How do I adjust the mirror tilt?

Brass thumbscrews or threaded pins on the side pivots tighten to hold the glass plate at the desired angle. You turn them by hand to adjust the tension. Older frames rely on friction pins that fit into numbered slots or rely on weighted balances within the uprights.

Where should I place a cheval mirror?

These floor-standing pieces require adequate clearance behind and in front to allow the glass frame to swing fully on its pivots. Bedrooms and dressing rooms provide the traditional setting. Keep them away from direct sunlight to protect polished mahogany and walnut surfaces from fading over time.

How do I date a Victorian mirror?

Inspect the timber grain, fixing screws, and the backboards for signs of original construction methods. Hand-cut dovetails and older secondary woods point towards mid-century manufacture. Later nineteenth-century examples often feature machine-sawn components and brighter, more uniform gilding finishes.

Are toilet mirrors different from cheval mirrors?

Toilet mirrors are smaller versions designed to sit on top of a dressing chest or table rather than standing on the floor. They share the same pivoting swing mechanism. Both forms utilise carved frames, but floor-standing cheval mirrors provide a full-length reflection.