Antique Cheval mirrors

Antique cheval mirrors are a free standing mirror that can be full length in height, ideal to see your entire outfit when getting dressed. Here on antiques world we have some beautiful antique mirrors for sale and if you visit our mirror section on our website for our latest acquisitions. The free standing mirror was not invented until the late 17th Century in the form of a smaller tilting design, called the toilet mirror. They were very small and made to sit on top of a side table or chest of drawers. By the early 18th century due to better craftsmen and designs, mirrors became sturdier in construction with plinth bases and small drawers.  Antique Cheval mirrors were a larger design inspired by these smaller toilet mirrors, first produced in Paris the 19th century. This was due to larger plates of glass now being cast, leading to larger mirrors.  ‘Cheval’ means horse in French, and the name given to the mirror refers to its four supporting legs. 19th century Victorian designs are mainly in Mahogany whereas Edwardian examples can be seen in Oak. For further Details on the history and styles of mirrors visit here. To see our current selection of antique cheval mirrors for sale please see our small selection below but we are adding new stock daily.

Styles of Antique Cheval mirrors

Below are a few examples of our sold stock. If you are particularly looking for something similar in style please email or call us as we have new stock arriving daily

This fine figured Mahogany antique Victorian Cheval Mirror is of lovely small proportions and is a real eye catching piece. It has a tilting mirror with a beautiful flamed mahogany figured frame and elegant scrolled upright supports with quality turnings.

This is a Huge empire, figured walnut, French antique cheval mirror, a rare find indeed with its very grand proportions. It has a triangular moulded cornice above a beautifully figured frieze and magnificent turned upright supports. The antique mirror is supported by a chunky turned cross stretcher and four splayed legs with lion paw feet and castors. It is a statement piece and would prove to be a focal point in any room, the perfect shop window display feature or the ideal bridal shop mirror!

Dating from around 1835, this William IV cheval mirror is superbly constructed in a quality flamed mahogany. It has a central tilting mirror with a beautiful bevelled flamed mahogany frame having the original back boards along with the original glass mirror with character foxing. The mirror is supported by beautifully figured columns which have delightfully carved scrolled decorations both at the top and base. The flamed mahogany base has a moulded lower edge and four scrolled feet with castors.

This Quality Antique Mahogany Gillows Style Regency Cheval Mirror is a quality example of a Regency piece. It is a full length tilting mirror with a beautifully figured frame flanked by unusual moulded upright supports with turned reeded pivot handles. The uprights also still display the original brass supports designed to carry candle holders. The base has elegantly scrolled carved horizontal corbels and sits on decorative Gillows style turned feet with brass castors. The fine carved detailing on this piece is exquisite and can only ever be achieved by a true craftsman.

This is a later example of an Edwardian period in the Sheraton design. It is constructed from inlaid mahogany having a decorative rope twist inlaid banding around the edge.  The large tilting shield shaped mirror has a bevelled edge and is supported by shaped brackets topped with beautifully turned finials. It stands on splayed legs with brass castors and also has a lovely carved rose motif at the hip.