French Country · Encyclopedia · Lighting and Mirrors
Floor Mirror
Full-length standing or cheval mirrors.
Mirrors & Trumeaux · Indicative US retail $400–$5,000
At a glance
- Family: Mirrors & Trumeaux
- Periods most often found: Empire psychés date from 1800 to 1830; Louis-Philippe from 1830 to 1850; Victorian cheval mirrors from 1850 to 1900.
- Typical price: about $1,500; range $400 to $5,000 and more for exceptional pieces
- What drives value: Size, frame
What it is
The psyché, or cheval mirror, is a full-length standing mirror that tilts on pivots between two uprights. Empire and Louis-Philippe psychés in mahogany or walnut, sometimes with gilt-bronze mounts and candle arms, are the classic French types; Victorian and Edwardian cheval mirrors followed in England and America. Leaning floor mirrors, often salvaged from shops or large overmantels, are a newer use.
How to identify and date it
Check the pivot mechanism, which should hold the glass at any angle; the plate for silvering loss; and the base for stability. Mahogany veneers on Empire pieces can lift, and gilt mounts may be missing. Large leaning mirrors should be checked for a strong back and secure plate fixings.
Periods and styles
Empire psychés date from 1800 to 1830; Louis-Philippe from 1830 to 1850; Victorian cheval mirrors from 1850 to 1900.
How much is it worth?
On the US retail market, most floor mirror examples ask around $1,500. Simple or worn pieces start near $400, while documented, signed or exceptional examples can pass $5,000. The main value drivers are: size, frame. These are indicative ranges, not an appraisal; see our price guide for French antiques for the method.
Before you buy
- Test the pivots
- Check stability
- Inspect veneer and mounts
- Plan to anchor a leaning mirror to the wall
Living with it
A psyché in a bedroom or a large leaning mirror in a hallway doubles the light and space.
How we write these guides: identification notes are general guidance written by French Country; a style name, a region or a resemblance does not by itself date or attribute a piece. Price ranges are indicative US retail asking prices for antique and vintage examples in sound condition (dealers, specialist marketplaces and auctions), estimated and rounded as of November 2026; check recent sold results before relying on a figure. They are not appraisals or offers to buy or sell: condition, provenance and documentation can move a value far outside the range. For insurance, estates or sales, ask an independent, qualified appraiser for a written valuation.