The Secret to Venetian Mirrors

In its simplest form, mirrors are usually made by applying reflective coatings to the appropriate substrate, which in general cases is glass due to transparency, ease of application, hardness and ability to produce smooth finishes. In most cases, a reflective layer is applied to the back of the glass to ensure that it is protected from accidental damage and corrosion. Glass transparency still allows reflective coating to be effective, ensuring quality is maintained over a long period of time.

Ancient mirrors were designed and developed from solid metal - usually bronze or silver - and far too expensive from general distribution. Even though they may be considered items that are quite luxurious, they are vulnerable to damage and corrosion, making their life span rather short. Because of the low reflections provided by polished metal, reflections often appear very dark and do not provide very clear venetian mirrored furniture and usable images. This is very impractical, especially for indoor use because there is not enough natural light for people to use and have to go out using an uncomfortable mirror.

The discovery of Venetian mirrors was introduced in the 16th century by Venetian glass makers on the island of Murano. Their ideas are simple but effective; they cover the back of the glass with mercury which helps achieve almost perfect and undistorted reflections. For a full century, these mirrors were applied to intricate frames and sold as luxury and expensive items; something that is again not practical enough to be available for general distribution. However, over time the secret was exceeded and managed to find its way to London and Paris in the 17th century. Quickly adopted by glass-making experts, they applied this method to industrial manufacturing and were able to exploit its superior features and properties for large financial benefits.

This is not always a bad thing, because what was once a rare and luxurious item, which can only be enjoyed by rich people and rich people, is not available on the public market for everyone to enjoy. This is a great discovery because it forms the venetian mirrors cheap basis of how we design and make mirrors that we use today. Not only this, but as a product; they give us the highest quality standards.