Mirrored Furniture Is All The Rage

Mirrored Furniture

Mirrored Furniture Is All The Rage

Mirrored Furniture Is All The Rage

Mirrored furniture was initially introduced during 12th century, but it was not in the form we recognize it today. The very first mirrors available were typically fashioned out of bronze or a similar metal which were concave, thus they sent a reflection back to the onlooker. Keep in mind these mirrors did not reflect the clear, crisp image we are accustomed to today. The reflections was distorted and fuzzy for hundreds of years until the use of flat glass sometime in the 17th century, which only slightly improved the clarity.

Venetian furniture is the first known style to utilize a mirrored surface. Not surprisingly, only the wealthiest of citizens could afford to furnish their homes with it. The settings within the furniture were also finished of expensive materials to include ivory, tortoise shell and fancy woods. The trend, which started in Venice, Italy gradually spread across England and France as the use of mirrors in decorating grew more popular. The famous palace of Versailles, a chateau located in a wealthy suburb of Paris, is one of the most elaborate examples of Venetian decor, where visitors can gaze on some of the earliest mirrored furniture. In this affluent example, ebony, ivory, silver, tortoiseshell, walnut, olive, and laburnum can be seen encasing the mirrors.

It would be centuries before mirrored furniture would become available to the general public. During the mid-1800’s higher quality, mass produced mirrors began to gain popularity. These were more similar to the modern mirrors we use today, with clear, crisp images. During the art deco movement in the twenties, which features clan lines and minimalistic decor, mirrored furniture became the bees knees once again. As time progressed, what we now refer to as ‘Old Hollywood’ developed a taste for this style of furniture. Throughout the 50s and 60s, mirrored furniture and mid-century modern decor took off. Consumers across the United States followed suit, and bough the product in mass, displaying it in their own homes and businesses. In fact, Palm Springs, California is still a mecca for Mid Century modern architecture, where residents still rely heavily on clean lines and specific styles of furniture to accurately reflect the unique feel of the 1950s.

Throughout the decades mirrored furniture has retained its timeless beauty. Most recently, home designers are starting to incorporate it more and more into luxurious design schemes for a wide range of clients. You’ve heard the old adage that mirrors tend to make a space look larger, right? Well the same applies to this style of furniture.
Mirrored furniture is available in a wide array of types and styles for every room in your home. The possibilities are endless: dressers, coffee tables, buffets, storage tables, and chic bathroom storage. Utilizing this form of furniture will bring a touch of sophistication and elegance to a formerly plain space. What’s even better is that mirrored furniture is also available in a huge variety of prices, so you don’t have to break the bank buying a piece or two.

At this point you may be convinced, but other may still be wondering “why mirrored furniture?” Check our handy, dandy list below:

  1. You too can feel like King Louis XIV and the Palace of Versailles! Wear a lot of purple and try ordering take out in French.
  2. You will never run out of surfaces to quickly check your makeup. Lipstick smear before rushing out the door? No problem!
  3. It’s so easy to clean! Just a quick touch of glass cleaner and a soft rag and you’re good to go!
  4. Bring back the glamour of the fifties and sixties in your own home! Sip on a picturesque Manhattan, put some Frank Sinatra on the radio (vinyl versions preferred) and consider picking up a classic car online.

Image courtesy of Magnificent_1 under the Creative Commons license.

Do you have mirrored furniture? Please comment below.

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