How do I place a freestanding mirror safely?

A floor-standing mirror requires a stable surface and often benefits from discreet wall tethering to prevent tipping. Positioning it opposite a window maximises natural light distribution across the room. Ensure the floor beneath the feet is level, particularly with heavier wooden and gesso frames. This protects the joints and keeps the pivoting mechanisms of cheval styles aligned.

What is the difference between a cheval and a leaner mirror?

A cheval mirror is a self-contained unit supported by a frame with pivoting side pins, allowing the glass to tilt. A leaner mirror relies on the wall for support, resting directly on the floor at a fixed angle. Cheval versions traditionally function as dressing pieces in bedrooms, whereas leaner formats serve to visually expand reception rooms and hallways.

How do I care for antique gilt surfaces?

Dust giltwood and gesso frames gently with a dry, soft feather duster or clean microfibre cloth. Avoid all liquid cleaners, commercial polishes, and abrasive materials, which can strip the delicate gold leaf. Keep the mirrors away from direct sources of heat and damp environments to prevent the wooden substrate from warping and the gesso from cracking.

How do I identify a Victorian mirror?

Victorian mirrors often feature robust construction in wood and gesso, displaying revival styles such as Rococo, Renaissance, or heavy architectural moulding. The glass plates may show faint oxidation or beveling consistent with nineteenth-century manufacturing methods. Examining the backboards and fixings reveals period-appropriate fasteners and timber shrinkage that help confirm the nineteenth-century date of origin.

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Gilded Standing Mirror

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A gilded standing mirror brings vertical light and reflective depth into a room, spanning grand French leaner frames and compact Victorian dressing glasses.