Have you ever wondered if that dusty old mirror in your attic might be worth something? Antique mirrors can be hidden treasures, with some fetching thousands or even millions at auction.
From ornate gold-leaf frames to unique historical pieces, these reflective treasures often carry stories as captivating as their appearances.
1. Louis XV Gilt Bronze Mirror
Crafted during the 18th century, these opulent mirrors showcase the extravagance of French royalty. The intricate gilt bronze frames feature flowing rococo designs with shell motifs and asymmetrical patterns.
When authentic, these mirrors can command prices upward of $50,000 at prestigious auction houses. Their rarity and connection to French aristocracy make them highly coveted by serious collectors and museums alike.
2. Venetian Mercury Glass Mirrors
Venetian artisans guarded their mirror-making secrets for centuries, creating exquisite pieces with unmatched clarity. Genuine examples feature hand-etched designs, delicate blown glass elements, and the distinctive mottled appearance of true mercury glass.
Collectors eagerly pursue these 17th-century treasures, often paying $15,000-$75,000 depending on condition and provenance. Look for the subtle imperfections that indicate authentic handcraftsmanship.
3. Regency Convex Bullseye Mirrors
Round and mysterious, these distinctive mirrors became fashionable in England during the Regency period (1811-1820). Their convex glass creates fascinating distortions while the frames typically feature elaborate gilt wood with eagle finials or laurel leaf designs.
A well-preserved Regency bullseye can fetch between $8,000-$20,000. The most valuable examples retain their original glass and gilding without modern repairs or regilding.
4. Art Deco Mirrors by Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Sleek, geometric, and undeniably chic – Ruhlmann’s mirrors epitomize Art Deco elegance. Unlike earlier ornate styles, these 1920s-1930s masterpieces feature clean lines, exotic woods like macassar ebony, and subtle ivory inlays.
Signed examples by this master designer regularly achieve $30,000-$100,000 at specialized auctions. Even unsigned pieces with his distinctive aesthetic command impressive sums from discerning collectors of early 20th century design.
5. Federal Girandole Convex Mirrors
Popular in early American homes, these elegant mirrors feature a convex glass surrounded by a gilded frame with candle arms (girandoles) extending outward. Eagle finials proudly crown authentic Federal period examples, showcasing American patriotism of the early 19th century.
Fine specimens from renowned makers like Samuel Gragg can command $20,000-$40,000. The most valuable examples retain their original candle arms, gilding, and period-correct eagle designs.
6. Chinese Chippendale Pagoda Mirrors
Inspired by Eastern architecture, these distinctive mirrors feature pagoda-shaped tops and fretwork designs that reflect 18th-century Britain’s fascination with Chinese aesthetics. Genuine examples showcase hand-carved mahogany or gilt wood with intricate chinoiserie motifs.
Authentic George III period Chippendale pagoda mirrors can sell for $10,000-$30,000 depending on size and condition. Their unique cultural fusion makes them particularly sought-after by collectors of both Eastern and Western antiques.
7. Tiffany Studios Bronze Mirrors
Beyond their famous lamps, Tiffany Studios created stunning art nouveau mirrors with patinated bronze frames and iridescent glass accents. The organic, nature-inspired designs often incorporate dragonflies, peacock feathers, or grapevine motifs.
Signed Tiffany mirrors with original patina can bring $15,000-$60,000 at auction. Collectors particularly prize examples with unusual color combinations or rare decorative elements that showcase Louis Comfort Tiffany’s revolutionary glass techniques.
8. Georgian Giltwood Girandole Mirrors
Magnificently ornate, these 18th-century British mirrors feature elaborate carved giltwood frames with scrollwork, acanthus leaves, and sometimes mythological figures. Their distinctive candle arms (girandoles) provided practical illumination while reflecting light beautifully.
Fine Georgian items by master carvers like Thomas Chippendale can fetch $25,000-$75,000. The most valuable pieces retain their original gilding, mirror plate, and provenance connecting them to historic British estates.
9. Aesthetic Movement Sunflower Mirrors
During the 1870s-1880s, these distinctive mirrors celebrated natural beauty with stylized sunflower motifs radiating around the glass. Often crafted in gilt wood or brass, they reflect the Aesthetic Movement’s motto of “art for art’s sake.”
Examples by designers like Christopher Dresser or firms such as Herter Brothers regularly achieve $5,000-$15,000. Their bold botanical designs bridge Victorian ornamentalism and early modernist simplification, appealing to diverse collector tastes.
10. Renaissance Revival Pier Mirrors
Towering and imposing, these floor-to-ceiling mirrors were status symbols in Victorian mansions. Typically featuring walnut or rosewood frames with elaborate Renaissance-inspired carvings, they often incorporate columns, pediments, and classical figures.
Impressive examples by renowned American makers like John Henry Belter or Alexander Roux can command $20,000-$50,000. Their monumental scale and historical significance make them prized acquisitions for period-appropriate historic homes and museums.
11. Adam Style Neoclassical Mirrors
Elegant simplicity defines these late 18th-century mirrors designed in the style of Scottish architects Robert and James Adam. Unlike earlier rococo extravagance, these feature refined classical motifs like urns, swags, and medallions in giltwood frames.
Authentic period Adam mirrors can bring $10,000-$30,000 at specialist auctions. Their timeless design continues to influence interior decoration, making them both historically significant and perpetually fashionable among collectors and decorators.
12. Jugendstil Mirrors by Josef Hoffmann
At the turn of the 20th century, Viennese designer Josef Hoffmann created revolutionary mirrors that bridged Art Nouveau and early modernism. His distinctive geometric patterns, often featuring squares and circles in bent wood or metal, represent the progressive Wiener Werkstätte aesthetic.
Authenticated Hoffmann mirrors can achieve $20,000-$60,000, especially those with original finishes and provenance. Their avant-garde design continues to influence contemporary interiors, driving collector interest across multiple design disciplines.
13. Baroque Parcel-Gilt Mirrors
Dramatic and theatrical, these 17th-century mirrors from Italy and Spain feature carved wooden frames with partial gilding (parcel-gilt) highlighting the elaborate scrollwork. Religious motifs, cherubs, and acanthus leaves adorn authentic period examples.
Well-preserved Baroque mirrors with documented provenance can fetch $15,000-$40,000. Their historical significance and connection to European palaces and cathedrals make them especially valuable to collectors of religious art and aristocratic furnishings.
14. Shaving/Toilet Mirrors by Thomas Sheraton
Functional yet refined, these portable dressing table mirrors designed by English cabinetmaker Thomas Sheraton (1751-1806) feature delicate inlays and swivel mechanisms. The finest examples incorporate satinwood or mahogany with intricate marquetry patterns.
Documented Sheraton toilet mirrors in excellent condition can bring $5,000-$15,000. Their practical elegance appeals to collectors of fine English furniture, particularly those interested in the Georgian and Federal periods of cabinetmaking.
15. Trumeau Mirrors from French Châteaux
Gracing the walls of French châteaux since the 18th century, these distinctive mirrors feature a painting or decorative panel above the mirror glass. Authentic examples showcase pastoral scenes, mythological figures, or romantic landscapes in the upper section.
Original château-sourced trumeau mirrors with documented provenance can command $20,000-$60,000. Their dual function as both mirror and artwork makes them particularly valued for traditional interior design in luxury homes and historic restorations.