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.
Victorian Pier Mirror Leaner Mirror H160cm
An Enormous 19Th Century French Gilt Frame Mirror
Arts And Crafts Hammered Metal Wall Mirror
Monumental Victorian Overmantle Mirror / Floor Standing Mirror H200cm
Antique Georgian 1790 Mahogany & Gilt Dressing Table Mirror with Brass Handles
Antique Victorian Ornate & Floral Carved Small Giltwood Rectangular Wall Mirror
A Large Antique 19th Century Gilded Overmantel Mirror H155cm
Gesso and Giltwood Pier Mirror w49cm
Leaner Mirror Floor Standing Mirror Pier Mirror H207cm
A Rare 17th Century Olive Wood Oyster Mirror
Fine & Rare 18th Century Giltwood Overmantel Mirror
18th Century Mahogany Toilet Mirror
Fine Quality Antique Walnut Cheval Mirror
Super Burr Walnut Cheval Mirror
Super Victorian Gilt Oval Mirror
Venetian Giltwood Wall Mirror
Good Edwardian Round Gilt Mirror
Fine Regency Gilt Overmantle Mirror
A Fine George III Mahogany Cheval Mirror
A Large Scale Regency Period Cheval Dressing 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.