What is a cheval mirror?

A cheval mirror is a freestanding full-length looking glass that pivots within an upright wooden frame. This design allows the user to tilt the plate to various angles. Originating in the early nineteenth century, these pieces were essential furniture for bedrooms and dressing rooms, providing complete reflection.

How do I secure a tall floor mirror?

Tall floor mirrors require careful placement against a structural wall, often secured with discreet brackets to prevent tipping. Freestanding cheval versions rely on a wide, stable base and balanced side supports. Ensuring the floor surface is level helps maintain stability for heavy timber and glass assemblies.

What distinguishes Victorian from Edwardian mirrors?

Victorian mirrors often feature heavy mahogany frames, ornate gesso carvings, and rich gilt finishes designed to project formal elegance. Edwardian examples tend to introduce lighter oak timbers and simpler decorative lines. Both periods utilise bevelled glass and substantial backing boards typical of quality nineteenth and early twentieth-century manufacturing.

Can these mirrors be hung on walls?

Many tall mirrors in this category are built for wall mounting, equipped with heavy-duty D-rings or integrated hanging battens. Some pieces function as floor-standing or wall-hanging hybrids depending on their original hardware. Checking the weight of the frame and the strength of the wall fixings is essential before hanging any large glass plate.

What is mercury glass?

Mercury glass refers to double-walled silvered glass objects or antique mirror plates produced using a liquid mercury amalgam process. This technique creates a distinctive mottled reflection with dark spots and deep character. Mirrors utilising this finish date predominantly to the nineteenth century and offer a softer, more atmospheric reflection than modern silvered glass.