Buying Antique Mirrors? Need Some Tips?

One of the wonders of antiquing as a hobby is the variety of antique items to collect. Antique mirrors are beautiful and will enhance the decor of your house or office. There are many historical backgrounds to be learned about antique mirrors.

Where to Find Antique Mirrors

Antique mirrors are located worldwide. Sometimes they are an unexpected find. One of the best places to locate antique mirrors are at garage sales or estate sales. The prices are usually very low for a few reasons.

Most people that sell one in a garage sale or estate sale have no idea they have such a treasure. They are just happy to get rid of the "old stuff." This is great news for someone with the trained eye. This will take a lot longer than having one handed to you. However, it is also the best way to get that feeling of getting a great deal and that feeling of excitement from the thrill of the hunt.

However, if you are not into the "hunt", you may want to consider alternate methods of acquiring your antiques. The price will be higher but perhaps it is worthwhile to you. Antique shops, estate sales, and online sites are good locations to check into.

If you choose to go the online route, you will need to do some research to ensure the company is reputable. Check reviews for this company; however, do not believe everything you read. Anyone can write a review. You will want to find less formal reviews that are written by people who have actually had experiences with the company.

The Identification of Antique Mirrors

Styles vary in architecture and artistry depending on the different periods that they were designed in. Most features are intricately curved and glided frames. The mirrors also differ in the techniques in which they were produced. Most of the mirrors you will find are oval or rectangular. The different styles include:

* Mirrored Glass - a reflective substance is coated on one side of the glass, known as silvering. This was common in the 16th century to the 1840s.

* Baroque Mirrors - this style involved small pieces of glass joined together to make one large mirror. The frames were usually an oak or walnut finished with gold or silver leaf which reflected the candlelight or sunlight in the room.

* Plate Glass and the Rocco - debuting at the early 18th century in France, this mirror used large sheets of plate glass. The frames were rectangular walnut or mahogany carved with seashells and curlicues. American and English manufacturers befan using this technique in 1770.

* Classical Elegance - These mirrors are generally rectangular. Different countries have their own design based on the era of classical values and artistic tastes. The French Empire style mirrors were simple with mahogany frames. English Regency style mirrors were more elegant with gilded flowers and scrollwork carved at the tops of the frames.

* Victorian Imitations - These were mirrors produced in the 19th century that combined different aspects of one period with other aspects of another. For example, a Renaissance frame might have a large factory made plate glass from the 19th century surrounded with 15th or 16th century motifs.

Each style is quite unique from the other and should assist you in determining which works best in your home.