Antique & Vintage Mirrors

Antique Mirrors: A History of Decorative Craftsmanship

Mirrors have long played an important role in the history of interior decoration.

Beyond their practical purpose, they reflect changing tastes, manufacturing techniques and traditions of craftsmanship.

Over the centuries, mirror frames have been made from carved wood, metal, natural fibres, ceramics and many other materials.

Some mirrors were designed for everyday grooming, while others were created to decorate living rooms, bedrooms and formal interiors.

Today, an antique or vintage mirror can become a distinctive decorative feature, bringing light and individual character to a room.

Different Types of Antique and Vintage Mirrors

Antique Sunburst Mirrors

Sunburst mirrors are recognised by the decorative rays arranged around a central mirror.

Their frames may be made from wood, rattan, wicker, bamboo or metal.

Some feature carved leaf-shaped rays, openwork patterns or elegant gilded finishes.

Vintage examples from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s are particularly admired for their striking silhouettes and distinctive materials.

Our dedicated sunburst mirror category offers a closer look at these decorative designs.

Vintage Barber Mirrors

Traditional barber mirrors are associated with historic barbershops and personal grooming accessories.

Some feature narrow metal frames, small hanging chains or decorated backs.

Their understated shapes make them attractive additions to bathrooms, bedrooms and entrance halls.

Antique Triptych Mirrors

Triptych mirrors consist of three reflective panels arranged to provide different viewing angles.

Certain antique barber triptychs feature decorative scenes or patterns on their reverse sides.

These distinctive objects appeal to collectors of historic grooming accessories and vintage interior decoration.

Round and Oval Vintage Mirrors

Round and oval shapes introduce soft lines into an interior.

They may feature woven frames, metal surrounds or carved wooden borders.

An oval wicker or rattan mirror, for example, can complement an elegant room combining natural materials with contemporary furniture.

Antique Carved Wooden Mirrors

Wooden frames may feature botanical motifs, moulded details or bamboo-inspired shapes.

Some reflect decorative tastes from the early twentieth century, while others illustrate later vintage design.

The sculptural details and natural patina of the wood contribute to their individual character.

Vintage Ceramic Mirrors

More unusual designs include mirrors surrounded by decorative ceramic frames.

Some evoke the pottery traditions of Vallauris or styles associated with recognised ceramic artists.

However, similarity of style alone does not establish attribution to a particular maker or artist.

Rattan, Wicker, Bamboo, Wood and Metal: Traditional Mirror Materials

The frame material is an important part of a mirror's decorative appeal.

Rattan

Known for its flexibility and curved forms, rattan is frequently found in vintage mirrors with rounded or radiating frames.

Wicker

Woven fibres create attractive textures and natural colour variations, sometimes with elaborate openwork details.

Bamboo

Bamboo and bamboo-inspired decoration are associated with distinctive segmented shapes and elegant decorative compositions.

Genuine bamboo should be distinguished from carved wooden frames designed to imitate it.

Wood

Carved, moulded, stained or painted wood provides a wide variety of textures and decorative finishes.

Metal

Gilded, silver-coloured or patinated metal can create slender frames, geometric designs and elegant decorative silhouettes.

Ceramic

Decorative ceramics introduce sculptural shapes, raised details and colourful glazes.

These materials appear in both antique craftsmanship and twentieth-century vintage design.

How to Identify and Choose an Antique Mirror

Several characteristics are worth considering when purchasing a vintage mirror.

Shape and Dimensions

Sunburst, triptych, round and oval mirrors each create a different decorative effect.

Always check the height, width, diameter and depth.

For sunburst mirrors, it is useful to distinguish the overall diameter from the size of the central reflective glass.

Frame Material

Wood, metal and woven fibres have different manufacturing characteristics and care requirements.

Construction Details

Carving, weaving, joints, hanging fixtures and decorative finishes may provide information about manufacturing methods.

Condition of the Mirror Glass

Antique mirrors may display scratches, dark spots or deterioration of the reflective backing.

These marks may contribute to their vintage character, but their extent should always be considered.

Condition of the Frame

Loose rays, chips, cracks, damaged weaving and previous repairs deserve careful attention.

Original Marks and Attribution

Some mirrors retain labels or manufacturers' markings. Decorative style alone, however, does not always establish an exact origin or production date.

What Is a Foxed Antique Mirror?

The term foxed mirror is commonly used to describe reflective glass displaying dark spots, irregular marks or areas where the original silvering has deteriorated.

These effects may result from ageing, humidity and the gradual deterioration of the reflective coating behind the glass.

Some antique collectors appreciate foxing as part of an object's historic character.

Others prefer a clearer reflective surface.

The choice depends on personal taste and the intended decorative effect.

A foxed mirror may still be suitable for display, provided the glass and its supporting structure are safe and in satisfactory condition.

Decorating Your Home with Antique Mirrors

A carefully positioned vintage mirror can transform a room by reflecting natural light and creating a sense of depth.

In an Entrance Hall

A round antique mirror above a console table creates an elegant welcoming feature.

In a Living Room

A carved wooden sunburst mirror can become the focal point of a wall above a simple sideboard.

In a Bedroom

A vintage rattan mirror or antique triptych can complement a traditional chest of drawers or dressing table.

In a Bathroom

A barber mirror introduces an interesting historic detail. In humid environments, the condition of the frame, fixings and reflective backing should be considered carefully.

In a Home Office

A small antique mirror can complement a wall display featuring framed prints and decorative objects.

How to Create a Gallery Wall with Vintage Mirrors

Combining several antique mirrors allows you to experiment with shapes, dimensions and materials.

Sunburst mirrors are especially suitable for decorative wall arrangements.

You may choose one larger central mirror surrounded by smaller pieces, or combine a round metal frame with woven rattan and wooden designs.

For an elegant composition, consider using a common colour palette, dominant material or complementary shapes.

Before hanging the mirrors, arrange them on the floor to explore different layouts.

Leaving sufficient space between individual pieces helps each mirror retain its decorative presence.

How to Hang an Antique Mirror Safely

Antique mirrors may be heavy or fitted with ageing hanging hardware.

Before installation, inspect the frame, fixtures and approximate weight.

Wall anchors and hanging systems should always be suitable for the wall construction and the mirror's weight.

An original chain, hook or old fixing should not automatically be considered safe without inspection.

If necessary, seek professional assistance to reinforce or replace an unsuitable hanging system.

Avoid placing mirrors with structural damage where a fall could create a risk of injury.

How to Care for Antique Mirrors

Cleaning methods should always respect the age, condition and materials of the piece.

For carved wooden frames, a soft brush can help remove dust from decorative details.

Rattan, wicker and bamboo frames should be handled gently to avoid weakening the fibres.

For reflective glass, use a soft cloth and avoid allowing moisture or cleaning products to penetrate beneath the edges, where they may damage the original backing.

Historic gilding, paint and patina should not be treated with abrasive products.

Mirrors with unstable components or significant deterioration may require advice from a professional conservator.

Carefully Selected Antique Mirrors at Brocante Déco

Our collection of antique and vintage mirrors changes as new treasures are discovered.

Explore sunburst mirrors, vintage barber mirrors, traditional triptychs, carved wooden frames, metal mirrors, rattan and wicker designs, bamboo-inspired pieces and unusual decorative ceramics.

Each item is presented with photographs, dimensions and information about its condition and individual characteristics.

Please note: our antique and vintage mirrors are pre-owned and offered in the condition described on their individual product pages. Many are unique pieces that cannot be replaced once sold. Every order is carefully packed to help protect the glass and decorative frames during shipping.

Discover our collection and explore beautiful vintage mirrors that bring light, history and individual style to your home.