Venetian mirrors - reflecting on 16th century Venice

Venetian mirrors come second to none for injecting a bold and contemporary styling for any living space.  Casually placed in any living room, hallway, foyer or bathroom, these traditionally styled mirrors will add enthusiasm and passion to even a modern décor.

Although the history of Venetian mirrors can be traced back before the 1500s, casting techniques for the larger glass panes become perfected in the 16^th century Venice, and that is when the “modern” industry flourished.  Typical classical antique mirrors had been made of highly polished solid metal, such as bronze and silver.  Due to cost and susceptibility to corrosion, and the all around dim reflection, these mirrors could never become main stream.  Making mirrors out of glass was invented by the Venetian glass makers; and they covered the back of the glass pane with a mercury coating to provide and nearly perfect reflection.

Mirrors then became affordable to the general public, and were mass produced everywhere.  But the richly decorated frames and scroll work became the hallmark of the Venetians, and to this day, it still pays homage to the modern mirror’s original inventors.  The toxic mercury on the glass substrate, has now been replaced, however, with a non-toxic silver or Aluminum.

Having been reduced to just a “name,” however, “Venetian mirrors” can come in varying qualities and costs…  from your cheap plastic framed mirror at your local bargain store, with it glued on cardboard backing, to your specialty, high quality designer mirrors.  Offerings include handcrafted mirrors constructed through techniques true to the original designs from Venice.  These mirrors can be hand cut, beveled, etched and polished, and will be attached to a wood backing with screws and a rosette cover.  These mirrors can be quite expensive and cost well into the thousands of dollars. 

Whatever the grade or quality, mimicking the 16^th and 17^th century styling is what sets these “modern” variations apart from other mirrors.  The unique and flamboyant styling of Venetian mirrors will uniquely make a bold statement in dressing up your home, and on a side note, should offer a good reflection of the one who made the wise decision.