Types of Antique Mirrors
Types of mirrors are differentiated by their frames (or lack of frame) and the backing material behind the glass, as well as style and purpose. Really, each mirror is a unique combination, but here are some basic groups to give you an idea!
- Frameless mirrors: No frame, just the reflective glass
- Ornate-framed mirrors: Typically Victorian, Baroque, or Rococo (or combination) styling, these mirrors have very detailed frames and are often gilded or painted gold
- Syroco mirrors: These can fall under ornate frame as well, but the material is key here, Syroco style mirrors are made out of molded wood-pulp material so they’re heavy-duty and long-lasting. (The Syroco brand started in 1890 in Syracuse, NY.)
- Mercury glass mirrors: Most mirrors are backed with a silver reflective lining, mercury glass uses, well … mercury. They found out belatedly that mercury didn’t age as well, but on the other hand it is now its own notable style of vintage.
- Floor or swivel mirrors: Full-length mirrors, either in a frame to be leaned against a wall or set into a swiveling stand
- Wall mirrors: Typically rectangular, square, oval, or circular mirrors set into a range of frames designed as wall-hangers
- Shaving mirrors: A style of mirror specifically designed to facilitate shaving, these mirrors have a ledge at the base of the mirror for setting small items on.
- Vanity mirrors: Intended to be used on the tops of vanity tables, these mirrors can either be flat or multiple mirrors set at angles to each other.
- Hand mirrors: Mirrors small enough to hold in your hand for up-close use.
Table of Contents
I) Inexpensive Vintage Mirrors (budget options)
1. Wood-Framed Print & Mirror
Period: 1940s
Material: Wood & glass
Size: 26”H x 7.5”W
Features: Picture frame over the mirror
Price: $68
This is a gorgeous piece with a Rococo pattern carved into the frame and a picture frame above the mirror to either leave the Regency era print or replace with your own choice. The silver backing of the mirror does display quite a bit of cracking, but that is part of the antique charm.
2. Black Octagonal
Period: 1960s
Material: Molded plastic & glass
Size: 6.75”H x 6.75”W x 1”D
Features: Picture frame over the mirror
Price: $25
Painted black, this basketweave frame is originally a beige color which shows through in places. It is in good condition, with a few spots of paint on the mirror itself.
3. Indoor/Outdoor Syroco
Period: 1969
Material: Cast resin & glass
Size: 28”H x 14.5”W x 1”D
Features: Can be hung on either inside or outside walls
Price: $40
This is a genuine Syroco mirror, marked with production number 2310 on the back. The frame design has a hammered brass effect, it is in overall good condition as is the mirror.
4. Wood Beaded Wall Mirror
Period: 1970s
Material: Wood & glass
Size: 21”H x 7”W
Features: n/a
Price: $21
This is a beaded frame of solid wood beads; one side of the mirror is missing some beads but otherwise the work is in good condition. Th mirror itself is sound as well.
5. Ornate Flora Wooden Frame
Period: 1980s
Material: Wood & glass
Size: 23”H x 14.5”W x 1”D
Features: n/a
Price: $35
This mirror is set in a carved wood frame topped by an ornate flora festoon. The piece shows some wear around the edges; the glass is in good condition.
6. Resin Gold Scrolls
Period: 1990s
Material: Resin & glass
Size: 14”x14”
Features: n/a
Price: $75
An openwork scroll frame around a square mirror, this piece is a purposefully antiquated design so it looks even older than it is. It is in good condition overall.
7. Ornate Golden Long Rectangle
Period: Pre-2000
Material: Wood, metal, & glass
Size: 27.5”H x 8.5”W x 0.7”D
Features: n/a
Price: $27
The frame of this mirror is a beautifully textured gold finish with Baroque-style detailing.
8. Octagonal Stained Glass
Period: Pre-2000
Material: Glass & metal
Size: 17”H x 17” W
Features: The only mirror on this list to feature stained glass as well!
Price: $85
A charming little stained glass daisy accents one corner of this stained-glass artwork. The glass frame is done in cream & brown. It is only lightly used and in excellent condition!
9. Small Golden Oval
Period: Pre-2000
Material: Wood, metal, & glass
Size: 12.8”W x 14.3”H
Features: n/a
Price: $48
This is a smaller but very common sort of wall mirror from the mid-20th century. It features ornate Baroque-style patterning around the edges, the glass itself seems to be in good condition too.
10. Rattan Round
Period: Pre-2000
Material: Rattan, chain, & glass
Size: 8” round, 7.5”H in chain (15.5”H total)
Features: n/a
Price: $32
The mirror shows a few dark spots, while the frame has acquired a few marks of its age, but overall this is a fun beachy-style mirror for bedroom or bathroom.
II) Vintage wall mirrors
1. Farmhouse Mercury Glass
Period: Mid-19th century
Material: Wood & mercury glass
Size: 25” H x 16” W x 1.5” D
Features: Mercury glass mirror
Price: $125
This piece is being sold directly from its original farmhouse home. The mercury glass has a time patina to it & the wood is worn, especially at the edges—it is, in every way, a mirror that is over a century old but still kicking (metaphorically, of course)!
2. Over-Mantle Burr Walnut
Period: c. 1880
Material: Burr walnut, satin, & rosewood; ebony and glass
Size: 34”H x 44”W x 4”D
Features: Includes both bun feet for floor display and brass mounting brackets.
Price: $471
This is an amazing piece that originally rested over a fireplace mantle; today it is equipped for either floor or wall display. It is primarily made of burr walnut wood, with an inlay design featuring satin wood & rosewood, along with ebony. The mirror itself shows slight clouding, to be expected in this age of piece, but overall, in stunning condition.
3. Dresden Sitzendorf Putti & Flowers
Period: 1884-1902
Material: Wood & glass
Size: 17”T x 10”W
Features: Combination mirror-candelabra with three candleholders at base of mirror
Price: $250
This is an antique German combination mirror & candelabra from the Sitzendorf brand. It features putti (helpful cupids) & flowers around the perimeter. This piece can be used as either a wall hanging or a table-top decoration.
4. Frameless 1920s
Period: 1920s
Material: Glass
Size: 19.5”H x 12.5” W x .5”D
Features: n/a
Price: $168
This is a lovely piece with no frame, it features engraving on the mirror surface at the top. The backing to the mirror is worn away which shows through the glass in spots. It is a vintage mirror with an aged look.
5. Small French Provincial
Period: 1920s
Material: Wood & glass
Size: 20”H x 17”W x 0.5”D
Features: n/a
Price: $189
A charming French Provincial style mirror from the 1920s, this piece is a petite treasure. There is some wear to the surface & spotting on the glass.
6. French Arts & Crafts
Period: 1940s
Material: Wood & mercury glass
Size: 12”H x 17.5” W
Features: Tasseled rope included for wall hanging
Price: $80
This mercury glass mirror is (theoretically) constructed of an older 19th-century mirror & frame repurposed to their current state. It is in good condition, with mild surface damages and a few darkened spots on the glass.
7. Etched Rosettes Mercury Glass
Period: 1950s
Material: Glass
Size: 28”H x 22”W
Features: Fully etched, this is a beautiful decorative mirror!
Price: $500
Smoky texture & chinoiserie-style etching make for a stunning combination on this frameless mercury glass mirror. The mirror itself is a vintage 1950s piece, still in excellent unchipped condition!
8. Metal-Framed Circular
Period: 1960s
Material: Metal & glass
Size: 24”H x 24”W x 1.5”D, 20” round mirror
Features: n/a
Price: $192
A mid-century modern frame in black metal and mirror, this piece shows only slight patina and a few scratches. It is otherwise in great condition.
9. Gilded Sunburst
Period: c. 1970
Material: Wood, glass, & gilding
Size: 48.5”H x 48.5”W x 4”D (circle), 19” round mirror
Features: n/a
Price: $1700
The hand-carved wooden sunburst frame has been finished with a bright gold gilding and a 19” round mirror. It is in very good condition.
10. Syrian Mother-of-Pearl Inlay
Period: Pre-2000
Material: Wood, mother of pearl, shell, ebony, & metal
Size: 37”H x 20”W, rectangle
Features: n/a
Price: $1200
This is one of three mirrors on this list that were created by Morocco-based artists, and each of them features stunning inlays. This one is in Mother of Pearl, shells, and ebony to create a beautiful black-and-white appeal.
III) Large/oversized antique mirrors
1. Salvaged Vanity Mirror
Period: 1920s
Material: Wood & glass
Size: 36”W x 35”H
Features: n/a
Price: $250
This is a possibility waiting to happen: this vanity mirror could be used as a wall or floor mirror or turned into something else entirely! The wood is in good condition and the glass only shows small sighs of aging.
2. Baroque Hand-Painted
Period: 1950s
Material: Wood, paint, & glass
Size: 44.5”H x 32.5”W
Features: Hand-painted in a new color scheme for a pop of color!
Price: $699
A Baroque-style frame has been hand-painted in apple green & aqua blue for a fun take on the classic. The piece has all the charm of a vintage piece with a lovely modern twist! (Note aside: this seller has an unfortunately low rating on Etsy right now—digging though reviews showed that most of the low ratings were shipping-based and resolved by the seller…)
3. 10” Gilt Frame
Period: 1950s
Material: Wood, metal, & glass
Size: 21”x 23” (11” x 13” mirror)
Features: n/a
Price: $95
This mirror features a very large frame, at 10” across from mirror edge to exterior. The frame features ornate flora & braiding patterns, all golden. There are a few surface chips that have been repaired with gold paint.
4. MCM Dart Brand
Period: 1964
Material: Plastic material & glass
Size: 22.25”H x 9”W
Features: n/a
Price: $32
This is a rarity: a mirror with brand name attached. This mirror is in good condition, even the backing still looks mostly non-scuffed!
5. Turner Mirror Co. Syroco
Period: 1960s
Material: Sturdy resin & glass
Size: 38” x 28”
Features: Included hanging hardware to hang either vertically or horizontally
Price: $249
Here we have another anomaly with the brand name still attached. This one is in the Syroco style, meaning that instead of (faux) wood, the frame is made of cast resin. Both the frame and mirror are in beautiful condition.
6. Moroccan Camel Bone Inlay with Metalworking
Period: 1980s
Material: Wood, metal, camel bone, & glass
Size: 68”Hx32”W Moorish arch (rectangle)
Features: n/a
Price: $4900
Handcrafted by Marrakesh artists of Morocco, this is an amazing piece: wood inlay with camel bone & delicate metal filagree. In excellent condition.
7. Moroccan Camel Bone Inlay with Arabic Text
Period: 1980s
Material: Wood, camel bone, & glass
Size: 68”Hx32”W Moorish arch (rectangle)
Features: n/a
Price: $2900
The inlay detailing was just too amazing to not include another Marrakesh artistry piece in this list—this one features a piece of Arabic calligraphy at the top, translation included in the listing. The mirror on this one is clouded from age and the wood looks a bit worn.
IV) Vintage mirror full length
1. 70” Tall Rococo Style
Period: 1930s
Material: Wood, metal, & glass
Size: 70″H x 22″W x 4″D
Features: n/a
Price: $1380
This mirror is nearly 6 feet tall, recently refurbished. There may be aging to the wood, but it is in otherwise excellent condition.
2. Pair of Rococo Stylers
Period: 1930s
Material: Wood, metal, & glass
Size: 62”H x 33.5”W x 6”D
Features: A set of two individually framed mirrors
Price: $3800
Two ornate Rococo-style mirrors with exquisite detailing of both flora and braid patterns.
3. Italian Hollywood Regency
Period: 1930s
Material: Oak wood & glass
Size: 78”H x 18”W
Features: n/a
Price: $975
This listing is for amazingly detailed carved oak wood mirrors, there are four all together that are being sold individually. (The title states these are 1970s pieces, but the style better matches the 1930s date cited in the description.)
4. 1940s Door Upcycled
Period: 1940s
Material: Wood, glass & brass
Size: 79”H x 30”W x 1.5”D
Features: Vintage brass doorknob creates an excellent purse-holder!
Price: $300
The mirror on this one isn’t actually old, but it’s a stylin’ piece worth note anyway. This is a vintage door, originally filled with glass, that has been converted to a full-length mirror!
5. Marbled in a Bamboo Frame
Period: 1970s
Material: Bamboo & glass
Size: 46”H x 23”W
Features: Four mirrors set together
Price: $196
The outer three mirrors feature a marbled effect in gold, while the center mirror is clear and crisp. The frame is out of bamboo—finished to match the color scheme of the marbling. The piece is in good condition.
V) Antique gold mirrors
1. Garland & Ribbons
Period: Late 18th century – early 19th
Material: Wood, plaster, & glass
Size: 25”H x 28”W
Features: Original glass
Price: $300
This is a very old mirror in stunningly good condition for its age. At around one hundred years old, it shows new integral damage to the frames, only mild surface wear. The glass is in excellent condition as well, with an overall smoky effect but only three darkened spots.
2. Bradley & Hubbard Cast Iron
Period: 1920s
Material: Cast iron & glass
Size: 20”H x 11”W
Features: n/a
Price: $210
This heavy-duty mirror has withstood the test of time and will continue to do so as the frame is constructed of gilt cast iron. It is a beautifully flowing Rococo design in excellent condition, minus a few chips around the edge of the glass.
3. Pair of Hollywood Regency Small Mirrors
Period: 1960s
Material: Metal & glass
Size: 9.25”H x 4.75”W x 0.75”D individually
Features: Set of two matching mirrors!
Price: $27
A quaint set of rope-and-tassel style framed mirrors, this set is in great condition with minimal aging impact.
4. Large Wall Mirror
Period: Pre-2000
Material: Wood, metal, & glass
Size: 20″ x 17.75″ x 1″
Features: n/a
Price: $150
This is a beautiful, wide style mirror, with some truly fantastic ornate edging work—topped off with a literal crown (of acanthus leaves)! There is some surface cracking and wear to the backing, but otherwise it seems solidly built and in good shape.
5. Small Gold Oval
Period: Late 20th-century
Material: Molded plastic & glass
Size: 8.5”H x 6.75”W
Features: n/a
Price: $20
This is an adorable mini mirror about the size of an adult hand (including frame). It is in excellent condition with only a few spots of aging.
VI) Small vintage mirrors
1. Swedish Handmade Mirror
Period: 1900s
Material: Wood & glass
Size: 26.5”H x 19”W x 1.5”D
Features: Hand-chip carved frame!
Price: $375
This piece features a hand-carved frame based on Norwegian folk art and the Swedish national lion. The mirror glass is in all its original smokey glory. The whole piece is beautifully detailed, while it shows its age, it is in overall good condition for its lifespan!
2. Louis Philipe Ebonized
Period: 1910s
Material: Wood & glass
Size: 13”H x 10.5”W
Features: n/a
Price: $118
A beautiful wood frame, simplistic in style but with an ebonized finish. The bottom of the frame has lost a bit of finish, but the frame is in otherwise good condition.
3. Syroco Wood Easel
Period: 1960s
Material: Wood & glass
Size: 21”H x 13.5”W
Features: Comes equipped for both easel & wall display
Price: $199
A Syroco wood frame containing a mirror with no smoke effect or scratches. The frame is in a feathered Art Deco style, in well-preserved condition.
4. Square Mirror in Gold Round
Period: 1990s
Material: Glass
Size: > 6”H x 6”W
Features: n/a
Price: $31
This is a tiny little wall mirror in an opulent golden frame set with four crests. It appears to be in good condition.
5. Golden Rectangle
Period: Late 20th-century
Material: Plastic, composite fiber board, & glass
Size: 19.75”H x 9”W
Features: Wall hanger for vertical display
Price: $48
This long mirror is a more recent rendition of an older style—it is in excellent condition except one corner of the backing that is coming loose.
6. Small Brass Mirror
Period: Pre-2000
Material: Brass & glass
Size: 7”H x 9.25”W
Features: There is no hanging hardware, whether it’s intended to be hung from the top ring of the design.
Price: $25-29
This is a unique little star-esque frame inset with a oval mirror. The seller will either send with the original smokey mirror or replace with new glass (hence price range).
7. Bradley and Hubbard Bacchus Mirror
Period: Pre-2000
Material: Brass, glass, & paint
Size: 16”H x 9”W x 3.25”D
Features: A pair of candlesticks below the mirror
Price: $200
This mirror features the head of Bacchus, Greek god of revelry and wine, at the top & two candlesticks below the mirror. The piece is made of brass, it has been painted & sealed in a gloss black color. It is in excellent condition; the only item of note is the right candleholder resting slightly lower than the left.
VII) Vintage bathroom mirrors
1. Wormwood Shaving Mirror
Period: 1920s
Material: Woodwood & glass
Size: 32”H x 14”W x 6.75”D
Features: A shelve with pegs protrude at the bottom of the mirror for storing shaving items
Price: $175
This Gothic-inspired piece is a wall-mounted shaving mirror, with a shelf and pegs resting on a corbel at the base. It is in overall good condition, with only minor scratching and silver lifting.
2. Gilded Wood Standing Mirror
Period: 1930s
Material: Wood & glass
Size: 21”H x 9”W
Features: n/a
Price: $95
This gilded wood standing mirror is designed for use on a dresser or in the bathroom. The frame has a openwork floral pattern; it is in excellent condition with only a few minor nicks, the mirror silvering has minor spots but a clear reflection!
3. MCM Vanity Tri-Fold
Period: 1940s
Material: Metal & glass
Size: 24”W x 12”H (side panels are 6”W x 12”H, center is 12”x12”)
Features: Features a easel stand to support center panel for the perfect angle!
Price: $195
This is a classic vanity fold-out mirror, designed to give multiple reflections and angles. All three mirrors are lined with a golden gadroon trim & floral etching—the hinges are still holding strong; this is a beautiful rendition of this style of bathroom mirror!
4. Brass Vanity Mirror
Period: 1960s
Material: Brass & glass
Size: 14”H x 8.5”W x 5.5”D
Features: The heavy weight will keep this mirror stationery as you set it!
Price: $87
This is a miniature heavy-duty mirror designed for vanity or shaving use! It is elegantly styled with an industrial edge. There is an aged patina to it that could either be retained or polished, the mirror glass is in good condition and all the hardware is accounted for.
5. Gold-plated Filigree Vanity
Period: 1960s
Material: Metal, velvet, & glass
Size: 17” x 11.5” x 1.3”
Features: n/a
Price: $178
This mirror is intended to lay flat for item storage on a vanity. The filigree around the edges is beautifully detailed; both filigree & mirror are in excellent vintage condition. The backing is in velvet, which is well-worn—especially around the edges.
6. Wooden Hanger
Period: Pre-2000
Material: Wood & glass
Size: 12.75”H x 10.75”W
Features: n/a
Price: $68
This is a handy small mirror to either hang on the wall or use by hand for detailing purposes. It has a few nicks of time but is in overall good condition.
7. Industrial Shelved Mirror
Period: Pre-2000
Material: Metal & glass
Size: 27.5”H x 19.25”W x 5.5”D
Features: This piece features a shelf with fencing at the base of the mirror!
Price: $160
Industrial style sleek metal shelve & frame blend with a mirror in excellent condition in this piece. The frame and shelf are painted black and are good condition.
VIII) Vintage floor mirrors
1. Rococo Baroque Style
Period: 1900s
Material: Metal & glass
Size: 88”H x 47”W
Features: Over 7 ft tall!
Price: $3280
This amazingly detailed floor mirror is over 7’ tall … and highly ornate every inch of the way! It is in excellent condition; it shows its age as is to be expected but it’s mostly in surface wear.
2. Henry Link Wicker
Period: 1970s
Material: Wicker, wood, & glass
Size: 68”H x 28.5”W x 19.5”D
Features: n/a
Price: $450
This mirror (glass is in good condition) is supported by a swivel frame of woven wicker—quite the classy look of the era! The wicker is in good condition, with only slight color distortion & wear.
3. Italian Brass Art Deco
Period: 1970s
Material: Brass & glass
Size: Unknown
Features: n/a
Price: $2500
A standing mirror in a brass stand—no cracks or chips on the glass surface. It is an elegant design with smooth curves and a burnished finish.
4. Cherry-Finished Wood Swivel Mirror
Period: Pre-2000
Material: Hardwood & glass
Size: 21″W x 16″D x 59″H
Features: n/a
Price: $95
A long oval mirror set into a cherry-toned swivel stand for ease of adjustment–this is a classic Victorian look.
5. Copper Mosaic
Period: Pre-2000
Material: Glass
Size: 65.5″ H x 31.5″ W
Features: n/a
Price: $210
This full-length floor mirror is a glamourous addition to lean against the wall in any room. It is durable and in great condition.
IX) Vintage hand mirrors
1. Compact Heart Mirror
Period: 1928
Material: Silver & glass
Size: 4” tall
Features: Comes with case for easy purse carry
Price: $17
This tiny mirror is four inches tall (including handle); it was designed to be carried along in a purse or clutch. There don’t seem to be any dents or scratches to the frame or mirror, just some wear on the included black case.
2. German Art Nouveau
Period: 1930s
Material: Silver
Size: 6” x 8.5” (4.75” circle mirror)
Features: n/a
Price: $34
This Art Nouveau-style hand mirror was made in 1930s Germany. The frame is in worn but overall good condition, however the original mirror glass is missing. The listing notes that a 4.75” round piece will set into the frame.
3. Hans Jensen Danish Silver-Plated
Period: 1940s
Material: Metal, silver, & glass
Size: 4.75”H x 2.25”W
Features: n/a
Price: $25
This darling pocket mirror is stamped as a product of Denmark, designed by Hans Jensen. It is in excellent condition: the plating holds strong, and the mirror shows minimal aging with no chipping. There is a patina on the silver that can either be retained or polished off as wished.
4. Golden Birds
Period: 1960s
Material: Plastic, metal, & glass
Size: 11”H x 6”W
Features: n/a
Price: $22
A fluted handle and swirled effect add a sense of classy style to this 1960s hand mirror. There is wear along edges and minor issues with the silvering under the mirror glass.
What to Look for When Buying One
Mirrors come in a range of conditions, it’s important to know what type of condition you want.
- Frames: check that the frames are holding together well, the joinery (if applicable) is strong still, and make sure you are comfortable with the range of visible surface damage, which can range from light scratching to chunks missing.
- Glass: check for any cracks or chips in the surface, any smoking/ghosting of the glass itself, and also the condition of the metal backing behind the glass.
- Backing: no one wants to get a mirror just to find out it’s almost falling out of its frame, so check the backside of the frame as well for how well the mirror glass is secured.
