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Use Venetian Mirrors to Add Glamour and Light

Venetian mirrors were originally made for the rich and fashionable homes of Venice, Italy during the eighteenth century. Reproductions of these wonderful mirrors are now available for us to bring old world glamour and style into our modern day homes. There are also many benefits of using mirrors to decorate a room, as any interior designer would tell you. Combine these advantages with the beauty of Venetian glass and you have a priceless piece of decorative art.

Mirrors were very much in style during the decadent days of eighteenth century Venice, when the upper class was consumed with parties and palaces. Furniture and clothing were very ornate and extravagant which meant that hand-crafted mirrors became a symbol of luxury and wealth. Soon the nobility throughout Europe had to have these extraordinary creations. What had started as a small craft on the tiny Venetian island of Murano in the 1600′s was now a full blown business.

We are fortunate that this knowledge and craftsmanship was passed down through the generations. Beautiful Venetian mirrors are still made in Italy and exported around the world. Less expensive replicas are also available for those of us who can’t afford antique Venetian mirrors or the one-of-a-kind originals.

Rosettes and etched designs are some of the most common elements found in Venetian glass mirrors. The frames are often made up of small pieces of glass, attached with tiny screws and rosette covers. Today, these mirrors are made in many different sizes and shapes and can be very ornate, like the mirrors of eighteenth century Europe, or quite a bit more simple, to fit in with twenty-first century décor.

Many of us have experienced the benefits of hanging mirrors in the main rooms of our homes. Mirrors make a room seem bigger and brighter by reflecting light and creating the illusion of more space. It is interesting to note that the nobility of Europe decorated with Venetian mirrors more to illuminate dark rooms than for viewing themselves. The original mirrors often had candle holders built into the bottom sections of frame. The candlelight would be reflected by the mirror to add light to the room.

Our rooms can also be brighter when we use mirrors to reflect natural light or light reflected from a lamp. The larger the mirror, the more light it reflects. Another trick is to hang a mirror on the wall that is seen first when you enter the room. This will make a small room appear to be larger than it is.   A beautiful Venetian glass mirror can also be used as the focal point in any room. You can go for an eclectic look or choose a style of mirror that blends well with the rest of the décor. You could even try a sunburst mirror for a retro look.  One piece should never overpower a room completely, but don’t be afraid to make one of the amazing mirrors the centerpiece of your décor.