A few months ago I started exploring French history and, in particular, the history around certain French furniture or decor styles. I was trying to decide what I should learn about first and my mind just kept going back to Louis Phillipe mirrors. They are classic and can fit into just about any style.

A little bit of irony given how much the mirrors are beloved, by the end of Louis-Philippe's reign, he was widely disliked and even reportedly survived EIGHT assassination attempts. Yikes! According to my research, despite having been sworn in under an amended governing charter limiting his power, he is described as favoring the rich and governing as an autocrat. That in combination with another revolution spurred my an economic depression, he ultimately abdicated the throne and fled to England. Louis-Philippe's reign was from 1830-1848; he served as the last king of France.

Now for more about the mirrors! As you can see below, most mirrors are rectangular with curved corners at the top and squared off at the bottom. They are usually gilded in either gold or silver--and reportedly both on occasion (though I have never seen an example of both finishes).

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN SHOPPING FOR AN ANTIQUE OR VINTAGE

LOUIS-PHILIPPE MIRROR:

1. It will be made of wood! This might sound silly but resin mirrors are easy and affordable to make so they are all over the market. A lot of reproductions are made of resin; which is not necessarily bad but will not age and patina like a beautiful wood mirror does.

2. It is gilded in gold or silver. If you come across a mirror where the gilding is faded and it looks like there is red peaking through, that is actually a GOOD sign! Gilders would use red clay “bole” in the process of adding the metal leaf. Red was often used for gold gilding to warm it up. However, there are many clay bole colors so don't be alarmed if you see green or blue peaking through. If the finish, ie. the gold or silver, is too perfect or uniform then it is either well-kept vintage piece, was recently re-gilded, or it is a reproduction. Again, that isn't necessarily bad depending on what you want and how much someone is asking for the piece.

3. The back looks old. In general, when shopping for vintage or antique mirrors the first thing you want to look at is the back. Is it wood or is it particle board? If it is wood, how old does it look? I've even heard that certain types of wood were used in certain countries at certain times. I wouldn't know one wood type versus another (except maybe pine) so I'm not sure how helpful that is unless you're a really cool arborist with historical knowledge. If you are, let's talk!

4. There might be a design on the frame--but not always. I didn't know this until I did the research but period mirrors would often have some sort of etching--either geometric or floral--on the frame of the mirror. I've seen these before but thought that meant they were “modern” modified Louis-Philippe style mirrors. That said, not all period mirrors will have the extra detailing. I'm partial to the plain gilded mirrors.

5. The older it is, the more likely it will have wavy mercury mirror. This is true for all vintage and antique mirrors. Over time, the reflective part of a mirror will age or flake off. Of course there are ways to fake this but if the glass looks “wavy” and looks like it has aged, it's more likely that it's a “period” piece (from the appropriate time period) instead of a “style” or reproduction piece. In other words, it could still be an antique or vintage but not from correct time frame--making it a Louis-Philippe-style mirror.

ANYWAY! I hope this was helpful! If you're like me, you probably have that internal battle trying to decided whether to buy a beautiful but in-budget reproduction or going for the vintage-style or period piece. I truly believe that anything that feeds the soul and is a true reflection of your styl is always worth the investment. All of that to say, don't take me with you to an antique store because I will almost always say buy buy buy!

Learning about Louis Philippe Mirrors