Custom Antique Mirror Glass

In addition to its age—more than 100 years old—antique mirrors tend to have ornate frames and silver backing. (Modern mirrors are aluminum backed.)

You may hear antique mirrors referred to as "vintage" and "collectable" but there are some differences between the terms.

• Vintage: Less than 100 years old, but old enough to be considered out of style.
• Collectable Valued by collectors, regardless of age.

Other details specific to antique mirrors:

• Modern sheet glass is free of bubbling and is smooth. Manufacturing techniques in present day are able to pull this off in a way previous techniques could not.
• The reflective coating used on the back of the glass is what turns a piece of glass into a mirror. The materials used here have changed over the years. In the 16th century, mercury was spread over a layer of tin with glass placed atop it. As time went on, old mercury mirrors aged to create a sparkly effect.
• The mirror coating on the back of an antique mirror tends to oxidize or tarnish over time, whether made with tin and mercury or a thin sheet of silver. Dark or blotchy spots become visible through the glass, defining it as an antique.
• The frame can also indicate the status of an antique mirror. Are there signs of wear? Is a carved frame chipped? Is the back of the mirror attached with something other than modern Phillips-head screws? What does the maker's tag or mark on the back, if any, say?

Gothic Mirrors (12-16th century)

Gothic mirrors are sometimes known as Medieval Gothic. The revival movement in 19th century is also known as Victorian Gothic.  Common stylistic characteristics include pointed arches at the top, typically dark wood frames and ornate carving.

Baroque (17th century)

Common characteristics of Baroque mirrors include an oval shaped style, frames typically made from oak or walnut and often gilded with gold and silver, and less ornate carvings than the Gothic style.

Rococo (18th century)

The Rococo style is a rectangular or oval shape with a flat base, gilded gold and carvings at the top of the frames, which were often walnut or mahogany with the carvings often of flowers.

Georgian (1714–1837)

Georgian styled mirrors are often rectangular shaped with emphasized symmetry and a paler style color compared to earlier models of mirrors.

Regency (1811–1820)

The Regency period led to mirrors designed with oval shapes and narrow frames. Mahogany food frames were preferred, as were gold gilded. Elaborate carvings with typically floral design or leaf motifs were often applied.

Victorian (1837–1901)

Victorian mirrors consist of contrasting designs, mirrors were either dark wood or white with ornate and heavy designs with inspiration often taken from Gothic inspired forms.

Edwardian (1901-1910)

The Edwardian style mirrors are characterized by a delicate style and similarly delicate colors. The style draws upon different elements and characteristics of earlier styles from past eras.

Art Nouveau (1890–1910)

The characteristics of mirrors from the Art Nouveau period include sinuous lines, swirling designs and nature inspired motifs.  Pewter frames were common, as were black lacquered frames.  Stained glass was often used to add a delicate finish to the Art Nouveau variety of mirrors.

Thanks to LoveAntiques.com for the breakdown.