Art Deco Hanging Mirror
An art deco hanging mirror brings strong geometry and coloured glass panels to a wall, offering both function and decorative punch.
Art Deco Hanging Mirror
When you search for an art deco hanging mirror, you encounter pieces designed to anchor a room with distinct period geometry. The selections span rectangular, circular, cloud, and fan shapes, frequently featuring bevelled edges.
Most pieces date from the 1920s and 1930s, often retaining their original wooden backing and hanging chain. You also find earlier Edwardian chinoiserie examples and nineteenth-century bamboo frames alongside standard geometric designs.
Materials and construction
Makers utilised glass, mirror glass, mercury glass, brass, chrome, and metal for the primary structures and frames. Walnut, oak, and lacquer provide the supportive wooden backings.
Colour panels in pink, blue, green, peach, and amber are integrated into the designs, sometimes combined with alabaster or convex glass formats.
Art Deco Hanging Mirror Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for art deco hanging mirror among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
One unusual wall mirror includes a moulded soldier figure standing guard beside the glass.
Distinctions in quality
Quality rests in the complexity of the glass work, such as multi-coloured panel detailing and scalloped arch tops compared to plain plates. The presence of original components, including wooden backs and hanging chains, elevates a piece.
The sophistication of the frame materials, from heavy bamboo and brass to standard oak and metal, determines the distinction between standard production and unusual decorative specimens.
The Art Deco Hanging Mirror Glossary
- Cloud shaped
- A curved, asymmetrical mirror silhouette typical of the period. This form softens strict rectangular geometries.
- Mercury glass
- Silvered glass created by pouring a liquid mercury mixture between double-walled blown glass. It produces a distinctive speckled reflectivity.
- Chinoiserie
- European interpretation of Chinese and East Asian artistic traditions. It appears on earlier frames predating strict modernist geometry.
- Convex
- Curved outward to provide a wide-angle reflection. These circular plates distort the room in a pleasing manner.
Art Deco Hanging Mirror: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I hang a heavy art deco mirror?
Check that the original hanging chain and wooden backing remain secure before mounting. Use appropriate wall fixings that match the weight of the frame.
Distribute the load properly to protect the mirror plate and wooden structure over time.
Are coloured glass panels original?
Many pieces feature pink, blue, green, peach, or amber glass sections integrated into the main plate. Inspect the edges and backing to confirm they match the construction period.
Original panels often show consistent ageing alongside the primary mirror glass.
How do I date an art deco mirror?
Examine the overall geometry, backing materials, and colour palette of the glass. Pieces from the 1920s and 1930s typically display distinct fan, cloud, or strict rectangular shapes.
Earlier Edwardian or nineteenth-century examples tend to feature chinoiserie decoration or bamboo frames rather than stark modernist lines.
What maintenance do these mirrors need?
Clean the glass surface gently with a soft cloth and mild cleaner, avoiding harsh chemicals around the bevelled edges and frame joints. Protect the mercury glass or silvering from excessive moisture.
Check the hanging chain and fixings periodically to ensure safe wall attachment.