Mirrors have a long and noble history with the oldest surviving being over 8000 years old and made of polished Obsidian (volcanic glass). For thousands of years the necessary reflective quality was created using polished metals or stones, but in the 16th Century a new finish was invented using a mercury and tin amalgam. At the time Venice was the centre for such Mirror production with this new technique was initially kept a closely guarded secret. Extremely hard to make in large sheets, most early mirror frames instead incorporated smaller plates joined together. Large mirrors only became possible in the late 18th Century and were prohibitively expensive for all but the elite.
Today a mirror is just as important in any room as in the past bringing light and elegance. Of course, there are many different forms from wall mirrors or Overmantle mirrors to dressing mirrors and handheld. However whichever you decide on, there is nothing that beats the character of antique and vintage examples. At LoveAntiques you will find amazing old mirrors of all sorts for all your needs.
Tom Scott Antiques
Pair of Rosewood Oval Mirrors
£ 595
artsncraftsfurniture
Arts and Crafts Overmantel Mirror
£ 225
Hingstons Antiques
Antique Gilt Mirror
£ 1375
Kernow Furniture
Edwardian Gilt Mirror
£ 545
Tony Youll Antiques
Large Antique Gilt Mirror
£ 975
Kernow Furniture
Vintage Gilt Mirror
£ 195
Kernow Furniture
Antique Gilt Overmantle Mirror
£ 785
Tony Youll Antiques
French 19th Century Landscape Mirror
£ 975
Harmony Antiques
Antique French Mercury Plate Mirror
£ 120
Kernow Furniture
Vintage Gilt Oval Mirror
£ 185
Windsor House Antiques
Most Unusual Mid 19th Century Rococo Mirror
£ 590
Kernow Furniture
Round Convex Brass Mirror
£ 185
Kernow Furniture
Victorian Ebonised Mirror
£ 195
Kernow Furniture
Carved Eastern Wall Mirror
£ 275
Philip Hunt Antiques
Mahogany Sheraton Revival Swing Mirror
£ 320
Penderyn Antiques
Antique Mahogany Dressing Mirror
£ 695
Hastings Antiques Warehouse
18th Century Ornately Carved Italian Walnut Overmantle Mirror
£ 8500
18th Century Ornately Carved Italian Walnut Overmantle Mirror
£ 8500
Hastings Antiques Warehouse
Windsor House Antiques
Three Part 19th Century Period Giltwood Mirror
£ 580
Georgian Antiques
Whytock & Reid Chinese Style Mirror c.1900
£ 400
Robert Bush Antiques
Art Deco Sterling Silver & Blue Enamel Hand Mirror 1935
£ 325
Burgett Langfield
19th Century English Victorian Gilt Archtop Overmantle Mirror
£ 995
Georgian Antiques
Dutch Brass & Ebonized Mirror
£ 1850
Fernyhough Antiques Ltd
Arts & Crafts Copper Mirror
£ 395
Mercia Interiors
Edwardian Gilt Mirror
£ 395
Tony Youll Antiques
French Gilt Margin Mirror
£ 975
Thakeham Furniture ltd
George III Mahogany Fret Wall Mirror
£ 640
Burgett Langfield
Large 19th Century English Victorian Gilt Arch Top Overmantle Mirror
£ 2650
Large 19th Century English Victorian Gilt Arch Top Overmantle Mirror
£ 2650
Burgett Langfield
Burgett Langfield
Large 19th Century English Silvered Overmantle Mirror
£ 2650
Georgian Antiques
Large Gothic Mirror Owned by Marquis of Breadalbane
£ 1850
Burgett Langfield
Large 19th Century English Victorian Gilt Overmantle Mirror
£ 1895
Georgian Antiques
Gothic Mirror from Taymouth Castle, Perthshire
£ 1500
Yeats Country Antiques
Very Fine Large 19th Century Arch Top Overmantle Mirror
€ 7950
Yeats Country Antiques
Stunning Large 19th Century Arch Top Giltwood Overmantle Mirror
€ 8950
Stunning Large 19th Century Arch Top Giltwood Overmantle Mirror
€ 8950
Yeats Country Antiques
Yeats Country Antiques
Fine 19th Century Large Giltwood Overmantle Mirror
€ 5950
Yeats Country Antiques
Exceptional 19th Century Large Size Giltwood Overmantle Mirror
€ 6950
Exceptional 19th Century Large Size Giltwood Overmantle Mirror
€ 6950
Yeats Country Antiques
Lorna Byskou
Victorian Gilt Large Overmantle Mirror
£ 2950
£ 550
Lorna Byskou
Victorian Gilt Overmantle Mirror
£ 1750
Rocaille
French Ornate Gilt Wall Mirror
£ 495
Marlborough Antiques & Interiors
Smaller Victorian Overmantel Mirror
£ 400
Vintage and Antique Mirror FAQs
How can you tell if a mirror is old?
There are several ways to tell if a mirror is or not. The first is to look at the mirror plate itself. Mercury Mirrors first began to be used from the 16th Century and used thicker glass than today. You can gauge the glass thickness by placing an object like a pen or coin against the glass and spot the depth of the gap before the reflection begins. The mirror will also ‘sparkle’ and create a softer image than modern mirrors. Silver backed mirrors emerged in 1835 and the mirror has a slightly more yellow tint overall than new examples. Older mirrors are more liable to have imperfections and losses to the silvering. Modern mirrors are backed in a tin foil which produces a very crisp image. You can often also date a mirror from the frame, but it is important to recognise that old mirrors regularly get new mirror plates and old mirrors can be put into modern frames. Many people today ‘age’ modern mirrors using paint or artificial wear, but these can usually be differentiated from genuine old examples.
What different types of mirror are there?
As a loved item in any home there are many forms and styles of mirror, although they are all for the same basic purpose. The most common types are convex mirrors (which are domed outwards and display a wider field of view than usual) and flat mirrors. Those placed above the fireplace and have a flat base are called Overmantel mirrors, while those originally intended to be hung over a side table are called Pier mirrors. Depending on the size there are several names for mirrors with their own stand. These are commonly called Cheval or Swing mirrors if they tilt and Toilet or Dressing mirrors if they were intended to be placed on top of a table or chest. Hand mirrors are held in the hand as the name suggests.
How much do Antique mirrors cost?
Like any piece of antique furniture antique and vintage mirrors can vary dramatically in price. This can be due to the size, look, rarity and overall desirability of the piece. Generally larger more grand mirrors always command more money than smaller because they are status symbols for wealth and antique examples are usually (with some exceptions) more valuable than vintage or modern mirrors. When purchasing a mirror online it is important to consider the shipping to yourself as this can be prohibitive. Most postal companies will not offer compensation for damage and personal couriers will often charge a slight premium for the extra care required. This is why it is worthwhile buying from our reputable dealers on LoveAntiques as they usually sort the delivery for you.
How to antique a mirror?
Many people today enjoy mirrors which appear weathered and worn as occurs naturally over time with antique silvered or mercury mirrors. While nothing beats original worn mirror plates, this is not always possible so weathered effects are created instead. There are lots of videos and descriptions online for how to ‘age’ a mirror but there are basically two approaches. The first is to take a modern mirror and create gaps and flaking to the foil backing using cleaning products, paint stripper and abrasives such as wire wool. These gaps are then accentuated with dark paint. The second approach is to begin with a clear sheet of glass and build up a weathered mirror look using layers of mirror-effect spray paint and an oil or washing up liquid to create natural defects and spots. Either approach can be quite effective and create a unique look.
Where can I buy antique mirrors?