Today, mirrors are commonplace in our lives. From fixing our bed hair in front of the bathroom mirror to briefly checking our appearance in our flip down car mirrors, we are all familiar with our own reflections. Not only do we use them as a tool to help us present ourselves to the world in a way we would like to be perceived, but we also use them as decorative accessories to add a final finishing touch to a living space, bedroom, bathroom or hallway.
But where does our love for mirrors come from, when were they first considered a staple of interior design, and how many stages of evolution have they progressed through to create the styles and designs we love and appreciate today? For all the answers and more, keep reading.
When were mirrors invented?
The oldest mirrors on record date back to approximately 4,000 BCE. However, they do not resemble the mirrors we use today in our everyday lives. In fact, these ancient mirrors are simply reflective surfaces achieved by polishing obsidian, which is volcanic glass that is formed when lava rapidly cools and crystal growth is minimal.
The question "when were mirrors invented?" is a tricky one to answer because there have been various iterations of reflective surfaces throughout the centuries. So, let's use this opportunity to run through a brief history of mirrors in all their forms.
Ancient mirrors: From obsidian to polished metal
We've already touched on the polished obsidian surfaces from 4,000 BCE and illustrations on pottery from the 5th century BCE depict ancient Greeks using mirrors as part of a grooming routine, however rather than being made from glass, these hand mirrors were actually constructed from polished metal.
Obsidian mirrors were also found in ancient Turkey and peoples in ancient Mexico used polished obsidian mirrors as black magic instruments, seeking to travel into the world of ancestors and gods by gazing into the smoky reflective surface. Additionally, legend suggests that 16th century French seer and astrologer Nostradamus, who is still renowned for his abilities, used a black mirror as a way to gather his knowledge from the occult.
Around the same time, Indian, Egyptian, Iraqi, and Chinese craftspeople began making mirrors using polished bronze and copper. Not only were these metal mirrors lighter than their polished stone counterparts, but they also had the ability to more accurately reflect different tones and colours.
In ancient China in particular, the light-reflecting properties of mirrored surfaces were celebrated and mirrors as objects were highly coveted for both personal and religious reasons. Mirrors were also used in the burial process, as it was thought that they could offer protection from misfortune and evil spirits. To this day, the placement of mirrors within Chinese homes is given a great deal of thought as they are believed to affect the flow of energy.
Ancient mirrors: The introduction of glass
It is widely held that glass mirrors were not created until the 3rd century AD where the glass coating was set within a convex or concave lead casting. As these pieces are very small at approximately two square inches, archaeologists think that they were likely used as amulets and as part of other pieces of jewellery rather than as a personal grooming tool. The lead castings that have been unearthed have an uneven and lumpy texture, and it is thought the small amount of glass contained within would have been far from clear.
The creation of glass mirrors has historically been a huge challenge for several reasons. The first issue revolved around the need to produce enough uncoloured and unblemished glass, which is a complex process. The second challenge came in the form of the logistics involved with crafting large panes of glass with a flat, uniform silhouette. Thirdly, craftspeople needed to devise a reliable way to apply a layer of molten metal to the piece of glass without causing it to disintegrate completely or develop thermal cracks.
It wasn't until the 12th century AD that smithing and glassblowing techniques were advanced enough to establish a reliable method for the production of glass mirrors, with further significant advances in technology made between the 13th and 15th centuries increasing the reliability of the production process. These advancements were primarily made in Italy, which continues to maintain a strong reputation for quality glass production to this day.
Ancient mirrors: The rise of accomplished Venetian glass
The glassblowing community in Venice was thriving by the mid-1200s, however it is believed that by this point it had been established here for at least several hundred years. It isn't known precisely who was the first person to apply a molten metal mixture to the back of a glass pane to make what we now recognise as a modern mirror, largely because Murano glassmakers were famously secretive about their methods.
Notably, however, the glass community was renowned for adopting a collaborative way of working, which helped the development of mirrors to advance quickly. A variety of techniques and adornments were used in a bid to consistently create even more impressive mirrors. As a result, some craftspeople added gold leaf to the surface while others added silver linings or used mercury, the latter of which unfortunately had an array of terrible health consequences. But this wasn't the only threat to the health and wellbeing of mirror craftspeople and their families.
The secrets of Venetian glass blowing were once so well-protected that the families of glassmakers who emigrated to different countries in Europe were taken hostage in a bid to get them to return. Other families were fined or forced to work on galleys, while other glassmakers were assassinated. This continued for decades until the opening of the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles proved once and for all that the mystery of Venetian mirror making was no longer a secret.
By the 1500s, Venetian mirrors were being exported across Europe to the bourgeois and royalty who were paying price tags upwards of several thousand pounds for the most intricate pieces. In fact, Venetian mirrors often fetched higher prices than paintings by the likes of Raphael.
The popularity of mirrors amongst the elite was fuelled by numerous factors. In France, Louis XIV issued a decree in 1689 that permitted the confiscation of all silver in private hands to fund various military campaigns. So, the rich looked towards other home accessories and decorative objects to set their homes apart from the rest, with items such as wall hangings, furniture and mirrors taking centre stage. Another advantage of large mirrors was the ability to create an illusion of added space and light, which is a design technique used by interior stylists to this day.
The history of mirrors timeline becomes much more detailed from the 17th century onwards, as shipping such fragile objects was an enormous challenge. During this time, the elite were also consistently endorsing mirrors as being particularly important to interior design, personal grooming and social etiquette in popular publications.
As these publications reached more people, the demand for mirrors heightened from those aspiring to greater levels of social standing. In fact, there are numerous rumours of countesses and noble gentlemen selling acres of land to fund the purchase of a mirror. But whether these stories have any basis in truth or are purely hearsay, from this point onwards, mirror production became far more widespread which meant that acquiring a coveted mirror became more attainable for more people.
A timeline of the history of mirrors
As we have seen, the history of mirrors timeline is a long and supremely interesting one. Here are some of the most notable events.
- 4000 BCE - 5000 BCE
Obsidian from volcanic eruptions is polished to give a highly reflective surface. Obsidian mirrors were used by numerous peoples and cultures, including ancient Greece, Mexico, and Turkey.
- 4BCE - 65BCE
Some Greek mirrors were large enough to reflect a full figure. Smaller mirrors benefitted from a handle that allowed them to stand, an eyelet for easy hanging on the wall, or a metal cover to allow for safe transportation.
- 300AD - 500AD
Chinese, Japanese and Indian craftspeople produced mirrors made from bronze and other precious metals.
- 3rd Century AD
Small amulets and other items of jewellery were in-laid with mirrored glass, however although it would have been reflective, this glass would not have been particularly clear.
- 12th Century
Glassblowing and smithing techniques and practices were now advanced enough to consistently create clear mirrored surfaces.
- 13th century
Renowned glass blowers in Italy contributed to the advancement in mirror making techniques, with the community coming together to keep their innovative processes a secret from the rest of the world.
- 1500s
Mirrors were being exported across Europe, fetching significant sums of money as the elite set to work creating lavish interiors to showcase their wealth.
- 1600s - 1700s
Mirrors became highly prized possessions, with the elite highlighting their importance for grooming, interior design, and social standing.
- 1835
In 1835, Justus von Liebig, a German chemist, developed a way of applying a thin metallic silver layer to a pane of glass. It wasn't long before this process was refined and rolled out to facilitate the mass production of silver-glass mirrors.
Iconic mirrors in art and literature
Mirrors have played an integral role in human society for centuries, so it's no surprise that they have been featured in an array of artworks and pieces of literature.
When we think of mirrors in books or fairy tales, images of the evil queen in Snow White asking her mirror 'who's the fairest of them all?' might immediately come to mind. Or perhaps you may think of Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass or Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray. In Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut, the protagonist believes that mirrors are portals to different universes and in the Harry Potter books, the Mirror of Erised shows each person the thing they long for the most.
The mirror has been used by an array of the most accomplished artists in Europe, including Manet, Picasso, and Velazquez. Additionally, some of the most renowned self-portraits were created with the help of a mirror, including those by the likes of Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Frida Kahlo. Today, there are numerous contemporary artists using mirrors within their work, including sculptor Anish Kapoor's creation of the Sky Mirror which is a public sculpture in the city of Nottingham that reflects the ever-changing environment.
Iconic mirrors throughout history
When it comes to history's most iconic mirrors, Louis XIV is famed for commissioning and owning some of the most spectacular examples ever to have been created. A mirror purchased in 1684 and made from clear quartz that is encased in a frame made from gold, agate, rubies, garnets, enamel and diamonds is on display in the Louvre, and it also features cameos depicting Diana, the goddess of the moon, and 12 Roman Emperors.
Louis XIV is also responsible for the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles, which was completed in 1684 and contains 17 mirrored arches which keep the space illuminated with natural light. The Hall of Mirrors contains more than 350 individual mirrored panels.
The Boulle mirror was designed by Andre-Charles Boulle in the 18th century to be a display piece within an extravagant home. It stands upright unaided and features an intricate gold frame with a striking level of detail for a piece that is less than 80cm tall.
Another notable mirror was designed by Johann Valentin Gevers, a prominent 18th century silversmith. It reflects the Age of Opulence and features striking stained ivory and tortoiseshell inlays. It is believed this piece is one half of a pair, which must have been commissioned by someone for whom money was no object.
Later on in the 18th century, William Mathie, a cabinet maker from Scotland, created a striking gilt-wood mirror which reflects the opulence of the English Rococo movement. Its curved silhouette is emphasised by intricate filigree work and each mirrored piece has been expertly moulded and cut to fit perfectly inside a series of unusual shapes. The frame also features an array of carved birds and monkeys, which indicate that this piece was designed to sit within a chinoise room.
At roughly the same time as the chinoiserie trend, Neoclassicm was increasing in popularity. Scottish architect Robert Adam was responsible for crafting exquisite Rococo style mirrors which prioritise symmetry and a certain level of simplicity, however these pieces also boast intricate adornments, this time in the form of laurel garlands and shells.
Contemporary mirrors
Today, designer mirrors come in an array of shapes, sizes and styles to suit all interior spaces.
Full-length leaner mirrors or wall mounted mirrors are ideal additions to dedicated dressing areas, with table top mirrors adding a final finishing flourish to elegant dressing tables or contemporary consoles. Window pane mirrors can be incorporated into living areas or hallways with ease to enhance the traditional character of a space and ensure it always feels light and airy.
Mirrors always make the right impression when they are positioned above a mantelpiece in a living space, with both modern and more traditional pieces helping to create the perfect ambience and complete your space. Mirrors also make excellent additions to dining spaces, with geometric or starburst styles helping to enhance art deco designs and sleek bevelled edge leaner mirrors creating a sense of space in a formal, modern dining room.
If you're eager to experiment with a different style of mirror, the bathroom can be the ideal space to let your creativity run free. A pebble shaped wall-mounted mirror can complete a modern bathroom with lots of clean lines, adding some shape and softness to an otherwise rigid design. Alternatively, a round gold mirror can be positioned on a rich navy blue painted wall in a space that features gold hardware and crisp white accents.
Unusually shaped mirrors are set to continue to sit at the heart of contemporary interior design, with diamond, hexagonal and curved designs helping to create an eye-catching design feature that doesn't completely overwhelm a space.
If you have found yourself wondering 'when were mirrors invented?' we hope that we have given you a full and comprehensive historical overview of the object that we now regard as a must-have decorative and practical addition to our homes. From spherical mirrors with bold frames to industrial-inspired mirrors with built-in shelves, there is a style to suit every space and home.
