What is the correct hanging height?

Tilt and height matter a lot with convex glass. Hang it slightly higher than eye level so the centre of the room reflects clearly without distortion. Early decorators often angled the top of the frame forwards. This pitches the reflection downwards to cover a dining table rather than the ceiling.

With a very low dining room ceiling, will the curved glass just reflect the hanging light fixtures and look strange?

A low ceiling alters how the glass catches light. The curve will certainly pick up hanging fixtures, but it also pulls in the walls and doorways. Try placing it opposite a window rather than a chandelier. This allows the antique convex mirror to gather natural daylight and spread it across the space instead of bouncing artificial glare.

Can the glass be resilvered?

Removing original mercury silvering destroys a major part of the history. Specialists can patch damaged areas using antique techniques. Accept the spotting.

When a large frame is missing the candle branches at the bottom, is it possible to have new ones made to match?

Restorers carve replacement sconces from pine to match the empty sockets on the frame. They apply gesso and water gild the new additions to blend with the aged surface. Many people leave the sockets empty. The frame works well as a decorative object without reinstating the lighting elements.

Home > Mirrors > Convex Mirrors > Page 6

Antique Convex Mirrors

← Page 6 of 7 →

Antique convex mirrors feature outward-curving glass set into deep circular frames, designed to reflect the entirety of a room in miniature while gathering and throwing back available light.