Antique Mirror in the Kitchen

29 May Antique Mirror in the Kitchen

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I love mirrors with patina.  If I am walking through an antique store and see a mirror that has lost some of its backing, I’m immediately drawn to it.  The patterns are interesting to me.

For a few years now, I have wanted to use it in a kitchen.  I am working with a client on a kitchen facelift right now and suggested it as a way to brighten her cabinets.  I was so excited when she agreed!  Stay tuned for her before and afters, but I was so thrilled when she told me it might be her favorite part of her little makeover!

house beautiful

Antique mirror is a terrific way to bring light and reflection to a kitchen, especially if it is a small one.  The only drawback?  It is expensive, so if you don’t want to spend a fortune, it is best to keep it to a small application.  A few cabinet doors, or maybe the backsplash area behind your stove.

design musing

houzz

benjamin dhong

A year or so ago, I got a quote for the backsplash of our kitchen after seeing these beautiful photos.  We don’t have much backsplash in our kitchen, but the cost was quite a bit more than I was willing to pay.  I still think it would be dreamy though.

veranda

decorpad

california home and design

dominic schuster ltd

My husband was not sure about staring at himself in our backsplash, but as you can see, there are several different types of antique mirror.  You can get it in all levels of cloudiness and sheens.

saligo design

houzz

mission stone and tile

This site has tons of antique mirror styles and gives a great overview of styles and colors that are out there.  You can even get patterns on antiqued mirror!

saligo design

I do have a friend that DIY’ed a couple of mirrors for a linen cabinet, and it turned out really pretty!  There are a ton of tutorials on the world wide web, but I would definitely recommend using one that has the more heavy duty chemicals.  Sometimes you will see tutorials using Easy Off Oven Cleaner or Citristrip, and I don’t think those look as authentic.  Some jobs simply require the big boys.  You need to be super duper careful though!

And even though this isn’t a kitchen, I still had to include it.  I have no idea where this is, but I would love to dine in this restaurant!

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What about you?  Are you into antique mirror for the kitchen?  In small doses only?  Or would you go for it with a full backsplash?