Where should I hang a pair?

These matching mirrors look best placed symmetrically on either side of a fireplace, doorway or large piece of furniture. Their balanced presence helps anchor a room and draws the eye along the wall. Ensure they hang at a comfortable eye level so the reflective glass captures natural light from windows. Placing them opposite a light source maximises brightness in smaller spaces.

How can I tell the period?

Examine the construction methods behind the frame, noting whether the timber shows hand carving or later machine moulding. Styles like Regency, Rococo and Georgian carry distinct aesthetic markers that align with specific centuries. Inspect the backboards, fixings and the nature of the mirror glass for signs of age. Original mercury glass or early silvering often displays characteristic oxidation spots known as foxing.

Are original glass plates important?

Original glass adds significant historic value and authenticity to antique pieces, often showing charming distortions and foxing. These imperfections prove the glass has witnessed generations of history. While replacement glass offers a clearer reflection, collectors generally prefer surviving period plates. The subtle waves in older glass create a softer reflection than modern manufacturing allows.