How do I date an old mirror?

Dating relies on examining the construction of the wooden frame, the backing boards, and the characteristics of the glass plate itself. Eighteenth-century pieces typically feature hand-sawn timbers and old pine second woods. Later nineteenth-century revival items often display machine-cut elements and modern fixings. Comparing the carving style to known period designs helps confirm the era of manufacture.

Where should I hang a pier mirror?

Historically, pier mirrors were positioned on the narrow strip of wall between two windows above a low table. This placement maximised daylight within eighteenth-century reception rooms. In modern interiors, they work effectively above mantelpieces, in hallways, or on feature walls where their vertical proportions can draw the eye upward.

Are the mirror plates original?

Original glass plates often show signs of age, including light oxidation, tiny dark spots known as foxing, and minor surface scratches. These characteristics confirm that the glass has remained undisturbed within the frame for generations. Clean, uniformly bright reflection without distortion usually indicates a modern replacement or a later nineteenth-century manufacturing date.