Elevating the Hearth with Elegance
Nicholas Wells Antiques is delighted to present our collection of fine antique overmantel mirrors—pieces designed to crown the fireplace and provide both elegance and architectural presence. Hung above the chimney, an overmantel mirror brings light, depth, and balance to a room, making it the natural focal point of any interior.
Our collection spans the early 18th through the 19th centuries and includes exceptional examples such as a Queen Anne giltwood overmantel mirror with mercury plates, a George II triple-plate mirror, and a mahogany mirror in the manner of Robert Adam with neoclassical pilasters and acanthus carving. Rare decorative forms include the Chinoiserie black japanned overmantel mirror with gilt oriental motifs and parcel-gilt Federal designs from across the Atlantic. Each piece is chosen for its craftsmanship, scale, and ability to enhance interiors with historic depth.
Whether you seek to complete a Georgian drawing room, add refinement to a Victorian dining room, or bring grandeur to a modern space, our antique overmantel mirrors offer timeless beauty and prestige.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What defines an overmantel mirror?
A: An overmantel mirror is designed to be hung above a fireplace (the “mantel”), providing a visual extension of the chimney breast and enhancing the light and symmetry of the room.
Q: From which periods are your overmantel mirrors?
A: Our collection includes examples from the Queen Anne, Georgian, Regency, and Victorian periods, as well as rare 19th-century Continental and Chinoiserie pieces.
Q: What materials and finishes are common?
A: Giltwood is most typical, often with intricate carving, neoclassical ornament, and mercury silvered glass plates. Some rare examples feature mahogany frames, japanned decoration, or painted detailing.
Q: Can antique overmantel mirrors be used in modern interiors?
A: Absolutely. While originally designed for grand fireplaces, overmantel mirrors also provide elegance and proportion to modern living rooms, dining rooms, and even hallways.
Q: Are the mirror plates original?
A: Many of our mirrors retain their original 18th- or 19th-century mercury silvered plates, with the natural ageing and patina valued by collectors. Where necessary, restorations are carried out with the utmost care.
Q: How do you ship large and fragile overmantel mirrors internationally?
A: We partner with professional art shippers who pack and deliver mirrors to museum standards, ensuring safe, insured transport worldwide.
✨ Explore our Antique Overmantel Mirrors to discover exquisite designs that elevate the hearth— from Queen Anne giltwood examples to neoclassical Adam-style mirrors and 19th-century Chinoiserie treasures.
