Venetian Mirrored Drawers

Questions About Venetian Mirrored Drawers

• What is a Venetian mirror?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertOctober 21, 2020

  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.

• How do I clean Venetian mirrors?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  To clean Venetian mirrors, mix one part white vinegar with two parts warm water. Dampen a soft, lint-free cloth with the solution and wipe down the mirror. Then, wipe it again with a second cloth moistened only with water. Dry with a lint-free cloth. Find a variety of antique Venetian mirrors on 1stDibs.

• How do you clean a Venetian mirror?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertOctober 21, 2020

  Regular glass cleaners don’t contain that much vinegar. This means that these cleaners are good for mild cleansing, but for antique glass Venetian mirrors, which tend to get cloudy, a more thorough way to clean is to use only white vinegar. Dampen a clean soft cloth with a solution of white vinegar and water (one part vinegar to two parts water) and apply to your Venetian glass mirror. After you’ve cleaned your Venetian mirror with vinegar, clean the mirror with warm water on a soft cloth in order to get rid of the vinegar smell. Alternatively, if you have difficulty with the smell of vinegar, use rubbing alcohol instead (but be sure that you’re only applying these methods to the glass rather than the frame).

• How do you repair an antique Venetian mirror?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertOctober 21, 2020

  Repairs and replacements can go toward devaluing any piece of antique or vintage furniture, and any modifications or repairs done to a centuries-old mirror should be handled by experts and executed with care. Because antique Venetian mirrors were handcrafted by Italian artisans and can in some cases be hundreds of years old, it is strongly recommended that you consult with experts in the field of restoring antique or decorative mirrors in the event that your piece should require restorative work.

• What room do you put Venetian mirrors in?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertOctober 21, 2020

  Ornate and elegant, Venetian mirrors obviously have their practical uses for any room in your house or apartment, but these works, which were handcrafted by skilled artisans on the Venetian island of Murano, in Italy, for centuries, are versatile. Given the broad array of shapes and sizes in which antique Venetian glass mirrors can be found — as well as the variety of designs — these mirrors can also be utilized as a decorative focal point, as if you’re hanging a painting or positioning a sculpture to brighten an otherwise drab corner of your home. Antique Venetian mirrors can be used in formal dining settings, where the opportunity for reflecting chandelier light or natural light from large windows is present, or even a bathroom, where the piece can be as useful as it is tasteful.

• What is a chest of drawers with a mirror called?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021

  A chest of drawers with a mirror attached is called a bureau. This type of case piece is usually waist-high with a mirror that rests on the top of the structure. They are mainly used in bedrooms. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary chests of drawers from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.