decorating

Decorative Mirrors

At the end of eighteen-century beautiful decorative mirrors in gold, frames brought an element of fairy-tail dreams to life. Exquisite framed mirrors invaded all spaces of social interaction, replacing tapestries and other wall decorations. Mirrors with carved wood frames finished in gold and silver leaf played a significant role in interior decorating.

Decorative mirrors surrounded by elaborate carved and gilded frames could be found in any room of stylishly decorated houses. Framed mirrors were placed in the bedroom, dining and sitting rooms, between windows and above fireplaces, almost wherever they turned, ladies could look at themselves from head to toe at leisure.

In the 18th century, mirrors with gilded frames were extremely popular. High demand for mirrors and rising competition forced mirror makers to be twice as imaginative with regards to materials and shapes. At the end of the 18th century round and oval mirrors shaped were invented, as well as rectangular ones with cornices. The decorative mirror’s frames were lavishly embellished with urn motifs, elegant swags, and drops, the rococo style mirrors with intertwined branches, foliage, and a garland of flowers.

Decorative carved frames for mirrors are finished with real gold and silver leaf. This type of finish can be done only by experienced craftsman. During finishing process gold is pounded to create wafer-thin sheets of gold. These gold sheets are then applied with the utmost care and special glue to the carved wood frames of the mirrors. Because the sheets of gold are so thin, they must be carefully handled, or they will be disintegrated when touched.

Gold-leafing frames of the mirrors is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. Don’t underestimate the crumbling patina on an antique carved wood decorative mirrors. The patina on the framed mirrors adds charm and a sense of history. These mirrors will definitely add warmth to any room.