. Collectors prize genuine foxing on mercury glass plates as a clear indicator of age and authenticity rather than treating it as a defect.

How do I tell an 18th century mirror from a 19th century revival?

Eighteenth-century pieces typically feature hand-carved wooden construction with organic joinery and thinner, deeply bevelled mercury glass plates. Nineteenth-century revival mirrors often employ heavier moulded gesso over pine frames, frequently displaying more symmetrical mass-production techniques alongside crisper gold leaf applications.