Where should I hang a convex mirror?

Hang these pieces at eye level in principal rooms where they can capture light from windows and reflect the breadth of the space. Because convex glass shrinks the field of view, positioning them opposite a light source maximises their brightness. Avoid narrow corridors where the wide-angle reflection feels disorienting. A central placement above a fireplace or sideboard provides a balanced anchor for the surrounding furniture.

Why do these mirrors have eagles?

The eagle surmount served as a powerful patriotic and classical symbol in British interior decoration throughout the Georgian and Regency eras. It represented strength, majesty and vigilance. Carvers placed the bird at the apex of the frame to draw the eye upward and add vertical grandeur. The presence of the eagle often distinguishes higher-status reception pieces from simpler domestic mirrors.

Are convex mirrors original to the 1800s?

Many circular convex mirrors date directly to the early nineteenth century and the Regency period, though revival styles were built later. Authentic period examples feature heavy timber construction and old mirror plates with minor foxing. Later Victorian and Edwardian copies often replicate the earlier forms using machine-prepared components. Examining the backboards and joinery helps confirm the true age of the piece.