What is a cheval glass?

A cheval glass is a full-length floor mirror mounted on a pivoting frame between two upright pillars. This design enables the user to tilt the glass plate to various angles. Originating as a practical dressing accessory, these pieces became central items in bedrooms and dressing rooms throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

How do I date a vintage cheval mirror?

Dating relies on examining the timber species, joinery techniques, and overall stylistic period markers. Victorian and Edwardian examples often feature mahogany or walnut with machine-cut screws and standard brass hardware. Earlier Regency and Georgian pieces display hand-cut joinery, specific wood figurations, and distinct proportions associated with those design eras.

Where should I place a floor mirror?

A freestanding cheval mirror requires adequate floor space to allow the frame to tilt safely without obstruction. Placing the piece perpendicular to a window maximises reflected natural light in a room. The sturdy base needs level flooring to ensure the pivoting frame operates smoothly without undue strain on the brass side screws.

Are dressing mirrors the same as cheval mirrors?

Dressing mirrors generally refer to smaller tabletop variants designed to sit on top of a chest of drawers or dressing table. Cheval mirrors are specifically tall, freestanding floor mirrors. Both types utilise the same pivoting mechanism to adjust the angle of the glass, but they occupy entirely different positions within a room layout.