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If you are looking to acquire an antique mirror or two, there is much to consider. There are many so-called antique mirrors and sorting the real items from the replicas can be a challenge, especially if you have limited knowledge of antiques in general. From around the 17^thcentury, mirrors with elegantly carved frames were the exclusive property of the very wealthy aristocrats, and such mirrors can cost a small fortune. The most important aspect is being able to identify a genuine antique piece, and with that in mind, here are a few important things to look for when searching for antique mirrors.

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* Mirror Frames – Typically, the frame of an antique mirror would be made from wood, and expect to see signs of wear and tear. If the frame is in near perfect condition, it is unlikely to be a genuine antique. The backing of an antique mirror is normally made from timber and it might have a signature of the maker, which is something to look for. If you are experimenting with blending the old and the new, why not try an antique mirror on a stand? There are online antique dealers who can source just about any antique, and they have an extensive network of colleagues, which makes sourcing specific pieces much easier.

* Check for Screws – In the event that the mirror has screws, remove one if at all possible, as antique screws were all handmade, very often the slot is not centrally placed. The thread of the screw might also be imperfect, which is another good indicator that the mirror is a genuine antique.

* Imperfections in the Glass – Everything was done by hand when antique mirrors were made, and sometimes the glass finish is slightly imperfect. This might include a slightly wavy surface or possibly small bubbles, and if the mirror was made with a thin mercury sheet, there could be cloud spots on the mirror surface. If you would like some further reading on how to assess the value of an old mirror, you can check out various guides online.

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* Look at the Thickness of the Mirror – Modern mirrors use a thinner pane of glass than antiques, so the antique mirror would typically be much heavier. One way to tell is to lay a key on the surface of the mirror, with the genuine antique, the reflection will be very close to the key while doing this with a modern mirror, the reflection would be further apart.

* The Glass Colour – If the mirror glass is completely colourless, this is not a good sign, as an antique mirror would have a tint of grey or yellow, due to the passage of time. If you are in the slightest doubt as to the authenticity of an antique mirror, you are well-advised to ask a dealer to evaluate the piece.

* If your home is a contemporary setting, an antique mirror is a perfect feature to blend with a modern look, and by dealing with an online antique dealer, you can be sure that the mirror is, in fact, a genuine antique.