Antique mirrors and frames are exquisite items you can use in notching up the decoration of your home. Interestingly, they come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and mirror styles. Given the fact that they are peculiar to different historical periods, and are as ancient, they give the home a somewhat unique feel.
Mirrors aren’t just for assessing your looks and dressing. They are also beauties that, if placed at focal points of the home, can leave a stunning and attractive vibe. In this article, we shall be looking at numerous types and styles of antique mirrors and frames you can choose in making your space a beauty to behold.
TYPES AND STYLES OF ANTIQUE MIRROR GLASS
Antique mirrors are mirrors specifically made, at least, a century ago. However, modern mirror designers sometimes produce mirrors that are similar to antique ones. This is because antique mirrors remain evergreen and never go out of style. There are lots of different antique mirrors in the world, and some of these are:
Antique Handheld Mirrors
This type of antique mirror was produced in ancient places such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China. They were made from metals with reflective surfaces. It is referred to as ‘handheld’ because it usually comes with an adorned handle attached to it.
In the 1800s, the antique handheld mirror was quite the trend for Victorian women, and it was also coated with porcelain backs in France and Germany.
Antique Wall Mirrors
As the name implies, wall mirrors are mirrors that are designed or created to hang on a wall. More so, they come in different shapes, materials, and sizes. Antique mirrors such as this weren’t available on the market until the end of the 1700s.
Antique Toilet Mirrors
The toilet mirror was designed to stand straight on a table, and it was more of a decorative item than a tool. The antique toilet mirror was more produced in the late 1600s.
Antique Vanity Tray Mirrors
This type of antique mirror is also referred to as perfume tray, dresser tray, and mirrored plateau. This was because it was a small tray, having a mirrored surface, and it was used to hold fine perfumes of women. It was quite popular during the 19th century.
Antique Dressing Mirrors
This type of antique mirror is also referred to as standing mirrors. They weren’t available on the market until the 1700s when the new processes in production made it possible to produce larger mirrors.
Gothic Mirrors
From the 12th century down to the 16th, Gothic mirrors were closely similar to church windows. Gothic mirrors have a distinctive feature of having pointed arches on top. They are usually oval and framed in a dark wood.
Neoclassical Mirrors
The middle and end of the 1700s witnessed the emergence of the neoclassical style mirrors, which were distinguishable given its medallion carvings at the top. You can also find neoclassical mirrors in cathedral and rectangular shapes, and they can come with silver or gilded frames.
Baroque Mirrors
The baroque style mirrors are unique to the 17th century, and it often came with silver or gold gilding. Moreover, some came with carvings of angels, fruits, leaves, and flowers. During this time, it was rampant to use all these in mirror decorations.
Georgian Mirrors
The Georgian period in Britain extended from 1714 to 1830. Georgian mirrors are marked by a lack of carvings. The designs are more of beading, symmetry, and scrolls. It looks quite simple and attractive in appearance.
Regency Style Mirrors
During the Regency period in the early 1800s, it was oval mirrors with a thin frame that was predominant. They are usually distinguished by cornices, columned frames, and flower designs.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF ANTIQUE MIRROR FRAMES
Mirror frames you can use for your mirrors in decorating your home include:
- Gothic mirror frames
- Antique dressing mirror frames
- Reclaimed wooden mirror frames
- Gilded antique wall mirror frames
- Georgian mirror frames
- Neoclassical mirror frames
- Antique handheld mirror frames
- Baroque mirror frames
- Antique wooden mirror frames
- French hand-carved vintage mirror frames
All these mirror frames can be used in different places around the home. You just have to choose the ones that best suit the features of your home. All of these mirror frames are quite ancient and charming. They’ll also be a good case for your antique mirrors, and they are quite fitting for interior decorations.
COMMON USES OF ANTIQUE MIRRORS
- For decoration
- For assessing your looks and dressing before leaving home
- For enhancing the lighting effect in a room
- For hiding the imperfections in a room
- For making a space or room appear larger than it is.
FINAL THOUGHTS
With the knowledge of antique mirrors, you can include them as decorative items in your home to increase visual appeal. As old as antique mirrors are, they become striking and stay evergreen.
