Blog

In interior design, few pieces can add as much character and intrigue to a room as an antique mirror. Antique mirrors are ideal for residential and commercial spaces and offer a touch of history and a unique aesthetic.

What Makes a Mirror an Antique?

Mirrors 100 years or older from the current period are considered antique. They are valued for their reflective functionality, craftsmanship, and the historical era they represent. Unlike contemporary mirrors, antique mirrors often feature slight imperfections and mellowed reflectivity due to those that contain silvering, the process by which the back of the glass is coated to create a mirror effect. These characteristics are cherished for their unique aesthetic appeal, providing a softer, often warmer reflection than modern mirrors.

Antique Mirror History

The history of mirrors dates back to ancient times, but the type of mirrored glass we are familiar with today began to be produced in Europe in the 16th century, particularly in Venice. There was a significant advancement in the development of mirrors, with Del Gallo glassmakers developing a mercury-tin amalgam technique for mirroring the glass surface.

By the 17th century, techniques had further developed, and the manufacture of mirrors became more widespread, with France emerging as a leader in innovation and design, notably with the construction of the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.

Originally, mirrors were luxury items available only to the wealthy and often used as status symbols. They were elaborately crafted with ornate frames made of gold, silver, and exotic woods.

As the industrial age took hold and the silvered-glass mirror was introduced in the 19th century, mirrors became more accessible to the general public. However, those from earlier periods continued to hold a special place in the world of decor for their unique style and historical significance.

Types of Antique Mirrors

Whether for your personal collection or design purposes, understanding the various antique mirror styles can help you choose the right piece. Here are six notable types of antique mirrors.

Venetian Mirrors

Originating from Venice in the early 16th century, these mirrors are renowned for their ornate detailing. Typical Venetian mirrors feature beautiful etching and engraving techniques, with borders and crests often decorated with glass ribbons and flowers. These pieces suit grand spaces and often act as the centerpiece of a room.

Baroque Mirrors

Baroque mirrors, emerging during the Baroque period in the 17th century, are distinguished by their dramatic, ornamental designs. These mirrors typically feature intricate carvings, bold curves, and elaborate gold or silver leaf frames that exude opulence and grandeur. Perfect for adding an elegant touch to any space, Baroque mirrors make a bold statement and often serve as a room’s focal point.

Pier Mirrors

Tall and typically slender, pier mirrors were designed to hang between windows in 18th-century Europe. They often reach nearly from floor to ceiling and are framed in gilded wood. Their primary purpose was to reflect light in dimly lit rooms before the advent of electric lighting, making them as functional as they were decorative.

Overmantel Mirrors

These are designed to sit above a fireplace mantel, spanning the width of the mantelpiece and sometimes extending up to the ceiling. Originating in the 18th century, overmantel mirrors often feature elaborate architectural details such as carved columns, pediments, and friezes. They enhance the grandeur of a room and draw attention to the fireplace as a focal point.

Cheval Mirrors

Introduced in the 19th century, cheval mirrors are full-length, freestanding pieces mounted on swiveling stands. They are framed in wood or metal and are designed to be tilted to adjust the viewing angle. These mirrors are ideal for bedrooms or dressing rooms due to their practicality and function, while also offering a vintage element to the interior design.

Rococo Mirrors

With their origins in the opulent Rococo period of the early 18th century, these mirrors are characterized by their asymmetrical designs and elaborate ornamentation featuring natural motifs like shells, flowers, and leaves. Rococo mirrors are dramatic and eccentric, making great statement pieces.

Antique mirrors are pieces of art and history that tell stories of past eras. At More Than Glass, we offer custom antique mirrors with nine different options and customizing available. This mirror style provides an opportunity to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary needs, creating custom pieces that maintain the charm and character of the original antiques.

Custom Antique Mirror Glass

Get vintage charm with a new custom antique mirror cut to your exact specifications. At More Than Glass, we can cut the glass into almost any shape or size to meet the needs of your space and design. Complete our online form or call (804) 746-3086 for a free consultation. We are happy to answer any questions and walk you through our process.