Were these pieces meant for candles or electricity?

Original nineteenth-century pieces were designed exclusively for candles, oil, or gas illumination. Many retain their original brass candle sockets and drip pans. If you wish to electrify them, a qualified electrician can run discreet wiring through the structure without damaging the antique timber or metalwork. Alternatively, many owners use them with unlit candles to preserve their original state.

How do I tell a girandole from a standard mirror?

A girandole specifically incorporates integrated candle branches or arm attachments extending from the frame or glass. Standard wall mirrors lack these functional lighting arms. The presence of drip pans and candle nozzles distinguishes girandole mirrors and pier mirrors intended for use beside windows or fireplaces.

What is the difference between Victorian and Edwardian wall lights?

Victorian lighting fixtures often display heavy ornamentation, dark walnut timbers, or dense giltwood and gesso relief work reflecting Revival styles. The nineteenth-century aesthetic favoured ornate detail and robust proportions. Edwardian pieces can show greater variation, such as detailed metalwork featuring figurative elements like mermaids, alongside lighter overall forms. Both eras utilised traditional casting and carving methods.