Where should I hang an overmantel mirror?

These large pieces fit naturally above a drawing room fireplace to draw the eye upward and reflect natural light. They also function well on main hallway walls as statement furnishings. Ensure the wall structure supports the weight of the timber and gesso frame before mounting securely at eye level.

How do I care for antique giltwood?

Dust the intricate carvings gently with a soft, dry brush to prevent dirt buildup in the recessed scrolls. Avoid commercial cleaning liquids, as moisture damages fragile gold leaf and underlying gesso. Keep the mirror away from direct sunlight and damp conditions to preserve the integrity of both the frame and the glass plate.

How do I distinguish 18th-century pieces from later revivals?

Examine the construction joints, the backing boards, and the wear patterns on the gold leaf. Eighteenth-century frames often show hand-wrought joinery and older mirror plates such as mercury glass. Nineteenth-century revival examples utilise similar carved techniques but typically feature machine-sawn timbers and later plate glass.