What is a cheval mirror?

A cheval mirror is a floor-standing dressing glass held within a vertical frame that permits the entire plate to tilt. These pieces offer a full-length view and require adequate floor space in a bedroom. They emerged in various period styles including Regency and Victorian, often featuring heavy timber uprights and stable foot designs to support the weight of the swivelling frame.

How do I date a dressing glass?

Dating relies on observing the timber species, construction joints, and decorative motifs used in the frame and base. Georgian pieces often show fine mahogany proportions, while Victorian examples introduce heavy turnings and mahogany or satin birch. Hardware such as brass pivot screws and the condition of the glass plate also provide clues to the age of manufacture, distinguishing 18th-century work from later 19th-century reproductions.

Where should I place a toilet mirror?

A toilet mirror sits securely on top of a dressing table, chest of drawers, or sideboard to provide a convenient face-level reflection. Ensure the supporting surface is deep enough to bear the footprint of the box base. Position the piece near a natural light source to make best use of the tilting mechanism, which angles the glass to catch the light.

Are the mirror plates original?

Many period dressing glasses retain their original glass plates, which often display subtle foxing, minor distortion, or silvering loss due to age. Replacement plates are sometimes fitted when older glass has deteriorated beyond utility. Examining the depth of the glass and how it is secured in the rebate helps determine whether the plate has survived from the date of manufacture.