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

An overmantel mirror is specifically shaped to sit above a fireplace, often featuring a low, wide base and an arched or crested top designed to fill the chimney breast. Standard wall mirrors can be hung at various heights throughout a room without reference to a mantel. While both share ornate gilt or carved wooden frames, overmantel versions generally offer greater scale to balance the architectural weight of a hearth.

How should I clean antique mirror glass?

Historic mirror plates require gentle maintenance to preserve the original glass and the silvering behind it. Use a soft microfibre cloth with mild, non-ammonia cleaner applied to the cloth rather than directly onto the glass. Avoid spraying liquids near the edges where the backing may be degraded, as moisture can seep behind the plate and cause dark spots or clouding.

How do I date a nineteenth-century gilt mirror?

Dating relies on examining the construction methods of the wooden frame, the composition of the gesso, and the style of the cresting. Pieces from the 1850s and 1860s often display robust carved wood and gesso ornamentation, while later Victorian iterations might utilise heavier composition mouldings. The characteristics of the glass plate and the backing boards also offer clues to the manufacturing period.