Antique Mirrors
An antique mirror does double duty: it reflects light and space while serving as a striking decorative feature in its own right. Our dealers offer overmantel mirrors, pier glasses, dressing table mirrors, convex mirrors, cheval mirrors and wall mirrors in gilded, mahogany, walnut and ebonised frames.
Georgian, Regency, Victorian and Edwardian examples are all available, along with French and Continental pieces. Original mercury glass plate, with its characteristic soft, slightly mottled reflection, is prized by collectors.
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A Finely Carved Black Forest Mirror
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A fine George III gilt-wood pier mirror
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A Fine George III Mahogany Cheval Mirror
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Antique Victorian 19th Century Carved Oak Free Standing Mirror
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Large Antique Victorian Mahogany and Marble Topped Swing Mirror
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A Regency Gilt Wood Convex Mirror
Fine Quality Vintge Chinese Chippendale Style Carved Mirror
Victorian Mirror 19th century Over Mantle Statement Mirror
Georgian Mahogany Toilet Table Dressing Mirror
Victorian Shield Back Table Toilet Dressing Table Mirror
Georgian Regency Mahogany Tabletop Dressing Mirror
Victorian Edwardian Oval Mirror
Georgian Table Toilet Mirror
Victorian Oval Toilet Dressing Table Mirror
Regency Style Double Oval Statement Mirror
Victorian Cheval Full Length Dressing Mirror
Antique Edwardian Mahogany Dressing Table Vanity Mirror
A Very Large 19Th Century Oval Mirror
Italian Fretted Walnut Dressing Table Mirror
Large Victorian Carved Oak Overmantel Mirror
Oval English Gilt Wall Mirror 52
Queen Anne Burr Walnut Cheval Mirror
Round Gilt Regency Mirror
Antique Victorian Mahogany Freestanding Cheval Dressing Mirror
Large Antique George III Quality Walnut Wall Mirror
Outstanding Quality Antique George III Dutch Marquetry Mahogany Inlaid Wall Mirror
The Role of Mirrors in Interior Design
Mirrors have been used to enhance interiors since the 17th century. Placed opposite a window, a large mirror doubles the natural light in a room. Above a fireplace, an overmantel mirror creates a focal point and adds height. In a hallway, a pier glass between windows gives the illusion of greater space and provides a last-minute check before leaving the house.
When buying an antique mirror, consider both the frame and the glass. Frames range from the restrained elegance of Georgian gilt and gesso to the exuberant carving of Victorian rococo revival. The condition of gilding varies; worn gilt with the red bole showing through is part of the character and many collectors prefer it to re-gilding.
Original Glass vs. Replacement
Original mercury glass plate has a distinctive quality. The reflection is softer and warmer than modern glass, with a gentle foxing (dark spots) that develops over time. Many buyers actively seek mirrors with original glass for this reason. However, if you need a clear, functional reflection, replacement glass is perfectly acceptable and should be priced accordingly.
Hanging and Positioning
Antique mirrors can be heavy. Use appropriate fixings for your wall type: heavy-duty hooks or French cleats for plasterboard, masonry bolts for brick. Hang mirrors at eye level for practical use or higher for decorative effect. Pairs of mirrors work particularly well in symmetrical rooms, flanking a central feature such as a doorway or fireplace.