The History of Mirrors

Mirrors have been around for a significant period of time. Originally, they were simply highly polished pieces of metal. The earliest forms of mirrors were hand small and hand held, this was because reflective metal was in short supply. It was not until the 1st century AD that larger, full-bodied mirrors were created.

It was not until the 16th century that the technique of backing a piece of glass with tin and mercury was used to create mirrors. However, mirrors with metallic backings have been in use since the 12th to 13th century.  This brought mirrors into the world of mass and widespread production. The process began in Venice and then spread through Europe. This is also one of the reasons why ornate mirrors usually have heavy carvings, scrollwork or decorative metalwork in designs typical of these areas.

From the end of the 17th century, forward both mirrors and the frames that contained them played an important and increasingly vital part of a room's décor. In the early days frames were made of various materials for silver, ebony, tortoiseshell and ivory mirrors. Other frames also contained needlework or beads. Craved work became common and became part of complete ensembles where mirrors were features over mantels and tables. Frames were often interchanged since it was easier to replace the frame than the mirror in most designs.

It was not until the 1830s that it became possible to use metallic silver to coat one side of the glass rather than using the mercury and tin mixture that was used previously. The chemical process, which allowed this to occur, was discovered by one Justus Von Liebig. It was this discovery that lead to the current techniques used in the production of mirrors and lens. It was shortly after the discovery of this that the framing of mirrors

Currently, mirrors are created by spraying a thin layer of aluminum or silver onto the plate of glass. This is done within a vacuum. Mirrors that are used however, in telescopes for instance use an evaporative technique on the opposite side of the mirror in order to reduce glare as it reflects.

Mirrors are used in everything from telescopes to decorative art and are still a viable and active element of decorating in the home. Many people use them in entry ways, they are still popular as over the mantel pieces and often feature in a host of ensembles.

Modern designs and materials have made it possible to use mirrors just about anywhere and even the most ornate and elaborate are affordable for most budgets. It makes it easy to add these elegant pieces with their long and refined history to a home's décor. They make the perfect piece for standalone applications as well as pieces to be used as a focal point, a decorative addition to a table or simply to complete a table and mirror ensemble such as those that often feature in hallways and corridors. Mirrors have a long and continuing history of being elegant decorative additions to homes around the world.