Candle Holder Wall Mirror
A candle holder wall mirror brings together reflective glass and mounted brass, bronze or giltwood to cast warm light across a room.
Candle Holder Wall Mirror
A candle holder wall mirror combines a reflective plate with integrated sconces designed to hold candles and multiply their illumination. When searching for a candle holder wall mirror, buyers encounter a range of forms including pairs of girandoles, wall sconces and mounted frames from periods spanning the eighteenth century through to the Edwardian era.
Originating from English, French, Italian and North Indian workshops, these objects serve both a decorative and a functional purpose. They hang in halls and reception rooms, using polished mirror glass to brighten dark corners by catching the flickering flame from each candle arm.
How they were made
Makers constructed these wall mirrors using traditional joinery and metalworking techniques suited to the period. Wood frames received layers of gesso and gold leaf in giltwood pieces, whilst other examples utilised cast brass, bronze and ormolu for the structural arms and mounts.
Mirror plates of the earlier periods were silvered by hand, resulting in a deeper, softer reflection than modern float glass. Velvet backing and textile mounts appeared in Arts and Crafts examples, secured to wooden backboards with traditional fixings.
French makers occasionally hid their hanging loops so well that the sconces appeared to float flat against the velvet panels.
What varies in quality
Quality rests in the crispness of the casting for metal mounts and the depth of carving in wooden or giltwood frames. Finely chased bronze and ormolu exhibit sharp detail along the candle arms, whereas simpler brass frames rely on clean proportions rather than ornate embellishment.
The condition and authenticity of the mirror glass contribute significantly to the character of each piece. Original bevelled mirror plates with natural foxing sit at the upper end of the scale, showing age without detracting from the overall reflection.
The Candle Holder Wall Mirror Glossary
- Girandole
- A branched wall sconce fitted with a mirror to multiply the light of candles. These fixtures often feature elaborate carved frames in giltwood or cast metal.
- Ormolu
- Finely ground high-carat gold mercury-gilded onto a bronze base. This technique creates a rich, durable golden finish seen on nineteenth-century mounts.
- Giltwood
- Timber carved and coated with gold leaf applied over a gesso ground. It provides a bright, reflective surface common in eighteenth-century and revival frames.
- Sconce
- A wall-mounted bracket designed to hold one or more candles. They appear alongside mirror plates to enhance interior illumination.
- Foxing
- Small dark spots and age-related oxidation within the silvering of antique mirror glass. This natural process occurs as air reacts behind the glass over decades.
Candle Holder Wall Mirror: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I hang a heavy antique wall mirror safely?
Heavy frames require sturdy fixings secured directly into wall studs or masonry using appropriate wall anchors. The weight should be distributed evenly across heavy brass or wooden hanging brackets rather than relying on a single central wire.
Checking the structural integrity of the backboard and the mounting points on the frame ensures the piece remains secure once installed on the wall.
Can I burn real candles in these sconces?
Real candles can be used if the dimensions of the drip pans and nozzle fit the taper securely. Consideration must be given to the proximity of the frame and mirror plate to avoid heat damage or smoke residue accumulation.
Many collectors prefer to use appropriately sized wax candles, whilst others opt for modern battery-operated alternatives to completely eliminate flame and soot risks.
How do I clean antique mirror glass?
Cleaning requires a soft microfiber cloth and a mild, ammonia-free solution applied to the cloth rather than directly onto the glass. This prevents moisture from seeping behind the edges and damaging the original silvering.
Harsh chemical cleaners and abrasive pads must be avoided to protect both the fragile mirror surface and any surrounding giltwood, brass or velvet mounts.
What rooms suit a candle holder wall mirror best?
These pieces suit entrance halls, dining rooms and drawing rooms where reflected candlelight adds warmth and ambience during evening gatherings. Placing them opposite a window or light source also helps maximise daylight reflection during the daytime.
Positioning them at eye level allows the decorative details of the brass arms or carved frames to be appreciated fully from a seated or standing position.