Where should a large overmantel mirror hang?

These large glasses traditionally anchor the wall space directly above a fireplace. They reflect light across the room and balance the proportions of the hearth below. In modern interiors, they function equally well mounted above low sideboards or console tables to create a strong focal point.

What is a pier mirror used for?

A pier mirror fits into the narrow wall section between two windows. This placement maximises natural light within nineteenth-century rooms. Their tall and narrow proportions also suit hallways and dressing areas where wider overmantel frames would prove too bulky.

How do you identify Adam revival style?

Adam revival pieces draw upon eighteenth-century classical design principles. They typically feature symmetrical arrangements of urns, swags, ribbons, and delicate fluting. Victorian makers adopted these neoclassical motifs to inject a sense of refined antiquity and architectural order into domestic spaces.

What is the difference between giltwood and painted frames?

Giltwood frames feature a layer of gold leaf applied over gesso and wood. This technique produces a reflective golden surface characteristic of formal reception rooms. Painted or ebonised frames with parcel-gilt details offer a more restrained aesthetic, contrasting dark or light paint with targeted touches of gold.