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Antique and vintage mirrors bring elegance, charm, and a sense of history to any room. Mirrors are beautiful statement pieces that create space in the home, whilst offering a touch of nostalgia and artistic craftsmanship. Their allure lies in the intricate designs, unique shapes, and materials used, making them versatile additions to many interiors and highly desirable pieces for those who appreciate true vintage decor.

 

The Allure of Vintage Mirrors

The appeal of vintage mirrors is twofold: their timeless style and the skilled craftsmanship that goes into creating them. Unlike many modern mirrors, which are often mass-produced, antique and vintage mirrors were frequently handcrafted. This results in unique detailing and high-quality materials. These mirrors can range from elegant Victorian pieces with ornate, gold-plated frames to sleek Art Deco mirrors with angular shapes and metallic finishes. From the patina on glass, to elaborate framing, you’ll find each vintage mirror has its own characteristics, making it a focal point in any room.

 

Types of Vintage Mirrors

Antique and vintage mirrors come in a variety of styles, each reflecting the design trends of its time. Some of the most popular types include:

Baroque and Rococo Mirrors: These are typically adorned with elaborate carvings, floral patterns, and gilded frames, often featuring gold leaf. They were popular during the 17th and 18th centuries and are perfect for adding a touch of opulence to a space.

Victorian Mirrors: These mirrors often feature wooden frames with intricate detailing, such as floral and vine motifs. Victorian mirrors add warmth and a sense of luxury, making them ideal for traditional interiors.

Art Deco Mirrors: Known for their geometric shapes, metallic finishes, and streamlined design, Art Deco mirrors bring a stylish, modern edge. Popular in the 1920s and 1930s, these mirrors are perfect for adding a glamorous touch.

Mid-Century Modern Mirrors: Characterised by their minimalist design and simple shapes, these mirrors often have wooden or brass frames. They work well in contemporary interiors and add a retro charm without overwhelming the decor.

 

Decorating with Vintage Mirrors

Adding a vintage mirror to your decor is an easy way to bring character and depth to a home. Key hanging locations can include above a fireplace or the bed, to create a grand focal point. Layering vintage mirrors in different sizes and shapes on living room walls, or hallways can create a captivating gallery effect. This adds dimension and visual interest. For small spaces like bathrooms or landings, vintage mirrors add light and make the space feel more open plan.

 

Caring for Vintage Mirrors

Because of their age, antique and vintage mirrors often require careful maintenance. The glass may have a patina or light tarnish that give it character, but it’s important to avoid abrasive cleaners that could damage the frame or glass. A soft cloth and a mild cleaner are usually sufficient. Wood or gilded frames may need occasional polishing to keep their lustre, while metal frames can benefit from a gentle wipe-down with a dry cloth to prevent tarnishing.

 

Vintage Mirrors at Village Vintage

At Village Vintage, we have a large selection of antique and vintage mirrors vintage mirrors available to view at our secure storage unit:

Antique French Wall Mirror

This small and perfectly formed antique 18c or 19c French or Italian gilt and gesso wall mirror is beautifully detailed. With a gilded frame, at some point in its lifetime it has been over painted in a wonderful deep red paint. Over time, this paint has worn back to reveal the original gilt underneath once again. With a heavy plate and some typical foxing, this mirror is 36cm in height and 31cm in width.

 

19th Century Gilt and Gesso Mirror

In superb quality, this original French 19c gilt and gesso framed mirror is ideal for any room. This mirror is 45cm in height and 35cm in width.

 

Vintage Italian Painted Oval Mirror

In excellent condition, this eye-catching piece has a hand decorated frame, painted in a floral Dutch manner and is nicely detailed. With wonderfully contrasting colours, this is a versatile addition to any room in the house. Height 60cm and width 50cm.

 

Large Antique French Gilt Gesso Wall Mirror

This very large and striking antique French wall hanging mirror with elaborate gilt gesso and simulated walnut paint effect decorated frame is a real eye-catching piece. In good original condition, it measures 90cm by 66cm.

 

Large Antique French 19C Gilt Gesso Wall Mirror

This stunning and very large antique French 19c gilt gesso arched shoulder wall hanging mirror is a statement piece. Displaying the perfect level of distress to both the frame and the mirror plate, this cannot be replicated and is very desirable. Height 87cm and width 62cm.

 

Vintage Wrought Iron Wall Mirror

This unusual and striking vintage wall mirror is made of solid wrought iron. Heavy and unique, it’s wonderfully decorated in scrolling, organic vine and vine leaves and makes a wonderful focal piece in any room.

 

Moroccan Bone and Brass Decorated Wall Mirror

In excellent vintage condition, this petite and striking mirror can be hung landscape or portrait. Hand-made from stunningly decorated bone with hand-coloured patterns, mounted in silver and brass, this unusual piece is one of a kind and suitable for any room.

 

Get in Touch

Here at Village Vintage, right on the Essex and Suffolk border, we love what we do and are passionate about delivering the best results for our valued customers. Would you like to view any of our antique and vintage mirrors vintage mirrors? We can arrange for you to see these in person, simply fill out our contact form and one of our friendly team will get back to you. Don't forget to join our community on Facebook. We look forward to hearing from you!

This week, our Essex antique dealers delve deeper into creating interiors that are rich in character and unique in style! Incorporating antique furniture into modern spaces is a design trend that is the perfect way to do so, combining the charm and elegance of the past with the functionality of the present. Here are our top points to consider if you’re thinking of a fusion between antique and contemporary elements in your home.

 

Understanding the Aesthetic Appeal

For many, antique furniture brings a sense of history and craftsmanship that is often missing in mass-produced modern pieces. Each antique item tells a story, be it through intricate carvings, unique patinas, or the materials used. When placed in a modern setting, these pieces can become beautiful focal points that add depth and interest to an otherwise minimalist environment.

 

The Art of Balance

Our Essex antique dealers believe that the key to successfully incorporating antique and vintage furniture into modern spaces lies in balance. Too many antiques can overwhelm a room, and potentially make it feel cluttered and dated. However, with the purely ‘scandi’ and minimalist look slowly beginning to filter out, focal pieces are making a comeback. Here are some tips to strike the perfect balance:

Start with a Neutral Base: Modern interiors often feature neutral colour palettes and clean lines. Use this to your advantage and start with a simple, understated backdrop. White, beige, grey or even terracotta colour walls, along with contemporary furnishings create a canvas where antiques can shine without overwhelming the space.

 

Choose Statement Pieces: Select a few standout antique pieces that will serve as focal points. This could be a Victorian armchair, an antique table lamp, a vintage wall mirror, or an Art Deco coffee table. These items should contrast with your modern décor, drawing the eye and creating visual interest.

 

Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix different styles and eras. A mid-century modern sofa can look stunning next to a 19th-century credenza. The juxtaposition of styles can create a dynamic and layered look.

 

Mind the Scale: Ensure that the scale of your antique pieces work in harmony with your modern furniture. A delicate antique side table might get lost next to a large, contemporary sectional, for example.

 

Practical Tips for Integration

Got the pieces that you’re ready to integrate? Here are some practical ways to seamlessly transition antique furniture into your modern home:

Reupholster and Refurbish: Antique furniture can come with fabrics and finishes that don’t always match modern aesthetics. Reupholstering an antique chair in a contemporary fabric or refinishing a wooden table can breathe new life into these pieces, while helping them blend better with the majority of your décor.

 

Incorporate Modern Accents: Pair your antiques with modern accents to bridge the gap between old and new. For example, try placing a sleek, minimalist lamp on an ornate antique desk.

 

Use Antiques as Anchors: Let your antique pieces anchor your space. A large antique dining table can set the tone for your dining room, or a vintage bed frame in the bedroom can help to push aesthetic direction. If you’re buying the antique before you decorate the rest of a room, use it to allow you a clearer view of modern theming that will suit the focal item.

 

Create Vignettes: Arrange antiques in small groups or vignettes to create visual interest and homely focal points. A vintage mirror above a modern console table or a collection of antique vases on a sleek shelf can make a striking statement.

 

Benefits of Blending Antique and Modern Furniture

Here are some of the many benefits of merging these two types of furniture, according to our Essex antique dealers:

Sustainability: Incorporating antique furniture into your home or business is an eco-friendly choice. By reusing and repurposing old pieces, you reduce waste and the demand for new resources, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.

 

Uniqueness: Antique pieces are often one-of-a-kind, ensuring that your home won’t look like a carbon copy of every other modern interior. These items add a layer of individuality and personality to your space.

 

Quality and Craftsmanship: Many antique pieces are crafted with a level of detail and quality that is hard to find in modern furniture. Investing in antiques can mean acquiring furniture that is not only beautiful but also built to last.

 

Get in Touch

Here at Village Vintage Essex antique dealers, we love what we do and are passionate about delivering the best results for our valued customers. If you’re looking for unique vintage and antique pieces for the home and beyond, we’d love to help!

Simply get in touch with us by filling out our contact form and one of our friendly team will get back to you. Don't forget to join our community on Facebook.

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