What is a dressing glass?

A dressing glass is a traditional term for a table-top mirror used during grooming and dressing. They usually feature a small base containing one or more small drawers. Over time, the term also came to describe the larger floor-standing cheval mirrors used in bedrooms.

How do I date a mirror?

Dating relies on examining the timber, construction methods, and hardware style. Pieces from the Regency and Victorian periods often display distinct framing characteristics and turning. Secondary woods and backboards provide further clues to the manufacturing decade.

Where should I place it?

These mirrors suit bedrooms, dressing rooms, and hallways where reflection and natural light are beneficial. Table-top versions need a sturdy surface like a chest of drawers or a dedicated dressing table. Freestanding cheval mirrors require enough floor space to allow the swing mechanism to operate safely.

Are the mirror plates original?

Many nineteenth-century pieces retain their original glass, which can develop subtle age spots or foxing over the decades. Replacement glass sometimes occurs when older plates suffered damage. Original plates contribute significantly to the historical integrity of the piece.