Antique Mirrors

Humans like to mirror themselves and compare things with other people. Classic mirrors in the interior are decorative and create atmosphere. Mirrors bring light into a small room and make it look bigger. Mirrors also give control. Antique mirrors show off their decorations.

As early as the 1500s, venetians were able to create a mirroring effect on a flat surface by means of covering it with tin foil. At the end of the 17^th century, the Parisian glass makers monopolized the market. French workers from the Manufacture du faubourg Saint Antoine also provided, for instance, the mirror panels in the famous mirror room in the palace of Versailles. This was the first time that people could see their entire body in a mirror!

Antique Baroque mirrors are impressive. The patinated and gilded or silver-plated frames are usually fitted with carvings in the shape of acanthus leaves, putti (angels), mascarons and shells. Engraving mirrors also became popular. Antique mirror frames from the period of Louie XIV were mostly made of Linden, European Spruce or Oak wood. The most beautiful figures were cut out and gilded (covered in a layer of gold). During that period, furniture maker Charles Cressent (1685-1768) also made gilded, bronze frames.

When Queen Anne and King George I were reigning, mirror frames were also made of Gypsum. They were decorated with lovely carvings and stamped decorations. The decorations were gilded and they were often painted in a cream colour as well. In the forties of the 18^th century, the architectonic style made way for frivolous designs of the Rococo and Chippendale style: antique mirrors with flowers and c-shaped motifs, often asymmetrical. It also became custom to paint the mirror glass with motifs inspired by Chinese art.

Antique Style Web Store offers newly-made ‘Antique’ mirrors online that are based on a rich, historic past: full-length mirrors, cheval glasses, bathroom mirrors, hand mirrors, hallway mirrors, kitchen mirrors, toilet mirrors, make-up mirrors, mirrors to hang above a dresser. Even in the garden, mirrors can be used to accentuate it. Round, oval, square and rectangular mirrors in many sizes and often at a pleasant price. Allow yourself to be amazed!