When it comes to antique mirrors, you’ll have to pardon our French. To say we are in love with these reflective and versatile decor beauties is an understatement. And when it comes to French mirrors, we can hardly contain ourselves, but a blog will have to do. From the mirrored halls of Versailles to your home, a touch of decadence is always a finishing design touch and French antique mirrors deliver this in spades. 

Besides their practical benefits, French mirrors will always add a refined decorative elegance to any decor style. Whether you choose from tall and stately or small and charming, the visual glam factor is off the wall!

A French mirror vocab lesson

Let’s brush up on some basic ‘designer vocab’ when talking about French vintage and antique mirrors:  

• A Trumeau mirror (pronounced ‘troo-mo’) is a classic antique accessory originating in France in the 18th century. It was originally set in wood panelling in walls above the fireplace mantle in wealthier homes. Their purpose was to reflect light and bounce it around the room. An antique trumeau mirror is a rectangular mirror set into a tall wooden frame with a large painted or carved sculptural decoration at the top.

• A Parisian Cheval mirror originated in France during the late 18th century. This is your classic French standing rectangular or oval mirror that has a long, thin frame attached to the top. They were originally made for Marie Antoinette who had an obsession with them and placed 170 of them around the Palace of Versailles.  

• A Mansard mirror is the epitome of a romantic French Provencal aesthetic. These accent mirrors are inspired by French architecture of the mansard roof with dormer windows dating back to the 1600s. As a smaller decorative accessory, they add a rustic dimension and vintage charm to any space and complement any style.

• Period style French mirrors from different historical eras have always defined interior design trends and remain statement pieces today. They are the ideal accessory to mix and match with any contemporary design. So take your pick from the following: an antique Louis XV mirror, a Rococo style gilded mirror, an ornate gilded Baroque style mirror, a Neo-classical style bevelled French mirror or a pair of wooden painted Empire style mirrors with gilded highlights. 

A French mirror interior design lesson

Of course, it is lovely to be able to slip some of these French decor words into a conversation, but there is even greater impact when you can slip a French-styled mirror into your design scheme. From gilding, gold- and silver-leafed techniques to distressed paint finishes and effects, there is not a room in your home that will not benefit from a vintage or antique mirror. 

Let’s start in the bedroom: 

What could be more dramatic and gorgeous than an oversized French mirror as a headboard? Talk about a statement piece! Actually, our words cannot do it justice, so we’ll just let you be awed by the visuals. 

Of course, besides a headboard, you can get functional and up the storage solutions in your bedroom with a mirror-fronted French oak armoire or a 19th-century French carved walnut armoire with a mirrored door.

(We actually have an entire blog dedicated to the irresistible allure of French armoires). 

The bathroom is next

If there is one room in your home that deserves a little French flair, it is the bathroom. A vintage or antique mirror has the power to completely transform and personalise these utilitarian spaces. Go oval with a french gilt option or go big and rectangular with a French-style bevelled mirror with floral ornate carvings. 

Then there are silver hand-held mirrors that add a simple touch of fairy tale charm to any dressing table or bathroom counter. 

Don’t forget all your other spaces:

French mirrors are the quintessential decorative accessory to up the glam factor on any wall; becoming living art pieces in entrance halls, living rooms, dining rooms, stairways and even kitchens. Hang them individually for imposing presence, as a grouping for dramatic visual effect, or for an immediate wow factor, stand a large oversized antique French mirror on the floor. 

Antique French mirrors at The Crown Collection

If we have kindled a love for vintage and antique French mirrors in you, then you will not be disappointed when you visit The Crown Collection, SA’s largest emporium of all things antique, vintage and French. 

If you are not happy with the finishes on any of our mirrors, our restoration centre can apply bespoke staining, paint effects, French polishing and bleaching, and hand gilding techniques to your one-of-a-kind piece. 

Browse all our collections online or visit us at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston.