by Erin Feith, Coordinator of Research & Visitor Engagement
September 1, 2026
Found in nearly every room in Acorn Hall, mirrors of all shapes and sizes reflect a long history of their place in private homes. Examples of their use can be identified in ancient civilizations when discs of copper, bronze, or even obsidian were polished to create a reflective surface. As they developed over time, mirrors transitioned from exclusive to ubiquitous pieces while retaining an opulence that has set them apart for centuries.
By the 16th century, the technique of placing a piece of glass in front of metal to form a mirror had taken shape, primarily in Venice, Italy. A heavily guarded secret, the process included adhering a thin, flat piece of tin to a glass plate with the help of liquid mercury as the bonding agent. Mercury glass mirrors offered an enhanced reflection in comparison to earlier polished metals and they quickly gained popularity. However, even after their production expanded across Europe, they continued to be a luxury item as materials remained expensive to procure. Indeed, the glass was often more costly than its frame, and it would be saved and transferred to a new frame rather than replaced.
In 1835, German chemist Justus von Liebig put forth new practices of applying a silver nitrate mixture onto glass plates. The technique not only eliminated the dangers of using liquid mercury but also enabled the mass production of mirrors, allowing them to become more affordable. By the latter half of the 19th century, mirrors were commonly found over mantles, embedded in furniture, or as standalone statement pieces throughout the home. Although more affordable, many mirrors of the period mimicked earlier trends such as the Rococo style with its elaborate carvings and decorative elements. Often, they featured giltwood, a technique of adding a thin layer of gold leaf onto woods like pine or beech. The glittering effect may have helped mirrors accomplish other desired purposes in the age before electricity: enhancing a room’s light and creating an illusion that a space was larger than it appeared.
Improvements in available technology and materials further made mirrors ubiquitous over the course of the 20th and 21st century. Modern methods involve either an application of a liquid silver mixture onto glass or a heating of aluminum to a vapor that adheres to the glass. While a long way from the polished discs of yore, mirrors have cemented their place in the home as the fairest décor piece of all.
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