Don Drumm Mirror
Late 20th Century American Brutalist Wall Mirrors
Aluminum
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Decorative Boxes
Rock Crystal, Iron
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Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sunburst Mirrors
Aluminum
Vintage 1970s American Brutalist Wall Mirrors
Aluminum
Vintage 1970s American Brutalist Table Mirrors
Aluminum
Vintage 1950s American Wall Mirrors
Aluminum
Finding the Right Mirrors for You
The road from early innovations in reflective glass to the alluring antique and vintage mirrors in trendy modern interiors has been a long one but we’re reminded of the journey everywhere we look.
In many respects, wall mirrors, floor mirrors and full-length mirrors are to interior design what jeans are to dressing. Exceedingly versatile. Universally flattering. Unobtrusively elegant. And while all mirrors are not created equal, even in their most elaborate incarnation, they're still the heavy lifters of interior design, visually enlarging and illuminating any space.
We’ve come a great distance from the polished stone that served as mirrors in Central America thousands of years ago or the copper mirrors of Mesopotamia before that. Today’s coveted glass Venetian mirrors, which should be cleaned with a solution of white vinegar and water, were likely produced in Italy beginning in the 1500s, while antique mirrors originating during the 19th century can add the rustic farmhouse feel to your mudroom that you didn’t know you needed.
By the early 20th century, experiments with various alloys allowed for mirrors to be made inexpensively. The geometric shapes and beveled edges that characterize mirrors crafted in the Art Deco style of the 1920s can bring pizzazz to your entryway, while an ornate LaBarge mirror made in the Hollywood Regency style makes a statement in any bedroom. Friedman Brothers is a particularly popular manufacturer known for decorative round and rectangular framed mirrors designed in the Rococo, Louis XVI and other styles, including dramatic wall mirrors framed in gold faux bamboo that bear the hallmarks of Asian design.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, mid-century modernism continues to influence the design of contemporary mirrors. Today’s simple yet chic mantel mirror frames, for example, often neutral in color, owe to the understated mirror designs introduced in the postwar era.
Sculptor and furniture maker Paul Evans had been making collage-style cabinets since at least the late 1950s when he designed his Patchwork mirror — part of a series that yielded expressive works of combined brass, copper and pewter — for Directional Furniture during the mid-1960s. Several books celebrating Evans’s work were published beginning in the early 2000s, as his unconventional furniture has been enjoying a moment not unlike the resurgence that the Ultrafragola mirror is seeing. Designed by the Memphis Group’s Ettore Sottsass in 1970, the Ultrafragola mirror, in all its sensuous acrylic splendor, has become somewhat of a star thanks to much-lauded appearances in shelter magazines and on social media.
On 1stDibs, we have a broad selection of vintage and antique mirrors and tips on how to style your contemporary mirror too.
- What is Don Drumm art made of?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJanuary 10, 2025Don Drumm art is made of aluminum. In the 1950s, Drumm began experimenting with the use of aluminum to produce sculptures, and he gradually branched out to producing functional objects out of the material as well. He is now recognized as a pioneer in using the material in contemporary art. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Don Drumm pieces.
- What is a trapezoid mirror?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What a trapezoid mirror is depends on the context. Trapezoid wall mirrors are mirrored glass positioned in geometric frames that have eight sides. The term also describes a type of reflective glass used in some microscopes. Shop a variety of antique and vintage mirrors on 1stDibs.
- What is a giltwood mirror?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A giltwood mirror is a mirror with a wooden frame that has been gilded with metal leaf such as gold leaf or bronze. It usually features elegant ornamentation along the frame, such as floral detail. Shop an array of giltwood mirrors on 1stDibs.
- What are concave mirrors?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A concave mirror is a curved reflecting surface that is recessed inward. It can point and focus the light on a specific spot, and they are used for both practical and decorative purposes. Shop a large selection of concave mirrors from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What does a shaving mirror do?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A shaving mirror is a mirror that can extend out from the wall, usually on a hinged arm, to help give you a better view for shaving. Sometimes a shaving mirror can feature a concave shape to give you a magnified view for detailed work. Find a collection of shaving mirrors on 1stDibs.
- What is a bubble mirror?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021Bubble Mirrors are the fun, “art” version of mirrors (usually convex) that lend living room walls a “funhouse” feel. There are antique and vintage bubble mirrors for sale at 1stDibs, while we also have modern editions to choose from as well. Bubble mirrors have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of bubble mirrors to choose from, but on 1stDibs, Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Hollywood Regency bubble mirrors are of considerable interest.
- What is a scallop mirror?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023The term scallop mirror can refer to two different designs. One is a mirror with a curved top and a pointed bottom, a shape similar to that of a scallop shell. In addition, a mirror with a frame that shows off a curvy edge is also a scallop or scalloped mirror. On 1stDibs, find a collection of mirrors from some of the world's top sellers.
- What is a pier mirror?1 Answer
- What is a bevel on a mirror?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A beveled mirror has had its edges cut and polished to a precise angle and size to create an exquisite, framed look. This procedure thins the glass around the mirror's edges while leaving the large center area at the typical 1/4" thickness. Find a collection of antique and vintage beveled mirrors on 1stDibs today.
- What is a window mirror?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A window mirror is a mirror that imitates the appearance of an actual window. In the past, these were often used to enhance the view of an ornate garden and create the illusion of a secret space to explore. Window mirrors are also versatile interior décor items. They can add a sense of interest to any room in a home. Shop a wide range of antique and vintage window mirrors on 1stDibs.
- What is a sunburst mirror?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021Sunburst mirrors are popular decorative mirrors that hang in today’s modernist homes as often as they have been integrated in spaces that are comparatively traditional. Ornate and versatile, these sun-shaped fixtures are eye-catching and versatile. Sunburst mirrors were a staple of Hollywood Regency homes from the 1920s to the 1950s. Shop a collection of sunburst mirrors from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is on the back of a mirror?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024What is on the back of a mirror varies. Most mirrors feature a metal backing fashioned out of nickel, tin, silver, chromium or aluminum. Manufacturers typically apply film-forming paint to the metal to reduce the risk of corrosion and extend the life of the mirror. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of mirrors.
- What is a gilded mirror?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021A gilded mirror refers to a mirror that has been treated with a decorative technique involving the application of a thin layer of gold leaf over its frame. On 1stDibs, find a range of antique and vintage gilded mirrors available for sale.
- What are infinity mirrors?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Infinity mirrors are two or more parallel mirrors used to create a series of reflections that appear to go on forever. They can be used as room accents in interior design, and are also used in works of art by various sculptors. You’ll find a collection of antique and contemporary infinity mirrors from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What are pivot mirrors?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A pivot mirror is a mirror with a rod attached to the back so that it is easily adjustable. This is ideal for a family of varying heights because everyone can adjust the mirror to see their whole reflection. On 1stDibs, find a collection of pivot mirrors from some of the world’s top sellers.
- Why are mirrors important?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024Mirrors are important for a few reasons. For one thing, they make it possible for people to see how they look when grooming and dressing, permitting them to make the best possible impression on others. In fitting rooms, mirrors enable users to see how well a particular item fits from different angles. Mirrors can also enhance the appearance of a living space and can even create the illusion that a room is larger than it actually is. Shop a large selection of mirrors on 1stDibs.
- What is Eglomise mirror?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021An Eglomise mirror is a mirror created using the historical technique of painting glass with gold and silver leaf. This technique is typically used to create decorative glass and wall mirrors.
- What is a trumeau mirror?1 Answer
- What is a Venetian mirror?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 21, 2020
While polished metal mirrors have existed since ancient times, glass Venetian mirrors are thought to have first been produced on the Venetian island of Murano, in Italy, beginning in the 1500s (some research points to 1300 for Venetian mirrors). Set in ornate frames frequently bedecked with gold highlights or floral leaf designs, Venetian glass mirrors were handmade by artisans using refined, expert techniques for royalty and for members of the upper class. By the 17th century, Venetian mirrors were in high demand. Because antique Venetian glass mirrors are still very popular today, there are many knockoffs on the market. Today’s authentic Venetian mirrors are still produced only on the island of Murano.
- Can mirrors be shipped?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, mirrors can indeed be shipped. The trick to packing them is to have the mirror and frame suspended by packaging, not just wrapped in bubble wrap. You’ll find a large variety of mirrors from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs. And yes, you can even get them delivered.
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