antique mirror

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\ REFLECTING ON THE MAGIC OF MIRRORS At Kernow
Furniture, we can certainly put you in the
picture when it comes to mirrors. Sometimes a
work of art in themselves, mirrors can be
classified in several ways, including by shape,
style, manufacture and use. We stock a wide
selection of large and small vintage, retro and
antique mirrors as well as overmantles. Our range
includes wall mirrors, floor mirrors and table
mirrors, from ornate brass or wood items to
Regency cheval mirrors and hand-held looking
glasses. View our collection of antique mirrors
here. A mirror can undoubtedly add style and
character to a room, but a strategically placed
one can also make a room look bigger and
brighter. Mirrors will reflect both natural and
artificial light thanks to the reflective coating
behind the glass. The coating is usually silver
but can also be chrome or gold. Placing a mirror
near or directly opposite a strong source of
light can be particularly effective. TAKING A
LOOK AT HISTORY Looking glasses, as they were
once called, have an ancient history going back
to the days when man first used water to look at
his reflection. Glass mirrors were thought to
have been first produced in the third century AD.
They were quite common at this time in Asia,
Egypt, Germany and Gaul. They succeeded simpler
versions manufactured from polished metals. Both
of these types of mirror tended to be small and
portable.
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Once glassblowing was invented in the 14th
century, glass mirrors became increasingly
popular and proportionately larger. In the 16th
century, Venice became a major manufacturing
centre for mirrors along with Saint-Gobain in
France. However, mirrors remained an expensive
luxury item for the wealthy. Things changed in
the 19th century when a German chemist, Justus
von Liebig, developed the silvered-glass mirror.
His process of placing a thin layer of metallic
silver on the glass enabled mass production of
mirrors and opened up the market for them to
ordinary people. A MIRROR TO THE SOUL? Mirrors
have long been associated with magic and
superstition. From the legend of Narcissus and
the musings of philosopher Plato, to the fairy
tale of Snow White and the murder mysteries of
Agatha Christie, mirrors have been a source of
drama, danger and divination. Breaking a mirror
is said to bring seven years of bad luck. This
curse is believed to date back to Roman times
when it was thought the soul took seven years to
renew itself. To avoid bad luck, so it goes, the
pieces of the broken mirror should be buried. A
mirror falling from a wall is said to be a
premonition of a death, while it used to be
common to cover mirrors in a house where someone
had died to prevent their soul being trapped in
one of them. Mirrors are also a test against
vampires who cannot be seen in them. PUTTING
YOURSELF IN THE FRAME Mirrors remain a functional
item but, as outlined above, also play an
essential part in modern home decor and design,
adding sparkle to any room from halls to
attics. Here we shed some light on some of our
current stock to inspire you. The clean lines of
this early 19th century mirror will add a touch
of Regency elegance to any bedroom. Made of
mahogany, it is durable and can be polished to a
gleam. It will also complement many existing
styles in a modern home.
If you prefer a touch of glitz and glamour, these
vintage Venetian style mirrors will bring on the
bling.
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Chinoiserie is bang on trend this year. This
early 20th century carved wall mirror has the
openwork scroll and figural decoration typical of
this popular and enduring style.
This large antique mirror with its moulded gilt
frame, beaded border and original glass would
make a great accent piece and shine a light on
any room. Don't forget that it doesn't have to
be hung on a wall either. Placed on a floor,
large mirrors add informality to a room, with
the added benefit that they can be moved with
ease. You don't have to worry about fixings or
leaving marks on the wall, particularly useful if
you rent your home.
Whatever your style, here's looking at you!
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