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 superb pair of 18thC gilt frame mirrors
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Antique Victorian Painted Adjustable Shaving Stand Vanity Mirror
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Antique Quality Victorian Satin Birch Carved Swing Mirror
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Outstanding Quality Antique Edwardian Carved Gilded Frame Wall Mirror
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Large Antique George III Quality Walnut Wall Mirror
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A Fine George III Mahogany Cheval Mirror
A Regency Gilt Wood Convex Mirror
Outstanding Quality Antique George III Dutch Marquetry Mahogany Inlaid Wall Mirror
Superb French Mahogany Cheval Mirror
Queen Anne Walnut Cheval Mirror
Superb Gilt Dressing Table Mirror
Queen Anne Walnut Cheval Mirror
Antique Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Giltwood Girandole Mirror
Victorian Gilt Wall Mirror in The Regency Style
Pair Chinese Chippendale Gilt Wall Mirrors
Victorian overmantel mirror
Victorian Oval Brass Mirror
Pair of French Rococo Style Giltwood Wall Mirrors
Pair of French 19th Century Bronze Girandoles
Edit: French Antique Wall Mirror with Original Glass Restored in Good condition H107cm
Fine Mahogany Oval Cheval Mirror
Victorian Gilt Overmantle of Small Proportions
Queen Anne Burr Walnut Wall Mirror
Edwardian Walnut Toilet Dressing Table Mirror
Pair Of Empire Style Mirrors
Antique Victorian Silver Overmantel Mirror H123cm
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.