Looking for smoked glass mirror? You’re in the right place.
This article will show you exactly where to find smoked glass wall mirrors, smoked glass mirror panels, and smoked mirror tiles.
I’ll tell you about the best vendors, how to get the mirror, and some tips along the way.
Let’s go!
What Are Smoked Mirrors?
I’m sure you’ve heard the term “smoked mirrors”, but many people misunderstand its meaning.
So what are they? Well, smoked mirrors are different than traditional mirrors in that they provide a clouded reflection – the glass is much darker in tone, less shiny and, thus, less reflective.
People don’t own smoked mirrors because they want to use it to do their makeup, they don’t use these mirrors to get ready in the morning, so instead, these mirrors are usually purely decorative.
As decorations, they’re great. They’re bold, stylish and lend a certain type of sleek ambiance to a room.
They come in a variety of different sizes and styles to fit in any nook or cranny of a room.
Oftentimes, high-end modern furniture like tables, countertops, and backsplashes feature smoked mirror panels because they’re elegant and easy to clean.
Smoked Mirror Design Considerations
Smoked wall mirrors — sometimes called antiqued mirrors — are a popular choice for homes & restaurants.
Smoked mirrors come in a variety of “finishes” or patterns, meaning some look very “distressed” while others have a light patina.
See all of our MirrorCoop’s handmade, antiqued mirror finishes here.
The main consideration when choosing the perfect finish is artistic v functional.
Artistic finishes look very cooler and have an abstract art quality.
Artistic finishes are better for larger, decorative pieces — like above a fireplace or reflecting an entire room.
Functional finishes are better for mirrors that are used — like powder rooms, bathrooms, and foyers.
Functional finishes are lightly distressed, only hinting at their artistic quality.
Takeaway if you have to apply makeup in a mirror a lighter, more functional finish is a better choice.
Out 5 Favorite Smoked Glass Wall Mirrors
Today, you can find a smoked glass mirror with breaking the bank by working with a large home decor retailer.
Below, I recommend five antiqued pieces that will not break the bank — along with a few things to think about when considering whether or not to buy the piece.
1. The Walker Mirror By Pottery Barn
Things I Love About this Mirror
👎 Cons
See This Mirror on Potterbarn.com
2. Multi-Panel Foxed Mirror By West Elm
Things I Love About this Mirror
👎 Cons The bevels that run along the inside edges of the mirror are very heavy, which gives the piece a 1980s vibe
See This Mirror on West Elm
3. Antiqued Tile Mirror by West Elm
Things I Love About this Mirror
A smoked mirror like this could be an interesting statement piece.
Love Boho? See our article on Boho wall decor
👎 Cons This mirror is definitely not for every interior – in fact I can only image a few scenarios where this piece would work.
See This Mirror on West Elm
4. Gold Beaded Mirror By Horchow
Things I Love About this Mirror
👎 Cons I have worked with “beaded” frames before and they tend to look cheap.
See This Mirror on West Elm
5. Antique Glass Mirror By MySwankyHome
Things I Love About this Mirror
👎 Cons The frame material is not specified so it may be something low quality.
See This Mirror on Amazon
Finding A Smoked Glass Mirror In A Custom Size
One problem when buying a mirror is that most retail wall mirrors are only available in pre-determined sizes.
Our Recommendations for The Best Smoked Glass Mirrors
Classic Antiqued Mirror Mirror Coop $1,287.00
Classic steel framed antiqued mirror.
Beveled Triangle Mirror Veca $1,990.00
Very unusual shape for circa 1960s beveled triangle mirror by Veca, smoked glass frame, nickel-plated brass screw heads. Italy mirror measures: 18 inches W, 24 inches H.
Vintage Italian Mirror from Veca Pamono
Vintage Italian mirror with a smoked mirror accent.
This is one of our subtle, colorful pieces – the finish of this mirror has blues, purples, and pinks. Best for adding subtle flair, this piece can work as both a functional mirror and an artistic piece. In the past, this piece has been used successfully as a foyer mirror, though I bet it could work in a powder or bathroom also. The piece is 32″ in the photograph but this round antiqued mirror can be made to any size between 8″ and 64″ inches in diameter. The edge of the mirror has a smooth finish – like a glass table top — and hangs via mounting hardware on its back.
Gold Veined Wall Mirror Color & Mirror $815.00
Dark, moody gold veined mirror by our friends at Color & Mirror.
What is smoked mirror?
“Smoked mirror” is actually kind of a broad term. Depending on who you ask, it can mean a few different things.
Some mirrors are literally smoked. They’re held up to a flame that melts the surface and creates a smokey effect on the reflective surface.
Other times, the term is used to describe any type of cloudy, antique mirror. While a mirror might not have been through the smoking process, it could have a distorted reflection due to aging.
What does smoking glass mean?
When a glassmaker smokes glass, they literally hold it up to a flame. The heat leaves a smokey residue on the surface of the glass.
This process is used to make smoked mirrors. But, it’s also used to make filtered windows and screens.
Obviously, this process can be very toxic. When the hydrocarbon is burned off, it releases a poisonous smoke. So, DIYers shouldn’t try this at home unless they have a gas mask and proper ventilation.
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Oversized or uncommon sizes are all but impossible to find.
If you are looking for a custom sized wall mirror, working with a custom glass company is the best way to get exactly what you are looking for.
Also, Mirror Coop can create any of our wall mirrors in a custom size.
(See our collection of mirrors here.) Reach out directly to our designer john (john@mirrorcoop.com) with your idea.
Until next time!
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