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Lavishly decorated mirrors as stylish decorative elements

Rich decorations and flourishes characterized the Baroque style. Between 1600 and 1720, there were also the noble-looking Baroque mirrors. To this day, mirrors of this type are a popular wall decoration that also serves as a practical everyday object.

What characterizes Baroque style mirrors?

• Baroque mirrors serve a dual purpose: you can naturally look at yourself in the large mirrors, but at the same time, thanks to their eye-catching frames, they also serve as opulent wall decorations.
• Like picture frames in the Baroque style, the mirrors have a frame with magnificent decorations and elaborately designed ornaments. These include filigree tendrils, flowers, leaves and other motifs.
• Mirrors with baroque frames are usually gold or silver colored. This underlines their elegant and stylish appearance.
• The classic decorative objects provide a noble, nostalgic flair in the living room, bedroom or hallway . At the same time, they make rooms appear larger.

What should I pay attention to when buying mirrors?

shape

Baroque mirrors are mainly available in two shapes: oval and rectangular. Sometimes there are a lot of flourishes at the top that extend beyond the frame. There are also round mirrors with square frames. In this case, the free space is filled with ornaments. Round or square mirrors are less common.

Type and form

• Baroque mirrors are mostly wall mirrors that are attached to the wall with screws and dowels. Depending on the height, you can see your head and upper body in the mirror surface.
• There are also taller standing mirrors available that you can place anywhere in the room. You can look at your whole body in them.
• There are also Baroque-style mirrors that are part of a piece of furniture – usually a mirror console, a console table or a dressing table. They match each other and you save yourself the purchase of another piece of furniture.
• Small cosmetic mirrors or hand mirrors can also be made in a baroque design. However, these are rather exceptions.

Frame material

For baroque mirror frames, manufacturers often use the artificial stone polyresin, which is cast in the shape like stucco. Polyresin is durable and robust and does not break easily. With a silver or gold paint, the frames shine like metal. Medium-density fiberboard, also known as MDF, is also often used. This material is first cut, then carved and finally varnished. Particularly luxurious and high-quality mirrors can be made from solid wood, such as beech, like solid wood furniture.

Tip: The FSC seal is helpful for a wooden frame. The abbreviation stands for Forest Stewardship Council. Wood and furniture certified with this seal come from sustainable forestry with certain ecological and social principles.

Size

Baroque mirrors are usually larger so that the frame is shown to its best advantage. The width is often between 40 and 80 cm. However, there are also significantly larger models, around 100 to 170 cm wide. The height is usually between 50 and 150 cm. Standing mirrors measure up to 250 cm or even more. Most baroque mirrors can be hung either vertically or horizontally. However, pay attention to the information on hanging in the product description. A horizontally hung mirror makes small rooms appear larger and looks good above dressers or sideboards.

Which baroque mirrors suit my living style?

Classic style

Parquet floors, high ceilings with stucco decoration and high-quality furnishings with furniture made of woods such as teak, mahogany or cherry: a golden baroque mirror made of solid wood harmonizes with this classic and at the same time noble style.

Country style

The country house style is rustic and romantic – thanks in part to furniture made of untreated wood such as beech and pine. In the bedroom, for example, shelves, beds and cupboards are embellished with carvings and profiles, and the legs and feet are turned. A baroque mirror with a frame made of peeled wood in a shabby chic look goes well with this. You hang it above a console table or dressing table.

Modern style

Your minimalist interior is dominated by cool colors, clear shapes and materials such as stainless steel, aluminum or glass. Playful decorations on a silver baroque mirror create an interesting contrast.

How do I care for a mirror with a baroque frame? 6 tips

1. You should clean your mirror regularly. Use a microfiber or cotton cloth. A chamois leather is also a good option.
2. For small stains, moisten the microfiber cloth with a little lukewarm water . It shouldn’t be really wet.
3. If you discover greasy fingerprints or other dirt, add a little washing-up liquid to the water. Glass cleaner is an alternative for heavier dirt. However, the alcohol and surfactants in it can attack the mirror surface.
4. Clean the mirror from top to bottom and with sideways movements. For stubborn stains, apply a little more pressure and wipe in circular movements.
5. Dry the mirror with another microfiber cloth. If you don’t have a second one, use a dry corner of the cloth you’ve already used.
6. Use a soft feather duster to remove dust from the mirror frame . This will allow you to reach the ornate elements better than with a dust cloth. It is best not to use water on wooden frames. In any case, read the instructions for cleaning in the manual.