Mid-Century Italian Asymmetric Brass Wall Mirror, 1950s
By (After) Gio Ponti
Located in Roma, IT
Elegant Italian Mid-Century wall mirror with brass frame featuring a refined asymmetrical organic
Metal, Brass
$2,923
H 38.19 in W 27.17 in D 0.4 in
Decorative Mid-Century Modern Asymmetric Wall-Mounted Mirror Germany 1950s
Located in Munich, DE
Gorgeous, large and highly decorative Mid Century Modern asymmetric wall-mounted mirror
Brass
Italian Asymmetrical Mirror, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare Italian asymmetric mirror from the 1950s. Frameless, with a clear edge, this sports a floating
Mirror, Wood
$1,635
H 27.17 in W 13.78 in D 0.79 in
1950'S Mid Century Italian Asymmetrical Brass Wall Mirror In Gio Ponti Style
By (After) Gio Ponti
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This very decorative mirror was made in Italy in 1950s. It is typical of this period design and is
Brass
Italian Modern Asymmetrical Mirror With Shelf
Located in Culver City, CA
the vibe. This mirror has all the charm of a mid-century piece, with a bit of patina and some subtle
Metal
Asymmetric Swedish designer oak wall mirror, 1940s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Asymmetric wall mirror made by unknown designer and cabinetmaker in Sweden during the 1940s. Frame
Mirror, Oak
$771 / item
H 23.43 in W 18.12 in D 1.58 in
Asymmetrical Mirror, Features Organic Rattan Cane Frame Mirror
Located in Oxford, GB
space by easily mounting it on your wall. Elevate your home's style with this elegant Asymmetric Mirror.
Rattan, Glass
Vintage Round Mirror Set on Asymmetric Wood Frame
Located in Troy, MI
Found in Italy, this wall mirror dates from the late 1960s / early 1970s. Round mirror is mounted
Mirror, Hardwood
Scandinavian Modern Patinated Asymmetrical Metal Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A Scandinavian modern patinated metal mirror with an asymmetrical shape. The mirror combines four
Steel
Solid Burl Wood Sculptural Asymmetrical Mirror, France 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Mirror carved out of solid burl wood.
Mirror, Burl
$7,200
H 39.25 in W 24.5 in D 1 in
Midcentury Italian Large Modernist Asymmetrical Gilt Metal Wall Mirror, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Italian large modernist asymmetrical gilt metal wall mirror with geometric shaped top
Metal
Rattan Bamboo Franco Albini Style Asymmetric Rectangular Mirror
By Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching Mid-Century Modern Franco Albini style handcrafted bamboo and rattan mirror. Italy
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Swedish Designer, Asymmetric Wall Mirror, Teak, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A small asymmetric teak wall mirror designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s.
Teak
Vintage Asymmetrical Wall Mirror, Czechoslovakia 1950s
Located in Zohor, SK
A beautiful mid-century vintage mirror from the 1950s, originally part of a vanity set and now a
Mirror, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Kidney-Shaped Wall Mirror, Germany, 1960s
Located in Barntrup, DE
Vintage Mid-Century Modern kidney-shaped asymmetric wall mirror with a beautiful golden color
Mirror, Plastic, Wood
$10,161
H 31.11 in W 23.23 in D 1.58 in
Asymmetrical Fumè Mirror by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1958
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A striking asymmetrical wall mirror designed by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte in 1958, a refined
Brass
Italian Brass Framed Asymmetrical Wall Mirror, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
An asymmetrical Italian brass framed wall mirror. Beautiful with its amazing design.
Brass
$1,401
H 38.19 in W 29.53 in D 1.19 in
Vintage Organic triangle shaped mirror with wooden back, Belgium 1960s
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Belgium / 1960 / Mirror / wood, mirror / Mid-century / Vintage Stunning asymmetrical Triangular
Mirror, Wood
$2,657
H 63 in W 46.46 in D 5.12 in
Large Asymmetric Pine Wall Coat rack with integrated Mirror, France, 1960s
By Charlotte Perriand
Located in Den Haag, NL
Large asymmetric pine wall coat rack with integrated mirror, France, 1960s.
Mirror, Pine
$2,450
H 70.25 in W 32.5 in D 11.5 in
French Asymmetric Wall Mount Entry Valet with Mirror and Umbrella Stand, 1950s
By Robert and Jean Cloutier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible asymmetric 1950's French wall mount entry valet, with mirror, coat rack, a small tile
Metal, Brass
Unavailable
H 1.97 in W 21.66 in D 28.35 in
'Poet’s Mirror' - by Soo Joo, Asymmetric Organic Vanity Mirror
By Soo Joo Studio
Located in New York, NY
'Poet' by Soo Joo is an asymmetric organic wall mirror. It has a unique novel design, while
Hardwood, Glass, Mirror
Unavailable
H 28.35 in W 65.36 in D 1.97 in
Dynamic Mirror II by Soo Joo - Asymmetric White Oak Mirror
By Soo Joo Studio
Located in New York, NY
Dynamic Mirror II is a novel asymmetric full-body mirror, composed of interlacing glass planes and
Mirror, Hardwood, Walnut
Unavailable
H 30.32 in W 45.28 in D 1.97 in
Dynamic Mirror I by Soo Joo - Organic Asymmetric Wall Mirror in Walnut
By Soo Joo Studio
Located in New York, NY
horizontally or vertically. Dynamic Mirror I is a novel asymmetric piece, composed of interlacing glass planes
Hardwood, Mirror, Walnut
Asymmetric Organic Wood Mirror, Moon Mirror by Soo Joo
By Soo Joo Studio
Located in New York, NY
'Moon Mirror' by Soo Joo is an asymmetric and organic wall mirror. It has a timeless beauty that
Hardwood
Unavailable
H 1.58 in W 17.72 in D 33.47 in
Asymmetric Wood Mirror, Organic Moon Wall Mirror by Soo Joo
By Soo Joo Studio
Located in New York, NY
'Moon Mirror' by Soo Joo is a wooden wall mirror with a timeless and asymmetric form. Moon Mirror
Hardwood
Sold
H 39.38 in W 24.41 in D 1.19 in
Original Mid-Century Asymmetrical Mirror in Italian Shaped Brass, 1950s
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Original mid-century asymmetrical mirror in Italian shaped brass, 1950s.
Brass
Asymmetrical Aluminum Mirror
Located in New York, NY
Asymmetrical ovoid mirror with a textured relief, aluminum surround.
Aluminum
Franco Albini Asymmetric Bamboo Mirror
By Franco Albini
Located in Munich, DE
Vintage bamboo mirror in asymmetrical shape attributed to Franco Albini, Italy 1950s. Measures: H
Bamboo, Mirror
Sold
H 29.93 in W 22.45 in D 0.79 in
1960s Asymmetric Beveled Mirror with a Beveled Bronze Mirror Frame, Italy
Located in Girona, Girona
Asymmetric beveled mirror with a beveled smoked bronze mirror frame (some faults) Italy, circa
Mirror
Series of 3 asymmetrical mirrors. 1950s style.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Series of 3 asymmetrical mirrors, the mirror surrounded by a gilded brass rim. Contemporary
Brass
Sold
H 27.56 in W 15.75 in D 0.79 in
Stunning Scandinavian 1950s Large Asymmetrical Triangle Teak Wall Mirror
Located in München, DE
Stunning Scandinavian large midcentury teak wall mirror in an asymmetrical triangle shape
Mirror, Teak
Italian Brass Framed Asymmetrical Wall Mirror, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
An asymmetrical Italian brass framed wall mirror. Beautiful with its amazing design.
Brass
Italian Brass Framed Asymmetrical Wall Mirror, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
An asymmetrical Italian brass framed wall mirror. Beautiful with its amazing design.
Brass
Italian Brass Framed Asymmetrical Wall Mirror, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
An asymmetrical Italian brass framed wall mirror. Beautiful with its amazing design.
Brass
Italian Brass Framed Asymmetrical Wall Mirror, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This unique Italian wall mirror boasts an elegant, asymmetrical design that captures attention with
Brass
Sold
H 47.38 in W 32 in D 1.75 in
Large Vintage Italian Asymmetrical Wall Mirror in Aluminum, Brass, and Walnut
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Substantial, sculptural wall mirror composed of a sold Italian walnut backing with gold anodized
Aluminum, Brass
Danish Rosewood Mirror Asymmetrical Frame Th Poss Eftf, Denmark, 1960s
By Th. Poss' Eftf Copenhagen
Located in Basel, BS
Asymmetrical rosewood mirror manufactured by Th. Poss‘ EFTF in Copenhagen in the 1960s. High-end
Rosewood, Glass
Italian Brass Framed Asymmetrical Wall Mirror, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
An asymmetrical Italian brass framed wall mirror. Beautiful with its amazing design.
Brass
Italian Brass Framed Asymmetrical Wall Mirror, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
An asymmetrical Italian brass framed wall mirror. Beautiful with its amazing design.
Brass
Italian Brass Framed Asymmetrical Wall Mirror, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
An asymmetrical Italian brass framed wall mirror. Beautiful with its amazing design.
Brass
Italian Brass Framed Asymmetrical Wall Mirror, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
An asymmetrical Italian brass framed wall mirror. Beautiful with its amazing design
Brass
Sold
H 16.93 in W 40.95 in D 18.51 in
Gio Ponti Irregular, Asymmetrical Black Mirrored Low Coffee Table, RIMA 1955
By Gio Ponti, RIMA
Located in Rome, IT
Low table designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Rima circa 1955 lacquered iron, brass and mirrored
Brass, Iron
Sold
H 16 in W 23.5 in L 16 in
Gio Ponti Pair of Walnut Side Tables Mirrored Glass Tops Asymmetrical Forms
By Gio Ponti
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Italian master architect Gio Ponti walnut side tables with mirrored glass tops by Pietro
Glass, Walnut
Sold
H 16 in W 24 in D 9.5 in
Gio Ponti Pair of Black Side Tables Mirrored Glass Tops Asymmetrical Forms
By Pietro Chiesa, Gio Ponti
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Italian master architect Gio Ponti black lacquered compass legs side tables with mirrored
Glass, Walnut
Organic Mid-Century Mosaic Asymmetrical Wall Mirror, Germany, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A highly decorative asymmetrical Mid-Century modern wall-mounted mirror from the 1950s, made in
Brass
Sold
H 29.53 in W 20.08 in D 1.19 in
Mid-Century Modern French Riviera Rattan Asymmetric Oval Sunburst Mirror
Located in Barcelona, ES
Beautiful midcentury rattan or wicker oval shaped asymmetric sunburst mirror. This piece has all
Wicker, Cane, Mirror, Rattan
Sold
H 18.71 in W 13.59 in D 2.09 in
Organic Mid-Century Mosaic Mirror Asymmetrical 50s - 60s, West Germany
By Berthold Muller
Located in Andernach, DE
Mid-Century Modern asymetrical organic shaped wall mirror, sculptural and elegant after Berthold
Metal
Midcentury Teak Asymmetric Wall Mount Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome asymmetric Mid-Century Modern teak wall mount mirror, circa 1970. In original condition
Mirror, Wood
French Sunburst Asymmetric Mirror in Rattan, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
French Riviera Sunburst Asymmetrical Mirror in Rattan, 1960s Handcrafted starburst sunburst mirror
Cane, Rattan, Mirror
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Asymmetrical Mirror
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in New York, NY
Max Ingand for Fontana Arte rare sculptural mirror with asymmetrical blue polished glass frame
Brass
Asymmetrical Mirror, Features Organic Rattan Cane Frame Mirror
Located in Oxford, GB
space by easily mounting it on your wall. Elevate your home's style with this elegant Asymmetric Mirror.
Rattan, Glass
Asymmetrical Mirror, Features Organic Rattan Cane Frame Mirror
Located in Oxford, GB
space by easily mounting it on your wall. Elevate your home's style with this elegant Asymmetric Mirror.
Rattan, Glass
Asymmetrical Mirror, Features Organic Rattan Cane Frame Mirror
Located in Oxford, GB
space by easily mounting it on your wall. Elevate your home's style with this elegant Asymmetric Mirror.
Rattan, Glass
Asymmetrical Mirror by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in London, GB
Rare asymmetric mirror by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte. Glass is beautiful grey colour
Glass, Mirror
Pair of Asymmetrical Steam Punk Atomic Age Mirrors, 1950s
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Very funky pair of asymmetrical steam punk framed mirrors. Textured wood grain frames with red
Mirror, Wood
Sold
H 21.26 in W 20.87 in D 1.19 in
Mediterranean Rattan Wicker Asymmetric Ovoid Sunburst Mirror, France, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Vintage rattan or wicker ovoid shaped asymmetric sunburst mirror. This piece has all the taste of
Wicker, Cane, Mirror, Rattan
Sold
H 46.07 in W 34.06 in D 0.99 in
Asymmetrical Mirror Midcentury Italian Design Brass Gold Frame 1950s Italian
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Asymmetrical mirror midcentury Italian design brass gold frame 1950s Italian. Measure: Lower width
Brass
Italian Brass Framed Asymmetrical Wall Mirror, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
An asymmetrical Italian brass framed wall mirror. Beautiful with its amazing design.
Brass
Italian Brass Framed Asymmetrical Wall Mirror, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This Italian wall mirror combines modern artistry with a touch of sophistication. The mirror
Brass
Asymmetrical Wall Mirror in Teak by R. Sandholdt, 1950s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Organically shaped/asymmetrical wall hung mirror with lacquered solid teak profiles that has been
Teak
Sold
H 19.69 in W 14.57 in D 0.79 in
German Red Framed Asymmetrical Wall Mirror by Arax Zierspiegel, 1960s, Germany
By Arax
Located in Hagenbach, DE
An asymmetrical German brass framed wall mirror by Arax Zierspiegel. Beautiful with its amazing
Glass
Sold
H 30.71 in W 22.84 in D 1.58 in
Rare Asymmetrical Light Blue Mirror by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1958
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A rare and exquisite asymmetrical wall mirror designed by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte in 1958
Brass
Sold
H 16 in W 24 in D 9.5 in
Gio Ponti Pietro Chiesa Side Tables Mirrored Glass Tops Asymmetrical Form
By Pietro Chiesa, Gio Ponti
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Italian master architect Gio Ponti compass legs side tables with mirrored glass tops by
Glass, Walnut
Rare Asymmetrical Mirror by Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte
Located in New York, NY
Crystal surround in pale coral, with floating central mirror and brass mounts. This rare model was
Asymmetrical Vanity Desk
Located in Morbio Inferiore, CH
Asymmetrical vanity desk 1950 Italian design. Dimension of the mirror 62 x height 52 cm.
Brass
Asymmetrical Wall Mirror Dated Januari 1960
Located in Retie, BE
-century wall mirror - Mid- Century asymmetrical wall mirror - oval shaped mirror - kidney shaped mirror.
Metal
Sold
H 57.88 in W 42.52 in D 15.75 in
Fully Front Mirrored Asymmetric Wardrobe with Brass Legs, Germany 1960s
By Münchner Werkstätten
Located in Frankfurt / Dreieich, DE
Fully front mirrored wardrobe with beautiful brass legs, Germany 1960s. Goof condition
Brass
LU Swing Sconce
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful brass LU swing sconce made by Lumfardo Luminaires in patinated brass. Wired with an E26 medium based socket. Light bulb provided as well as all mounting hardware. Priced in...
Brass
$1,024 / item
H 118.12 in W 34.65 in D 34.65 in
Douglas Mont 'In The Air' 3 Chandelier by DCW Editions Paris
By Douglas Mont
Located in Tilburg, NL
Douglas Mont 'In The Air' 3 Chandelier by DCW Editions Paris, France. New, current production. A chandelier from space With its UFO-like lights, the chandelier In the Air created b...
Metal
LU Louis Sconce AS
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome LU Louis sconce AS. An all brass wall sconce in an aged silver finish with patterned perforations by Lumfardo Luminaires. Made contemporary in the US. Multiples available fo...
Brass, Nickel
$17,505 / item
H 13 in W 36 in D 52 in
Circular Coffee/Side Table Organic Black Modern Contemporary Blackened Steel
By J.M. Szymanski
Located in Bronx, NY
TABLE NO. 15 - COFFEE TABLE J.M. Szymanski d. 2019 This Noguchi-inspired coffee table is handcrafted in 3/8” thick steel, with a natural black patina and wax finish, to create an u...
Steel, Iron
ShiLU Sconce
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Part of Lumfardo Luminaries contemporary collection, the ShiLU Sconce is a fully Directional reading sconce crafted from patinated brass and steel hardware and fabric shade. Classic ...
Steel, Brass
Early Marco Zanuso Lady Chair, Italy, 1960s, New Pure Mohair
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An early, authentic Marco Zanuso lady chair, Arflex, Italy, 1960s. Newly reupholstered in a luxurious, premium, burnt orange / rust coloured 100% mohair fabric. Brass feet with nat...
Brass
Petite LUsaucer Brass Fixture by Lumfardo Luminaires
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sharp and elegant 12" ceiling flush mount or wall mount fixture. This fixture is a new take on the traditional concept of indirect lighting that functions to accent a room with rich ...
Brass
Mamun Bedside
Located in Singapore, SG
Mamun, which translates to trustworthy in Arabic, was designed by Studio Kallang in 2021 as a playful take on both midcentury and brutalist forms. Designer Faezah Shaharuddin intende...
Teak
$6,864Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
BERG Side Table by John Pawson for Wonderglass
By John Pawson, WonderGlass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The character of the Berg table is inseparable from its materiality. Every detail of the design derives from the mesmerising visual and tactile qualities of cast glass and from the...
Glass
Wooden armchairs by Studio Glustin
By Glustin Creation
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Superb pair of armchairs in beech wood upholstered with a bouclette fabric. Creation by Studio Glustin. France, 2023
Fabric, Beech
Zinc Mirror Curva
By Cultivado em Casa
Located in Floresta, MG
A common item in steel houses, the 180º curve is the starting point for the development of the collection. Using this element of industrial origin and organic format, we seek to crea...
Steel, Zinc
2 parts sofa in stainless steel by Studio Glustin
By Glustin Creation
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
2 parts sofa in stainless steel with seating upholstered with a fabric by Dédar. Creation by Studio Glustin. France, 2023.
Stainless Steel
Object 084 Side Table by NG Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 084 Side Table by NG Design Dimensions: ⌀ 28 x H 50 cm Materials: Powder-Coated Steel Also Available: All of objects available in different materials and colors on demand. A...
Steel
Pair of French 1950's Biomorphic Plexi Sconces
Located in Hanover, MA
In the style of Jacques Biny, curved white organic shaped plexi reflector over black enamel metal mesh cage
Plexiglass
Brazilian Modernist Chair by Acácio Gil Borsoi, Brazil 1950s
By Acácio Gil Borsoi
Located in Aartselaar, BE
Brazilian mid-century design is considered the pinnacle of 20th-century furniture, celebrated for its bold forms, masterful craftsmanship, and use of luxurious materials. This rare G...
Wood, Fabric
$6,900 / item
H 14 in Dm 36 in
Grand Mid-Century Flush Mount Uplight Ceiling Lamp from Filmcasino Vienna, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
We are delighted to present this stunning bowl-shaped pendant light / uplight plafoniere / flush mount light fixture dating back to the 1950s. (Actually there were three pieces avail...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
The road from early innovations in reflective glass to the alluring antique and vintage mirrors in trendy modern interiors has been a long one but we’re reminded of the journey everywhere we look.
In many respects, wall mirrors, floor mirrors and full-length mirrors are to interior design what jeans are to dressing. Exceedingly versatile. Universally flattering. Unobtrusively elegant. And while all mirrors are not created equal, even in their most elaborate incarnation, they're still the heavy lifters of interior design, visually enlarging and illuminating any space.
We’ve come a great distance from the polished stone that served as mirrors in Central America thousands of years ago or the copper mirrors of Mesopotamia before that. Today’s coveted glass Venetian mirrors, which should be cleaned with a solution of white vinegar and water, were likely produced in Italy beginning in the 1500s, while antique mirrors originating during the 19th century can add the rustic farmhouse feel to your mudroom that you didn’t know you needed.
By the early 20th century, experiments with various alloys allowed for mirrors to be made inexpensively. The geometric shapes and beveled edges that characterize mirrors crafted in the Art Deco style of the 1920s can bring pizzazz to your entryway, while an ornate LaBarge mirror made in the Hollywood Regency style makes a statement in any bedroom. Friedman Brothers is a particularly popular manufacturer known for decorative round and rectangular framed mirrors designed in the Rococo, Louis XVI and other styles, including dramatic wall mirrors framed in gold faux bamboo that bear the hallmarks of Asian design.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, mid-century modernism continues to influence the design of contemporary mirrors. Today’s simple yet chic mantel mirror frames, for example, often neutral in color, owe to the understated mirror designs introduced in the postwar era.
Sculptor and furniture maker Paul Evans had been making collage-style cabinets since at least the late 1950s when he designed his Patchwork mirror — part of a series that yielded expressive works of combined brass, copper and pewter — for Directional Furniture during the mid-1960s. Several books celebrating Evans’s work were published beginning in the early 2000s, as his unconventional furniture has been enjoying a moment not unlike the resurgence that the Ultrafragola mirror is seeing. Designed by the Memphis Group’s Ettore Sottsass in 1970, the Ultrafragola mirror, in all its sensuous acrylic splendor, has become somewhat of a star thanks to much-lauded appearances in shelter magazines and on social media.
On 1stDibs, we have a broad selection of vintage and antique mirrors and tips on how to style your contemporary mirror too.