Where should I hang a large overmantel mirror?

These pieces traditionally sit directly above a fireplace mantel to anchor the room and reflect natural light. They also function effectively as leaner mirrors placed on the floor against a main wall. Ensure the wall structure and fixings safely support the substantial weight of carved wood, gesso, and glass.

How do I tell an eighteenth-century mirror from a Victorian revival piece?

Eighteenth-century examples, such as those from the George II period, display hand-carved wooden detailing beneath the gesso with distinct joinery methods. Victorian and later revival pieces often incorporate machine-sawn elements and heavier plaster compositions. Examining the backboards, fixings, and the composition of the glass helps clarify the manufacturing era.

What is the difference between an overmantel and a pier mirror?

Overmantel mirrors are typically wider than they are tall, built to span the horizontal space above a fireplace. Pier mirrors are narrower and taller, designed to fit specific wall spaces between windows or doors. Both types utilise carved wood and gesso frames but serve different architectural functions within a historic interior.