Where did people put a standing toilet mirror?

These mirrors sat upon top of a separate dressing chest, sideboard, or table rather than standing directly on the floor. Owners positioned them near bedroom windows to catch daylight for shaving and hair dressing. The box bases underneath provided secure storage for small personal items, rings, and letters away from the main household traffic.

How do I tell an 18th-century mirror from a Victorian one?

Eighteenth-century examples rely on figured walnut or mahogany with fine dovetailing in the drawer linings and simple horn-shaped brass adjusting nuts. The proportions tend to be more intimate and restrained. Victorian and later pieces often introduce heavier mouldings, cast brass mounts, ebonised finishes, or easel stands. They frequently employ machine-sawn veneers and denser secondary woods.

What is the difference between a toilet mirror and a cheval mirror?

A toilet mirror sits on top of furniture at table height, designed primarily for upper body grooming while seated. Its frame is small enough to lift and reposition. A cheval mirror is a tall floor-standing glass that permits a full-length view of an outfit. It requires its own dedicated floor space in a dressing room or bedroom.

Can I adjust the angle of the glass?

Yes, the frame pivots on brass or wooden screws set into the upright arms on either side. Tightening these thumbscrews holds the glass at the preferred viewing angle. Over decades, these pivot points can wear down, but traditional repair methods restore the friction needed to keep the glass steady.