Glamorous Venetian mirrors

Venetian mirrors are so very decorative. They can be clean and handsome, or elaborate and romantic. The simple one color etched glass type can be very modern looking. While those with blue glass have an added interest and style. I have a pair of oval Venetian glass mirrors that I have used separately and together, and they immediately dress up the place where they hang.

House Beautiful

Elle Decor - Designer: Peggy Braswell Design

 

Elle Decor - Designer: Cynthia Rowley

 

A Venetian mirror works equally well in a hallway, dining room, bedroom, or bathroom. It dresses up the space, and adds a bit of glamor.

This Venetian Rococo style mirror is very smart looking. I love the elaborate design and the blue details. This would be quite a statement in an entry hall, or in a fabulous powder room. You wouldn't need much more in the way of decoration. This would do it all. This is 40" tall and sold at a Bonhams auction in Los Angeles for $366.

This Venetian mirror is much more subtle. The simple rectangular shape allows the eye to focus on the etching in the glass and the decorative details. This would work well in a modern space, and would add style without shouting at you. This sold at a Christie's auction in New York for $3,840 off an auction estimate of $1,000 - $1,500. It measures almost 60" tall, and would be terrific in a living or dining room.

This version takes the glam factor up a notch with the crest detail at the top. It's simple, but highly decorative. Imagine this in your bathroom, or over your dresser in your bedroom. This sold at a Doyle New York auction for $563 off an auction estimate of $800 - $1,200. It's 68" tall. 

This mirror looks like a beautiful sapphire and diamond ring! The blue accentuates the gorgeous etching in the glass. The shape is wonderful and the crest finishes it off. This is 39.5" tall, and sold at a Christie's auction in New York for $1,625 off an estimate of $1,500 - $2,000. I would love to see this in a living room over a simple console table with a vase full of flowers on top!

For something a bit different in terms of Venetian mirrors, this pair of oval mirrors with  scalloped amber glass border are quite elegant. They have subtle styling, but make a statement. I also love pairs of anything. Put these on either side of a painting to set it off. These sold at a New Orleans auction for $1,722 off an estimate of $1,200 - $1,800. They are 37" tall.

This Venetian mirror has it all! It's a great shape, has fantastically detailed etching, and a wonderful crest. This is 49" tall and sold at a Doyle New York auction for $938 off an estimate of $700 - $900.

Designer: Nicky Haslam

Designer Nicky Haslam used a large Venetian mirror over a mantle where it's simple shape allows the etching in the glass to be the design statement. 

There are Venetian mirror styles to suit any taste from glamorous and flamboyant to elegant and refined. They can be lots of fun, and will dress up whichever room you hang them.