GIlded mirrors Archives - The Crown Collection

Gilded & bleached antiques | A must-have in modern design

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style, Uncategorized|Tags: Adding antiques to contemporary spaces, Antique French furniture, Bleached French-style furniture & accesories, French styles interior design, Gilded antiques, GIlded mirrors|

The dilemma of syncing an intrinsic appreciation for the beauty of antique French-style furniture and accessories with contemporary design can be a challenge. But the blending of history, elegance and timelessness into a more minimalist decor story need not be complicated. Two standout choices that are up to the task are well-chosen gilded and bleached pieces.

French-style gilded and bleached antiques not only serve as conversation starters but also add a layer of depth and sophistication to modern interiors.

It doesn’t even have to be one or the other – the gentle softness of bleached items paired with the shiny boldness of gilded pieces are fantastic bedfellows.

At the Crown Collection, our curated inventory of bleached and gilded French-style decor will inspire you to explore the beauty and practicality of these antiques with expert tips on how to seamlessly integrate them into contemporary settings.

The unrivalled beauty of gilded antiques

Gilded antiques are pieces adorned with a thin layer of gold leaf or gold paint, exuding luxury and opulence. These items, often dating back to periods such as the Baroque or Rococo eras, transform spaces with their rich, luminous finish. A gilded mirror, a gold-trimmed console table, or ornate picture frames act as focal points, drawing the eye.

If you love a little drama and a touch of grandeur, then the décor benefits of gilded French-style pieces are worth considering:

Timeless elegance: Gold has been a symbol of wealth and beauty for centuries. Gilded pieces carry a visual elegance that never goes out of style.
Reflective qualities: The reflective nature of gilded surfaces brightens a room, adding warmth and light.
Versatility: Despite their opulence, gilded antiques are surprisingly versatile, blending well with both traditional and modern décor.

The irresistible charm of bleached antiques

Bleached antiques – often French-style furniture – have a lighter, more subtle aesthetic compared to their gilded counterparts. The bleaching process removes the dark finish of wood, revealing a softer, more neutral tone. This look is perfect for those who appreciate the design narrative of antique pieces but prefer a lighter, fresher and more contemporary palette.

A bleached finish not only accentuates the lines and details of a piece, but these pieces also add a contemporary twist; giving a space interest, variety, and depth. Further benefits of bleached French-style furniture include:

Subtle elegance: The light, washed-out look of bleached furniture brings an understated refinement to any space.
Neutral palette: Bleached pieces easily blend with a wide range of colours and styles, making them highly adaptable.
Textural interest: The natural wood grain often remains visible, adding texture and interest without overpowering a room.

Pairing gilded & bleached antiques with modern pieces

Successfully integrating gilded and bleached antiques into a contemporary space requires balance and thoughtful placement.

Here are our tips to help you create a harmonious blend of old and new:

Create focal points: Use gilded antiques as statement pieces. A gilded mirror above a modern console or a gold-leafed chandelier in a minimalist dining room can act as stunning focal points. A bleached refectory table or grand armoire will always work as a main attraction.
Mix textures: Pair the sleek lines of modern furniture with the intricate details of gilded or bleached antiques. For instance, a contemporary sofa can be complemented by a gilded console table or a bleached wood drinks table.
Neutral backdrop: A neutral colour scheme provides the perfect backdrop for both gilded and bleached antiques. Whites, greys, and soft beiges allow these finishes to shine without overwhelming the space.
Layering: Combine different styles and eras by layering furnishings and accessories. A bleached French Rococco armoire anchors a room, while gilded frames add a layer of history and character.
Contrast with modern art: Contemporary art paired with antique furniture creates a striking contrast. A modern painting above a gilded console or a bleached antique dining table surrounded by sleek, modern chairs creates visual intrigue.
Balance proportions: The scale of pairing antique furniture with modern elements is always a design consideration. Choose an oversized gilded mirror to balance a substantial modern sofa, while delicate bleached chairs will lighten the look of a robust, contemporary dining table.

A final word on getting it right

Incorporating French-style gilded and bleached furniture and accessories into your décor mix is a lesson in personal style and playful indulgence. Our Crown Collection décor store experience – where we have staged our furniture and accessories in an inspirational setting – is the best place to start.

Antiques are a worthwhile investment, but if you aren’t sure where to start with adding gilded and/or bleached pieces, we suggest you start small and focus on quality items that will stand the test of time and add genuine value to your space.

Decorating with gilded and bleached French-style antiques in contemporary spaces combines old-world charm and modern elegance. Each piece tells a unique story. (Our in-store restorers can gild or bleach any item you choose).

Start your individualised design story by visiting us online or popping in at our studio at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston.

A contemporary approach to choosing & integrating antique & French-style mirrors in your home

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Adding antiques to contemporary spaces, Antique mirrors, French-style mirrors, GIlded mirrors|

In a design era characterised by sleek lines, mass-produced furniture and minimalism, antique and French-style mirrors are exquisite additions that effortlessly blend the old-world allure with contemporary aesthetics. But the beauty of these pieces is often overlooked when it comes to integrating them into modern living spaces.

Our experienced team at the Crown Collection eagerly steps in as antique mirror ‘ambassadors’ and guides, simplifying the decor queries and overwhelm often associated with investing in timeless antique and French-style mirrors and advising on how to include them as much-needed showpieces in your home.

From intricate to gilded, plain to ornate, small to big, antique and French-style mirrors were born to transform any and every wall or corner of your home into something special.

Choosing the right mirror

Selecting the ideal mirror for your space is an art in itself. Start by considering the size, shape, and frame style that will complement your interior design style and current pieces.

Next, know your antique mirrors: (In no particular order – and not an exhaustive list – our antique mirror guide aims to unravel the mystique behind each style, helping you make an informed and inspired decision).

Opulent and grand, Baroque mirrors emerged in the 17th century and are characterized by ornate and extravagant designs, featuring intricate carvings, bold gilded frames, and elaborate details.
Known for their playfulness and elegance, Rococo mirrors – originating in the 18th century – boast delicate and asymmetrical ornamentation. Their frames often showcase intricate scrolls, and floral motifs, creating a sense of lightness and grace.
Louis mirrors draw inspiration from the reigns of various French kings, incorporating diverse design elements. Louis XIV mirrors are highly ornate and feature lavish gilding and elaborate decorations. Louis XV mirrors boast curves and floral motifs, while Louis XVI mirrors are more restrained with neoclassical influences.
Neoclassical mirrors reflect the revival of classical aesthetics, emphasizing symmetry, simplicity, and clean lines. They often feature Greek and Roman architectural motifs, such as columns, pediments, and friezes, conveying a sense of timeless elegance.
Georgian mirrors – originating in the 18th century – showcase a blend of classical and traditional design. These mirrors typically feature rectangular or oval shapes, with simple yet refined detailing.
Inspired by medieval architecture, Gothic mirrors feature pointed arches, tracery, and other Gothic motifs. The frames are often dark and have a dramatic, cathedral-like appearance.
Showcasing a combination of neoclassical and traditional design elements, Regency mirrors – influenced by the early 19th-century Regency era – feature clean lines, geometric shapes, and classical motifs.
Empire mirrors – originating from the early 19th century during the Napoleonic era – exhibit a more restrained and monumental design influenced by ancient Roman and Egyptian aesthetics. These mirrors typically feature a rectangular or oval shape with columns, sphinxes, and laurel wreaths as common decorative elements.
Both practical and decorative, Cheval mirrors – named after the French word for horse – are full-length mirrors mounted on a swivelling frame, allowing for adjustable angles.
Both functional and aesthetic, glamorous vanity tray mirrors are small, ornamental mirrors typically placed on dressing tables or vanities to display women’s perfume bottles, silver handbrushes etc. They often have decorative frames with intricate detailing.

Integrating antique & French-style mirrors

Mirrors are versatile accessories that bring a unique decor narrative to the spaces they inhabit. They will never disappoint and will always add a wow factor – inside and out.

The successful juxtaposition of antique and French mirrors with contemporary interiors is a thoughtful fusion of tradition and innovation. Effective placement of antique mirrors alongside modern pieces depends on room size, lighting, and intended aesthetic.

Before making your final antique or French-style mirror choice, consider the colour palette and style of the existing decor for a harmonious ‘mix-and-match’ result.

Generally, mirrors can amplify natural light and create the illusion of space when strategically positioned opposite windows. They can also serve as focal points, enhancing the room’s overall design. In bedrooms, placing mirrors behind or beside furniture can add depth.

When selecting antique mirrors to be leaned against a wall for a grand, yet ‘laid-back,’ effect, factor in both size and style. The mirror should be large enough to command attention but not overpower the space.

Choose a mirror with a frame that complements the room’s decor, and opt for a style that resonates with the overall design theme. Experiment with the angle at which the mirror leans to achieve the desired visual impact and ensure it enhances the room’s ambience.

A unique and eye-catching eclectic display is achieved by arranging a collection of smaller ‘mismatched’ French-style mirrors in a gallery wall formation. When creating a mirror collage vignette, the key is to embrace creativity without strict adherence to shape, size, or era. Arrange antique mirrors in an interesting pattern, considering favourable objects and light sources.

Play with the placement to achieve a visually appealing ‘mosaic’ effect and embrace the diversity in shapes and sizes for a dynamic look, allowing the mirrors to interact with the surrounding space.

Shopping antique mirrors at The Crown Collection

Your choice of an antique or French-style mirror is more than just a decor accessory; it’s a piece of history and art, providing endless opportunities for creative expression in your home.

Browse our curated collection of almost 300 mirrors.

You’ll not only find the mirror that resonates with your taste but also seamlessly integrates it into your modern living space. We also offer bespoke finishes – staining, paint effects, French polishing, and bleaching – by our in-house restorers.

‘A Gilded Age’ | Touches of gold for furniture & accessories

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique furniture and accessories, Antique store, Gilded French pieces, Gilded furniture and accessories, GIlded mirrors, Gilded vintage and antique furniture, The Crown Collection gilded antiques|

When it comes to antiques with a particular French flair, all that glitters is definitely gold (apologies to the Bard). The age-old art of gilding – where 22-carat sheets of gold leaf are delicately applied to intricate surfaces – is the embodiment of an attention to detail and has been enchanting art connoisseurs, antique collectors and interior design enthusiasts for centuries. The world of gilded items, and its enduring influence on interior design, holds a timeless appeal for antique and French furniture and accessories for any space in your home.

In our modern age of disposable consumerism, a ‘gilded age’ of antique furniture and accessories serves as a much-needed testament to the enduring appeal of artistry and quality. Gilded antiques carry whispers of bygone eras, connecting us with a rich, but often forgotten, heritage of craftsmanship.

Each gilded stroke tells a tale, making these decor items storytellers in the grand tapestry of design history.

The backstory of gilded antiques

Gracing the homes of the affluent and influential throughout history, the time-honoured craft of gilding is an ancient art that dates back to the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. The process involves applying thin layers of gold leaf to various surfaces, turning mundane objects into exquisite works of art.

This meticulous technique requires a specialist skillset, focused precision and an unwavering commitment to perfection, which is why gilded pieces are considered the epitome of craftsmanship.

Because of the use of precious metals, gilded items tend to cost more but are investment pieces that are ‘worth their weight in gold.’

The timeless allure of gilded items

The visual reference to gilded antiques and French furniture and accessories suggests timeless opulence, luxury and extravagance. (What room doesn’t deserve such a bold statement piece?). And there is no restriction to adding a golden hue to items: from mirrors, clocks, lamps and chandeliers to frames, chairs, riempie benches and console tables.

The decorative elegance of gilded antiques – especially suited to French furniture and accessories – goes beyond their historical significance. They infuse a space with an unparalleled sense of drama and sophistication. The delicate play of light on gilded surfaces evokes a sense of grandeur that resonates with modern interior design styles. By incorporating these elements into your home, you can effortlessly transform any space.

The gilded touch to elevate modern spaces

One of the most compelling aspects of gilded antique furniture and accessories is their ability to seamlessly integrate with contemporary decor. Whether it’s a gilded mirror hanging above a minimalist console or a lavishly gilded chandelier suspended in a sleek, modern room, these pieces bridge the gap between old and new beautifully; serving as timeless anchors that add depth and character to 21st-century interiors.

The innate tasteful and refined nature of gilded pieces makes them the perfect addition to modern contexts and seamless response to new interior design trends.

Choosing the perfect gilded piece

The unique beauty of gilded decor lies in its versatility, allowing you to find the perfect balance between old-world charm and contemporary aesthetic

But before embarking on your journey to incorporate gilded antique furniture or accessories into your design, it is worth remembering that every choice should reflect your personal style and taste. Consider the scale, style, and specific gilding technique used in the piece, as it will influence the overall decor story and ambience you wish to create.

As a contrast or focal point, gilded items create a perfect decorative moment in traditional, modern, minimalist or maximalist interiors. Their ornate designs cleverly juxtapose the clean lines and simplicity of contemporary design, resulting in a harmonious balance, or perfectly pair with more decorative detailing of French interior design principles.

For simple decor inspiration, take note of how to pair gilded furniture and accessories with new design trends: gold and black, gold and ivory, gold and colour, gold and animal print, and gold and wood.

Your gilded journey starts at The Crown Collection

The art of gilding – which has been passed down through generations – has found a home at

The Crown Collection; South Africa’s finest and largest emporium of curated antiques. We also house a premium range of hand-selected gilded furniture and accessories and, should you require your chosen piece to be gilded, our in-house restoration experts will gild the item for you.

Visit us online – or in-store at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston – where we offer a discount from 10-20% on gilded antiques (depending on the item).

Go for gold when decorating with antiques

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Gilded antiques, Gilded chairs, GIlded mirrors, Gilded vintage and antique furniture, Mix & match gilded antiques with modern pieces|

A golden patina in the form of gilded antiques – be that furniture or accessories – is the ‘LBD’ (little black dress) of interior design. It is timeless, classic, seductive, bold, glamorous and dramatic and it goes with anything. Often associated with French interior design, gilded furniture was highly sought after in the 18th century and has never lost its allure. Today it is still a firm favourite among decorators and collectors alike.

Gilding is an age-old decorating technique that involves applying thin layers of gold leaf to solid surfaces giving them a lustre similar to solid gold. And beyond the obvious nod to opulence, gilded antiques and vintage items do not tarnish.

Adding a golden touch to any interior space will always result in a visual wow factor. No accessory is too small and no piece of furniture is too big to benefit from a little of this gilded magic.

Find your antique gilded inspiration from the following design trends:

Gold and black

You can never go wrong with this all-time classic and powerful pairing; it is the ‘Antony and Cleopatra’ of the design world. Refined, bold, dramatic and chic – gilded antique accents are high contrast in a predominantly black contemporary scheme and bring a sense of depth, harmony, balance and a Midas touch of surprise which cleverly enhances the overall effect.

If you want to tap into this sophisticated gold and black design narrative, then your starting point is a gilded mirror, gilded chandelier, gilded coffee table or gilded occasional chairs set against a moody backdrop. (In fact, we think James Bond would feel quite at home in such a scenario – so get ready to shake those Vesper martinis!).

Gold and ivory

If gold and black are a tad too masculine for your design sensibilities, then the obvious softer contrasting combination for antique gilded accent pieces is a relaxed ivory colour palette. (There is nothing ‘beige’ about this look). The feminine charm and comfortable elegance of juxtaposing a gilt chandelier, gilded mirror or gilded chairs against ivory neutrals or bleached furniture are beautiful to behold. (It is a welcome scheme that will wrap you in a luxurious hug).

If you want to elevate the look and feel of any space in your home, then an ivory colour palette with touches of gold is an all-time winner.

Gold and colour

Gilded antique furniture and vintage accessories take on a fun and quirky design quality when matched with colourful accent pieces. The bejewelled effect is simply beguiling. A splash of colour is the perfect way to make gilded antiques not look so serious. (This is a seamless design trick for mixing and matching antiques with modern or midcentury pieces).

The beauty of a decor marriage with gilded furniture or accessories and colourful accents is that ANY colour or hue goes with gold. This versatile combination means you cannot get your decorating palette wrong.

Gold and animal print

Pushing design boundaries, adding major design attitude and implementing an eclectic statement are all down to the daring decor combination of antique gilded pieces and animal prints. (Think of it as the glorious sun shining down on the bushveld). In theory, this pairing is not intuitive, but in practice, it just works.

The striking contrast of glamorous gold antiques set against organic animal print patterns elevates the design story, commands attention and provides high impact. (Just a cheeky design solution to bringing the outdoors in!).

Gold and patterns

Floral or graphic fabrics, stripes, toile designs, decorative artworks and patterned rugs are obvious elements to integrate with gilded furniture. They not only give a fresh and modern twist but also counterbalance the gold highlights with customised charm and bespoke flair.

From bold and geometric patterns to soft romantic florals and abstract designs, you get to play with colour, shape and texture. And they all complement gilded antiques by setting the tone – either with a comfortable whimsical flourish or as a formal focal point. This is where layering truly comes into its own.

Start small with patterned lampshades on a gilded base and gilded frames for artworks or go big with a gilded mirror, chandelier or occasional chair perfectly playing with patterned accessories and fabrics. (This works as well in an adult space as it does in a little girl’s bedroom).

Gold and wood

The artisanal craftsmanship of antique wood pieces is just one reason to invest in antiques. Another reason is that the glam of giltwood pieces is an elegant and obvious contrast to the natural, warm wood tones; bringing harmony and cohesiveness. The neutral characteristics of antique wood and the accents of gold are also the perfect backdrop for bringing in modern pieces.

The inherent allure of antique furniture is that it often features intricate wood carving, marquetry or decorative flourishes. These pieces are beautiful on their own – unspoilt – but when these elements are gilded, the visual details are enhanced and a new decor conversation begins.

Gold and The Crown Collection

The Crown Collection is the perfect match between homeowners, decorators or collectors and antique, vintage or French furniture. Boasting the most desirable and curated collection of gilded furniture and accessories, this is the obvious emporium to visit when adding a touch of gold to any of your spaces. And should you wish for any item to be hand gilded or given a gold paint technique, our in-house restorers offer this professional artisanal service.

Go for gold and transform your spaces by visiting us online or in-studio at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston.

Vintage Pieces for Girls’ Bedrooms – A Feminine Touch of Pink & Gold

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique furniture for girls' bedrooms, Chandeliers, GIlded mirrors, Gilded vintage and antique furniture, VIntage pieces for girls' bedrooms|

‘Sugar and spice and all things vintage-inspired – that’s what little girls rooms are made of.’ Well, that is our approach when it comes to decorating girls’ bedrooms with vintage pieces and antique furniture. A feminine designer touch and a love for some weathered whimsical sophistication become the individuality that will magically transform any little girl’s space.

The juxtaposition of vintage or antique furniture in a modern space brings a calming balance that is inviting, personalised and timeless. And what better place to add these vintage pieces that tell a story than in a little girl’s bedroom?

Placing the right antique or vintage statement pieces in a modern setting is not only an art form but will give new life to any room’s decor.

A touch of vintage pink and gold – and of course, a little sparkle – is all it takes to give a little girl the bedroom of her dreams.

A touch of pink and white

Of course, when considering a vintage piece to add to a girl’s bedroom, it doesn’t have to be pink. But the softness and gentleness of pastel pink for a sleeping space is sure to entice some fairy dust and lullabies. Pink is also a wonderful ‘neutral’ complementary colour to so many other shades – grey, white navy, back, blue, green and yellow.

An antique or vintage settee or chair – A little gilded settee or a French chair, reupholstered in a pastel pink fabric, will be the invitation to spend a while in any bedroom. (At the Crown Collection, our onsite upholstery service provides top-quality re-upholstery solutions in most finishes and in the fabric of your choice).

White or bleached items – a pink palette’s absolute delight is white furniture options – from the bed and dressing table to a French-style armoire or chest of draws. (It really is ok to paint antique furniture and give it a fresh upcycled look. Whatever the finish, we can achieve that for you – from French polishing, hand gilding, paint techniques, bleaching and staining).

Kists and trunks – Space is often limited in little girls’ bedrooms and creative storage solutions are required. Cue vintage trunks or antique kists – the versatile and functional options for storing toys, dress-up clothes and extra shoes and clothing (as she grows).

The Midas touch

All that glitters in a little girl’s room belongs in the realm of golden touches and gilded edges. This is where vintage pieces truly come into their own, adding an unmatched romantic statement.

Gilded mirrors – Vintage mirrors are the obvious place to start and every little girl’s bedroom needs an ornamental mirror – for twirling, curling and make-up. (We did an entire blog on vintage mirrors as jewellery for any room). Decorative gilded antique ‘looking glasses’ – from Baroque to French chic – are a decor trend that is sticking around (and will make any bedroom Instagram-worthy).
Gilded occasional chairs – As little girls grow, they may want to leave the pink girliness behind and embrace bolder vintage statement pieces in the form of gilded occasional chairs. There are so many styles to choose from; it all comes down to preference, space and budget to find a vintage chair that is just right for the space. From French gilded armchairs and Bergere Style chairs to the elegance of gilded rattan back armchairs, there is a chair to suit any girl’s bedroom.

Gilded ottomans – Round or rectangular, ottomans are a delightful and fun addition to any bedroom. A gilded twist is a perfect balance to the plushness of the deep-buttoned upholstery choices. Use as bedside tables, dressing table stools or simple accent pieces – perfect for growing princesses.

A touch of sparkle

No girl’s room is complete until it boasts a little vintage bling – the pièce de résistance items that define a ‘girls only’ space and add the much-needed sparkle.

Chandeliers – Who doesn’t love an antique chandelier? Antique or vintage chandeliers are the simplest way of adding the wow factor to a bedroom, especially when set against a modern backdrop. Diamonds may be a girls’ best friend, but we are proposing that chandeliers are the decor equivalent.
Objets d’art – When little girls grow up, a little bit of decadent sparkle and specialness starts with a curated collection of vintage or antique objets d’art and decorative accessories – Victorian perfume bottles, an Edward VII scent bottle, an Elizabeth II photo frame, a handheld mirror, or a silver dish to hold jewellery.

The Crown Collection touch

The inspiration for creating a bedroom fit for a princess that seamlessly boasts vintage pieces or antique furniture starts at The Crown Collection – an emporium that showcases more than 5000 pieces of handpicked French, antique and vintage items. It’s all about having fun and repurposing pieces of history to fit our modern interiors.

Shop online or in-store at our studio (20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston).

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