Small Table Mirror
A small antique table mirror brings intimate period charm to a dressing surface, offering practical reflection framed in rich timber or gleaming brass.
Small Table Mirror
A small antique table mirror typically takes the form of a dressing mirror or toilet mirror designed to sit upon a chest of drawers, desk, or vanity. These pieces span several distinct eras, appearing in Georgian, Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian guises.
The most common formats on this page are freestanding tabletop dressing glasses mounted on swinging frames, alongside more complex miniature bureaux and bonheur du jour desks incorporating mirrors. Materials range from solid mahogany and walnut to inlaid satinwood and gleaming brass.
Materials and construction
Cabinetmakers constructed these frames using dense timbers such as mahogany, walnut, kingwood, and satinwood, frequently employing fine veneers and decorative inlay. Brass hardware, repoussé work, ormolu mounts, and gesso provided structural hinges and ornate decorative accents.
The reflective surfaces consist of traditional silvered glass panes set into pivoting wooden or metal frames, often supported by scroll arms or upright box bases containing small drawers.
Assessing quality
Quality in a small antique table mirror lies in the crispness of the timber grain, the depth of the cabinetwork, and the proportion of the frame to the glass plate. Superior examples display refined dovetailing on small drawers and harmonious timber selection.
The distinction between standard and exceptional pieces also rests on original metalwork fittings, such as hand-chased brass hinges or repoussé mounts, which remain intact without modern replacement.
Harrods·Elkington
The Small Table Mirror Glossary
- Bonheur du jour
- A light lady's writing desk, often incorporating a small mirror, drawers, and compartments on the upper surface. This French form became fashionable during the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
- Repoussé
- A metalworking technique where the metal is hammered from the reverse side to form a raised design in relief. It is frequently seen on Edwardian brass mirror frames.
- Ormolu
- Gilded bronze used for decorative mounts and accents on furniture and mirrors during the nineteenth century. The technique gives a rich, gold-coloured finish to cast metal elements.
- Satinwood
- A lustrous, yellow-toned timber imported from the tropics, prized for fine cabinetmaking and inlay work during the Georgian and Edwardian periods.
Small Table Mirror: Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I place a table mirror?
These mirrors sit comfortably on top of chests of drawers, dressing tables, or console surfaces. Their compact scale allows them to function in bedrooms and reception spaces alike.
Ensure the surface is stable and deep enough to support the footprint of the base, particularly for pivoting frames that tilt forward and back.
How do I date a table mirror?
Dating relies on timber choice, construction methods, and hardware styles. Georgian and Regency examples often feature simple mahogany box bases, while Victorian pieces lean towards walnut and burr walnut.
Later Edwardian versions frequently incorporate brass repoussé work or lighter satinwood with delicate inlay, reflecting the shifting tastes of the early twentieth century.
Are the mirror plates original?
Many surviving pieces retain their original silvered glass, which can exhibit light foxing and subtle age spots. These natural signs of ageing confirm the long history of the object.
Some pieces may have received replacement glass over the decades to ensure a clearer reflection while retaining the antique frame.
What is a bonheur du jour?
A bonheur du jour is a small, elegant writing desk featuring an upper section with compartments, drawers, and frequently an integrated mirror. They were designed for light correspondence and personal grooming.
Originating in France, these pieces became highly sought after in English Victorian and Edwardian homes for their dual utility.