How do I hang a heavy mirror?

Large mirrors require secure wall fixings distributed across the timber frame to support the substantial combined weight of the wood, gesso, and glass. Professional installation into masonry or reinforced studwork ensures the piece remains safely positioned. Positioning the mirror at eye level above a mantelpiece or console table balances the visual weight within the room. Ensure the wall brackets engage directly with the structural supports of the frame rather than decorative surface mouldings.

Are these original mirrors or converted frames?

Many listings combine historic nineteenth-century or eighteenth-century picture frames with new glass to function as mirrors. This conversion practice has a long history, as empty frames or antique paintings frequently found new life as wall mirrors. Examining the rebate behind the glass reveals whether the piece was originally built as a mirror or adapted from a picture frame. Both origins hold established place within the antiques market, provided the framing retains its period character.

How do I clean gilded surfaces?

Dust gilded wood gently with a soft, dry brush to prevent accumulation in the recesses of the gesso carvings. Avoid applying water or chemical cleaning solutions, which can lift the delicate gold leaf or composition ornament. Glass panels require standard glass cleaner applied to a cloth rather than sprayed directly onto the frame. Keeping moisture away from the historic gilt surface preserves the integrity of the finish.

What styles are available?

The selection includes Victorian, Rococo, Florentine, Art Nouveau, and Italian Renaissance styles. Each style brings distinct decorative elements, from floral swags and lions' heads to clean Renaissance profiles. Choosing a style depends on the interior context and the desired level of ornamentation. Victorian and Rococo examples offer dramatic scrollwork, while Cassetta frames provide a more restrained architectural presence.