Where should I hang an oval gilt mirror?

These mirrors suit spaces above mantelpieces, dressing tables, or console entries where their curved frame softens linear room geometry. Ensure the wall fixings match the weight of the timber and gesso structure to support the piece securely.

How do I clean a vintage mirror?

Dust the frame gently with a soft, dry brush to protect fragile gesso and gold leaf surfaces. Clean the glass with a mild solution applied to a cloth rather than sprayed directly, preventing moisture from seeping behind the plate.

Are these mirrors heavy?

Solid wood and plaster frames possess substantial weight depending on their size and ornamentation. Larger nineteenth-century examples require professional wall anchors rather than standard picture hooks.

How can I tell the period?

Examine the backing boards, screw types, and glass characteristics alongside the decorative style of the frame. Mercury plates and hand-beveled edges often point towards eighteenth or nineteenth-century craftsmanship.