I’m always so excited to see what Cindy of Edith and Evelyn has to share. I truly mean that. She has such a great eye for detail, and truly is very talented. I think you’ll enjoy seeing these stunning old mirrors that she is sharing today. After I saw them, I wondered where I could add another old mirror, and I suspect you’ll be feeling the same way by the time you get to the end. Here she is!!
There’s something about an old mirror that always draws me in.
I love the more ornate ones, the ones that my mama would refer to as a “fancy” mirror.
Usually flea markets, antique stores, and sometimes even thrift stores, will produce a wide variety of vintage mirrors in a myriad of styles.
I seem to always be attracted to the gilded, gesso framed, mirrors.
And if they have some silvering missing from the mirror, even better!
The ones with the scars, imperfections, and rough edges…..you know the ones….they always call my name.
They work perfectly in any room, for an added touch of glam and character.
I have a large antique, gilded, gesso mirror in our kitchen/breakfast room that I love. It’s very ornate with a thick frame, and the mirror has a gorgeous bevel to it.
Some of the old gesso is missing here and there, showing the raw wood beneath the gilding.
I found this several years ago at an estate sale and grabbed it, not even knowing what I was going to do with it.
The great thing is these old beauties can work in just about any room.
The antique gesso mirrors often have so much detail to them, and they are usually gilded, so they are perfect for a punch of gilt in your decor.
Most are Victorian era, and the gesso, ornamental detail, was made by mixing glue and chalk {calcium carbonate or plaster}, and pressing it into reverse carved molds, and then applying them to the wood frame.
The gilding turns into an amazing mellowed gold over time, which just can’t be duplicated by new pieces.
The mirror that is hung in our dining room isn’t very old {approximately 40 yrs old}, and though not a gesso mirror, it does have beautiful gilding.
It is Italian in origin, with very soft, green paint and gilding around the edges.
It originally belonged to Ms. Irene {the original, and only owner, of our home}. She purchased it in Italy, and her family was kind enough to leave it with the house when we purchased it.
It makes a beautiful focal point in the dining room.
I recently added a trio of antique gesso mirrors above the bed, in the master bedroom.
These were purchased at different times over the years from various antique shops and flea markets.
The silvering is in pretty bad condition on two of them, and the rectangular one in the middle has a very foggy look to the mirror, giving all of it’s reflections a soft and muted look, which I love.
They all have a very french feel.
This one especially, with it’s garland of laurel leaves at the top and bottom.
And this one is very “frenchy” as well, with it’s winding leaves, and basket crown at the top.
You can see the cracks in the old gesso that have appeared over time.
Adding an antique mirror to your decor can add an instant sense of history and a “gathered over time” look.
Next time you’re out thrifting or antiquing, keep an eye out for these old mirrors. Many times, they can be bought for very little, especially if the mirrors are foggy or scratched, or the gesso is damaged, which is just adds character to these old beauties.
I always wonder at the stories they could tell, the homes they have adorned, and the faces they have reflected.
If only they could talk!
Cheers,
Cindy
While Cindy is here, I’m over at Bali Blinds where I’m a contributor, talking about making a room cohesive.
Cindy, enjoy your blog so much, and the post on mirrors was right up my ally. I have one question though, how are you hanging the wreath on the mirror? I don’t see a wreath hanger, but can’t see any other way. If you would be so kind as to let me know, I would be most appreciative. Thanks in advance.
I have two spectacular, large, gesso frames (had one more but gave it to a friend) that my mother bought over forty years ago. I added an old mirror to one and a chalkboard to the other. In the past couple of years I’ve found two more at garage sales. I agree that they fit well in every room. I especially like them in modern, sleek rooms.
They are beautiful and yes i am a fan also. Thank you for this lovely post.
Mirrors are a very favorite item, that I can’t seem to get enough of! More importantly, I just received your new book, French Accents. You must be so proud. I will keep reading it for a long time!
Awesome Sandy! I sure hope you enjoy it.
I too love fancy mirrors! I love all the photos!
That bedroom is breathtaking! Thank you so much for sharing… I have a similar bed that curves in the middle. I’ve been thinking of adding some mirrors above it, but couldn’t quite picture sizes, etc. You have provided a beautiful inspiration photo. Now, I will keep my eyes open for the right mirrors. Let the hunting begin! 🙂 ~julie (littlefarmstead.com)
Love your blog and am definitely into old mirrors. But, I won’t buy a mirror unless it is beveled. I think it adds the over-the-top click!
Anita,
C`est Magnifique!!!
I agree, Cindy has an exquisite collection of French and Italian handcrafted mirrors!!!
Thank you for sharing this gorgeous post with us, dear friend!!!
Fondly,
Pat
Where did you purchase the bonne nuit lumbar pillow on the bed?
Glenda, that is Cindy’s from Edith and Evelyn. You might try contacting her at her blog http://edithandevelynvintage.com/