What is a regency mirror?
STANDARD MIRROR
Named for George IV’s ‘Regency’ (1811-1820), the Regency style dominated English taste in furniture between the years 1800 and 1830. In furniture design it represents the peak of Neo-classical style, drawing faithfully from classical precedents in ancient Greek and Roman furniture.
How do I choose a mirror Overmantle?
How to choose an over-mantle mirror
- Measure the width of the fireplace or alcove and ensure the mirror will not be wider than either of the features. A too-wide mirror will upset the balance of the room.
- Measure the height of the fireplace and double it.
What were Victorian mirrors made of?
Cheval mirrors
Often full-length, these ornate yet functional mirrors were first produced in Paris and gained popularity during the 19th century. Cheval mirrors from the Victorian era are often constructed from mahogany or walnut, and usually feature a relatively thick wooden frame with carved detail.
What are antique mirrors?
Antiqued mirror — also called distressed mirror or smoky mirror refers to a cloudy, abstract mirror material. This mirror varies in its look, but typically mimics the process that mirror undergoes as it ages. In other words, old mirrors develop blemishes over time.
What is a Victorian mirror?
Victorian mirrors were made during the reign of Queen Victoria, between 1837-1901. Mirrors of this period often adopted styles of periods past, and were known for being grand or elaborate. Victorian mirrors are usually the most heavily carved, with bold decoration.
How do you date mirrors?
You can test this by holding the edge of a white card against the glass. If the card and the reflection are the same white color, the mirror was made after 1850. If the reflection is more yellow or gray, the glass was made before 1850. Mirrors in any traditional style can be found, some original, some reproductions.
How big should Overmantle mirrors be?
The standard size for an overmantle mirror is two thirds the length of the fireplace. We wouldn’t recommend going any smaller that that, but by all means, go for something even bigger. An oversized mirror can really make a space.
Should a mirror be hung horizontal or vertical?
Mirrors always should be hung strictly vertical. Position your mirrors so direct open light from lighting fixtures wouldn’t reflect in the mirrors; in other words, the lighting source reflected in the mirrors shouldn’t “blind” the person.
How do you tell how old a mirror is?
Why are antique mirrors so heavy?
Antique glass is typically thicker and heavier than modern glass to accommodate for the process of hand-blown glass production. It is essential to take note of how thick your antique mirror is.
How do you tell if a mirror is an antique?
Most experts require that a piece be at least a hundred years old or made before mass manufacturing to be considered a genuine antique. One of the clear tell-signs that a mirror is actually many years old is by a simple examination of the glass.
What are old mirrors worth?
Answer: It would be considered an antique if it is 100 years old. There are a number of large beveled mirrors researched that are from $50 to $150.
How do you know if a mirror is valuable?
Condition of a Mirror and its Frame
If your mirror is perfectly uniform with no color, this is likely indicative that it is a modern mass produced reproduction and thus less valuable. Whereas the mercury used in antique mirrors will oxidize, causing random cloudy blotches across the surface, especially near its edges.
How can you tell a vintage mirror?
Although not entirely common, seek a maker’s tag or mark on the back of the mirror or frame, as this helps pinpoint the mirror’s age. If the frame itself looks brand new, as if it has no dust or discoloration in any of the details, there’s a chance it is not an antique.
Is it OK to hang a mirror over a fireplace?
You can hang a mirror over stone fireplaces (or on a brick wall above fireplaces) by drilling holes into the brick and inserting plastic or metal anchors into the holes.
Where should you not put a mirror?
4 Places NOT to Hang a Mirror in Your Home
- DON’T hang across from clutter. You want your mirrors to reflect light and happy energy — not piles of mail, toys, or other clutter.
- DON’T hang directly above or opposite bed.
- DON’T hang in the kitchen.
- DON’T hang directly across from the front door.
Why are there always mirrors behind bars?
Whether it is to grab a bottle, use the cash register, or anything else, the bartender can use the mirror to watch what’s going on while their back is turned. During the days of the wild west, it could have prevented them from being ambushed and robbed.
What year is my mirror?
Start with the year you were born, then simply subtract your age. The result is your ‘mirror year’. For example, if you’ve recently turned 25 then subtract that number from the year 1989 to get a mirror year of 1964. Why do that?
Do old mirrors contain mercury?
Metallic (i.e., elemental) mercury, a heavy, silvery odorless liquid, is in common household products such as thermostats and thermometers. Lesser-known household sources of elemental mercury include certain antique or vintage items such as clocks, barometers, mirrors, and lamps.
Why do antique mirrors get black spots?
If you’ve ever picked up an antique mirror, you may have noticed several dark spots running along the edge of the glass. These dark spots are caused by “mirror rot”, or “desilvering.” Unfortunately, even the most well-kept bathroom mirrors can develop them over time.
How do you know if a mirror is worth money?
Take a good look at your aged mirror to help you initially assess the piece for discriminating features that could indicate increased value. While determining its overall condition, examine the mirror for identifiable markings, such as the name and date of the manufacturer or the signature of a skilled artisan.
How can I tell how old my mirror is?
Why do people put mirrors on top of fireplaces?
It opens up the space and creates an airy appeal to the fireplace room, especially if the fireplace is adjacent to a light source or a large window. A well-positioned mirror over the fireplace acts as a focal point for the living room or dining room or wherever the fireplace is.
Why you shouldn’t have mirrors in your bedroom?
Mirrors are thought to bounce energy around the bedroom, which may result in restlessness and amplify worries. It’s especially important not to hang a mirror on the wall opposite your bed.
Why there should be no mirror in front of bed?
According to experts, having a mirror opposite your bed is one of the most common causes of insomnia. If you catch yourself or other movements in the reflection it can be difficult for the brain to switch of and go to sleep.