Decorating
How to Embrace the Trend for Antiqued Mirror
Antique, mottled or ‘foxed’ mirror is creating a buzz on Houzz. Here’s how to use it in your home
If you’re adding a mirrored surface or freestanding looking glass to your interior, it might seem counterintuitive to choose one that looks as if it’s been around the block a few times. However, this aged effect adds instant intrigue to mirror and, with it, bags of character to interiors, both modern and old.
It might not be the ideal choice of reflective surface to apply your make-up or wield a razor, but used pretty much anywhere else in the home, and in a variety of rooms and styles, it totally works.
It might not be the ideal choice of reflective surface to apply your make-up or wield a razor, but used pretty much anywhere else in the home, and in a variety of rooms and styles, it totally works.
…or install a piece above your hob
Here, the mirror only features above the cooker, but it still enhances the light and adds a quirky twist to the modern oven and hood.
If you’re placing glass close to a heat source, such as a hob, it’ll need to be a specialist, toughened variety so it doesn’t shatter.
Marble, which features here as a partner to the splashback, works well with antiqued glass, as the patterns in the stone complement those in the mirror.
Here, the mirror only features above the cooker, but it still enhances the light and adds a quirky twist to the modern oven and hood.
If you’re placing glass close to a heat source, such as a hob, it’ll need to be a specialist, toughened variety so it doesn’t shatter.
Marble, which features here as a partner to the splashback, works well with antiqued glass, as the patterns in the stone complement those in the mirror.
Create an optical illusion
Using a mirror in an alcove or window-shaped frame is a classic way to create the optical illusion of peering into another room.
Foxed mirror, as used here, gives the benefits of feeling you’re in a more spacious room, but you’re less likely to bump your head trying to walk into ‘it’.
Using a mirror in an alcove or window-shaped frame is a classic way to create the optical illusion of peering into another room.
Foxed mirror, as used here, gives the benefits of feeling you’re in a more spacious room, but you’re less likely to bump your head trying to walk into ‘it’.
Make a small cloakroom feel bigger
Plain mirrored glass would have the same space-boosting effect in this standalone loo, but what’s nice here is the tarnished glass also lends character to this small, functional space.
If you want your foxed mirror to be a standout feature, go ultra-modern all around it. If you want it to blend in a little, consider including roughed-up surfaces nearby, such as raw wood or distressed paintwork on picture frames or a vanity unit.
Here, the owners have opted to echo the mirror’s random patterns with marble floor tiles, whose veining and palette, as we already know, provide a visual partner to the mottled glass.
Plain mirrored glass would have the same space-boosting effect in this standalone loo, but what’s nice here is the tarnished glass also lends character to this small, functional space.
If you want your foxed mirror to be a standout feature, go ultra-modern all around it. If you want it to blend in a little, consider including roughed-up surfaces nearby, such as raw wood or distressed paintwork on picture frames or a vanity unit.
Here, the owners have opted to echo the mirror’s random patterns with marble floor tiles, whose veining and palette, as we already know, provide a visual partner to the mottled glass.
Frame your fireplace
The chimney breast in this elegant living space almost vanishes thanks to its antiqued mirror cladding.
Again, a plain mirror finish would create the same effect, but there’s something warmer and more unusual about using slightly mottled glass.
Rather than the standard silvery finish, consider sourcing a tinted version to complement your room’s palette. Here, the mirror has a soft hint of gold to blend in with the colour scheme. The result is a beautifully pulled-together and incredibly inviting space.
The chimney breast in this elegant living space almost vanishes thanks to its antiqued mirror cladding.
Again, a plain mirror finish would create the same effect, but there’s something warmer and more unusual about using slightly mottled glass.
Rather than the standard silvery finish, consider sourcing a tinted version to complement your room’s palette. Here, the mirror has a soft hint of gold to blend in with the colour scheme. The result is a beautifully pulled-together and incredibly inviting space.
…or line your alcoves
Here, the homeowners have taken the opposite approach to their chimney breast, lining the alcoves either side with mirror instead.
The built-in glass shelves are backed with traditional, unantiqued mirror. The almost invisible glass shelving makes the ornaments appear to float. The eye is drawn towards the reflection behind them, as if two corridors lead out into another room behind them.
So far, this is a very smart use of mirror, but what takes it to the next level is the decision to top the shelf units with foxed glass. The antique finish draws attention to the wonderful ceiling moulding, as well as highlighting its period credentials.
Consider how you could use this type of mirror to highlight your own vintage pieces or period architectural details.
Short on living room inspiration? Check out these wonderfully eclectic spaces
Here, the homeowners have taken the opposite approach to their chimney breast, lining the alcoves either side with mirror instead.
The built-in glass shelves are backed with traditional, unantiqued mirror. The almost invisible glass shelving makes the ornaments appear to float. The eye is drawn towards the reflection behind them, as if two corridors lead out into another room behind them.
So far, this is a very smart use of mirror, but what takes it to the next level is the decision to top the shelf units with foxed glass. The antique finish draws attention to the wonderful ceiling moulding, as well as highlighting its period credentials.
Consider how you could use this type of mirror to highlight your own vintage pieces or period architectural details.
Short on living room inspiration? Check out these wonderfully eclectic spaces
Add interest to a full-length mirror
Full-length mirrors can often look rather functional. Practicality should never be knocked, of course, but when beauty is added, it surely reaches perfection… Enter foxed mirror! This surface has all the benefits of a regular mirror, but is also decorative in its own right.
Choose your antique finish carefully: here, the tones of the mottling perfectly complement the neutral hues in the décor.
Full-length mirrors can often look rather functional. Practicality should never be knocked, of course, but when beauty is added, it surely reaches perfection… Enter foxed mirror! This surface has all the benefits of a regular mirror, but is also decorative in its own right.
Choose your antique finish carefully: here, the tones of the mottling perfectly complement the neutral hues in the décor.
Upcycle a window
Rather than using a standard frame to create a mirror, you could find some suitable piece of architectural salvage and have antiqued glass applied to it. Ancient windows or old doors are perfect for this and will create an eye-catching feature. Find a glazier with experience of working with antiqued mirror finishes.
Rather than using a standard frame to create a mirror, you could find some suitable piece of architectural salvage and have antiqued glass applied to it. Ancient windows or old doors are perfect for this and will create an eye-catching feature. Find a glazier with experience of working with antiqued mirror finishes.
Find a freestanding one
This look is largely about panels of mirror used strategically and architecturally around rooms, but a freestanding foxed mirror can create just as much of an impact.
If you’re lucky enough, you might find a large antique version like this one. If not, look out for a new frame in a suitably ‘old’ style and get to work with some specialist paint designed for creating a ‘distressed’ shabby chic look. Find a glass company that sells antiqued mirror and they can cut a mirror to size and fit it for you. Et voilà – your own romantic-style dressing room.
This look is largely about panels of mirror used strategically and architecturally around rooms, but a freestanding foxed mirror can create just as much of an impact.
If you’re lucky enough, you might find a large antique version like this one. If not, look out for a new frame in a suitably ‘old’ style and get to work with some specialist paint designed for creating a ‘distressed’ shabby chic look. Find a glass company that sells antiqued mirror and they can cut a mirror to size and fit it for you. Et voilà – your own romantic-style dressing room.
Splice your mirror
Here’s another way to create a large, striking mirror. This design uses a simpler frame and panels, rather than one giant piece of mirror, or the smaller, ready-made frames within the over-fireplace design seen earlier. Again, enquire at a couple of glazing companies and see which best ‘gets’ the idea you’re after.
Here’s another way to create a large, striking mirror. This design uses a simpler frame and panels, rather than one giant piece of mirror, or the smaller, ready-made frames within the over-fireplace design seen earlier. Again, enquire at a couple of glazing companies and see which best ‘gets’ the idea you’re after.
Shelve it
Less mottled, more scuffed around the edges, this antique-effect mirror creates a different look again, covering an entire wall section to baffle the eye. Fixed with utilitarian studs, this foxed mirror also helps to highlight the grey-grouted metro tiling, enhancing the feel of a traditional Victorian bathhouse.
What’s extra smart in this bathroom is the use of mirror to clad ledges, creating the ultimate invisible shelf that’s perfect for highlighting attractive bottles and vases.
Using metro tiles? Discover stylish new ways to give them a twist
Do you like antiqued glass and have you used it at home? Or do you prefer plain, modern mirror? Let us know in the Comments below.
Less mottled, more scuffed around the edges, this antique-effect mirror creates a different look again, covering an entire wall section to baffle the eye. Fixed with utilitarian studs, this foxed mirror also helps to highlight the grey-grouted metro tiling, enhancing the feel of a traditional Victorian bathhouse.
What’s extra smart in this bathroom is the use of mirror to clad ledges, creating the ultimate invisible shelf that’s perfect for highlighting attractive bottles and vases.
Using metro tiles? Discover stylish new ways to give them a twist
Do you like antiqued glass and have you used it at home? Or do you prefer plain, modern mirror? Let us know in the Comments below.
In this kitchen, the homeowners have embraced antiqued glass as a material. A mirrored splashback, especially a full-width one, can really boost the sense of light and space in a room. It’s also a good way to give the chef a nice view if the sink or hob is facing a wall and they have to work with their back to the window.
Choosing distressed, mottled mirror has the added bonus of adding interest to your space. It works especially well as a characterful contrast in clean-lined, contemporary cookspaces, such as this one.
Considering a blue kitchen? Browse these stylish designs for inspiration