What your home really needs . . . a gilt-framed mirror

THE new ITV costume drama, Belgravia, begins on Sunday. It is a tale of mid-19th century class conflict, based on the novel by Julian Fellowes, creator of Downton Abbey.

The extensive Fellowes fan base will be engrossed by the tense relationships between the central characters — the nouveau riche Trenchards and the aristo Brockenhursts.

But the salons that are the scene of most of the action will also be a source of fascination and decor inspiration.

No one will be driven to start acquiring vast amounts of heavy Victorian furniture, but the epoch’s gilt-framed mirrors are another matter. These pieces provide a fabulous element of ornamentation and a carefully placed mirror makes any room look larger.

Auction rooms are a good source for antique mirrors. But you can fake the look at The Range, Wayfair and at John Lewis whose £199 overmantle mirror, pictured, is almost what the Victorians would have called a looking glass.