Marshall Fields Mirror

Whether burnished or lacquered, antique, new and vintage brass furniture can elevate a room.

From traditional spaces that use brass as an accent — by way of brass dining chairs or brass pendant lights — to contemporary rooms that embrace bold brass decor, there are many ways to incorporate the golden-hued metal.

“I find mixed metals to be a very updated approach, as opposed to the old days, when it was all shiny brass of dulled-out silver tones,” says interior designer Drew McGukin. “I especially love working with brass and blackened steel for added warmth and tonality. To me, aged brass is complementary across many design styles and can trend contemporary or traditional when pushed either way.”

He proves his point in a San Francisco entryway, where a Lindsey Adelman light fixture hangs above a limited-edition table and stools by Kelly Wearstler — also an enthusiast of juxtapositions — all providing bronze accents. The walls were hand-painted by artist Caroline Lizarraga and the ombré stair runner is by DMc.

West Coast designer Catherine Kwong chose a sleek brass and lacquered-parchment credenza by Scala Luxury to fit this San Francisco apartment. “The design of this sideboard is reminiscent of work by French modernist Jean Prouvé. The brass font imbues the space with warmth and the round ‘portholes’ provide an arresting geometric element.”

Find antique, new and vintage brass tables, case pieces and other furnishings now on 1stDibs.

The rise of table mirrors reflects changes in culture, attitudes toward leisure and standards of beauty. As the centerpiece of a vanity, an antique or vintage table mirror tells the story of how an emphasis on beauty and wearing makeup became more fashionable in the 17th century in Europe. Table mirrors were also often positioned on lowboys as part of a dressing table.

In the early 20th century, vanities were designed in the glamorous Art Deco style, with the mirrors that adorned them being a central element. Table mirrors began to be manufactured in materials aside from metal and wood, namely enamel and the newly available chrome-plated steel to match the dressing tables on which they would sit.

Today, mirrors can add drama to any space, and table mirrors range from ornately carved and gilded framed mirrors to simple modern glass and metal mirrors. Table mirrors are at home on a vanity in a bedroom and are attractive pieces in a study, library or even a bathroom or dressing room.

Find a wide collection of table mirrors for any design aesthetic and every collector on 1stDibs.