Napoleon I Mirror

While polished metal mirrors have existed since ancient times, glass Venetian mirrors are thought to have first been produced on the Venetian island of Murano, in Italy, beginning in the 1500s (some research points to 1300 for Venetian mirrors). Set in ornate frames frequently bedecked with gold highlights or floral leaf designs, Venetian glass mirrors were handmade by artisans using refined, expert techniques for royalty and for members of the upper class. By the 17th century, Venetian mirrors were in high demand. Because antique Venetian glass mirrors are still very popular today, there are many knockoffs on the market. Today’s authentic Venetian mirrors are still produced only on the island of Murano.

A trumeau mirror, which first appeared in France during the 18th century, take their name from the French word for the wall between two windows, which is where they are hung. Typically tall and narrow, they  are also called pier mirrors.

An infinity mirror is composed of a pair of parallel mirrors placed so they create a series of increasingly smaller reflections that appear to recede to infinity. These pieces are typically used as room accents and in artwork, not for practical purposes.