Gold Bordeaux Mirror with Elaborate Scrollwork Design
Gold bordeaux ornate scroll mirrors are a glamorous design statement that add vintage allure to any space. Characterized by ornate golden scrollwork set against deep wine-red frames, these mirrors feature heavily embellished detailing that makes them true focal points.
Read on to learn all about how to integrate one of today's hottest vintage-inspired trends into your home.
Brief History and Signature Styles
Ornate mirrors have long been prized in interior design. During the Baroque period stretching from the 17th to mid-18th centuries, heavy gilding and abundant textures were hallmarks of design - trends that are clearly evidenced in scroll-style mirrors today.
Gold leaf and scrolling embellishments continued to feature prominently through the Victorian, Rococo revival, Hollywood regency, and other ornate aesthetic movements. And these days, embellished mirrors are back in vogue offering vintage glamour to spaces ranging from entryways to bedrooms.
Key Design Elements
- Intricately carved and molded frames
- Gilt, gold leaf, or antique gold finishes
- Curling botanical shapes or abstract scrolling
- Incorporated decorative rosettes and medallions
- Distressing and antiquing for added depth
Styles and Variations
While gold bordeaux color combos may be trending today, scroll mirrors showcase diverse frames spanning metal, wood, painted finishes, and more. Here are some of the most popular styles.
- Baroque - Heavily embellished with asymmetrical shapes, abundant textures, and gold detailing
- Rococo - Light, airy, symmetrical scroll shapes often incorporating floral and shell elements
- Victorian - Dark wood tones with restrained elegance and archetypal botanical scroll shapes
- Modern - Sleek interpretations with sparse scroll elements and minimalist shapes
Materials, Construction and Workmanship
Fine craftsmanship is key when evaluating any decorative mirror. For gold bordeaux scroll mirrors, pay special attention to frame construction and embellishment quality.
Frames
Frames may consist of solid woods like oak or mahogany, engineered wood composites, or metals including iron, tin, aluminum, and alloy combinations. Genuine timber frames tend to be the most premium but weigh more for mounting. Metal composites are often more budget-friendly.
Embellishment Styling
The scrollwork showcases artistry ranging from molded detailing to intricate hand carving. Finishes like gold or silver leaf, paint, lacquer, distressing, and other faux-finishing can further enhance frames with timeworn elegance and visual depth. Antiqued mirrors with black highlighting along edges and crevices are especially popular.
Assembly and Mounting
Quality fasteners that won't loosen over time should affix mirror panels to frames. Plus, durable hanging hardware like D-rings or cleats securely mounted to frame reverses simplify mounting on walls while reducing vibration risk.
The Bordeaux Color Palette
What exactly is the bordeaux color, and how does it complement gilded scroll elements? Here's an overview of this rich, red-wine inspired hue.
Defining Bordeaux
Named after the famously full-bodied wines produced in France's Bordeaux region, this deep red tone has brown, purple, and crimson undertones. The versatile color flatters woods, metals, painted surfaces and works year-round unlike some seasonal trends.
Popular Shades and Tones
While the bordeaux color varies, most incarnations fall somewhere between brick reds and true burgundies. Benjamin Moore's zooey red, Sherwin Williams inky navy, and Valspar's red wine are all comparable bordeaux paint shades that beautifully contrast against metallic scrollwork.
Design Motifs and Color Palettes
Gold bordeaux mirrors feel right at home in vintage, Hollywood glam, French country, and romantic decorative schemes. Accent them with creams, taupes, lighter metallics, and coordinating wine tones on seating, drapes, area rugs and art.
Where to Buy Gold Bordeaux Scroll Mirrors
Today these mirrors grace everything from big box stores to specialty boutiques and custom ateliers. Here are some top places to buy.
Home Furnishing Retailers
Check mirror selections at Wayfair, Overstock, and similar online retailers carrying every style imaginable. Or peruse antique and vintage-style inventory in store at HomeGoods, Kirklands, Pier 1, and Anthropologie. Just expect to pay more at these established national brands.
Etsy and Decor Boutiques
For specialty statement pieces, explore small batch creators on Etsy and in local decor boutiques. Though pricier, you'll find more original designs and customization opportunities.
Auction Houses and Antique Stores
Finally, vintage enthusiasts can source true antique mirrors at estate sales, auctions, consignment shops, and high-end antique stores. Prices run the gamut for authentic period pieces.
Size, Cost and Investment Value
Gold bordeaux ornate scroll mirrors range dramatically in price depending on size, materials, and sellers. Here are key factors impacting costs.
Materials and Embellishments
As you might expect, the more embellished and finer the materials, the higher mirrors cost. Hand carved woods, antique glasses, gold leafing, and abundant textures require skilled artistry warranting higher prices.
Size and Scale
Larger mirrors simply cost more requiring extra materials, more intensive craftsmanship, and pricier custom shipping solutions. Measure wall space beforehand, and set realistic budgets around desired sizes.
Brands and Designers
Well-known designer names or brands like Theodore Alexander demand higher price tags, especially for unique pieces or collections showcasing proprietary artistry.
Limited Edition and Custom
One-of-a-kind mirrors also justify higher prices. Limited production runs mean scarcity drives up worth for collectors. Fully custom pieces similarly require premiums.
Decor Placement Tips and Ideas
When working ornate mirrors into room schemes, carefully consider traffic patterns along with spacing needs of adjacent furnishings. Here are some of our favorite ways to showcase these scene-stealing stars.
Entryways and Foyers
Capture guests' attention right from the get-go by mounting a scroll-style mirror as an entry focal point. Flank it with matching console tables and statement lighting. Consider rear-placing against a wall rather than precariously over delicate furnishings.
Dining Rooms
Create an intimate, candlelit atmosphere with a gorgeous wall mirror above sideboards or buffets along the longest wall. Mirrors here visually expand smaller spaces and reflect beautiful tablescapes.
Living Rooms
Elevate parlor elegance by mounting over the mantel as an alternative to traditional art. For centering on walls, make sure adequate walkways allow traffic to flow freely throughout the room without bumping the mirror.
Bathrooms and Bedrooms
Finally, lean into luxury by installing gold bordeaux mirrors in private spaces like over bedroom headboards, vanities, or even on the ceiling above bathtubs. Just take humidity and condensation precautions as needed.
Caring for Ornate Mirrors
Preserve mirrors by understanding basic care best practices tailored to materials involved.
Regular Dusting and Cleaning
Gently dry dust frames with clean microfiber cloths to clear away debris and buildup. Then use mist glass cleaners like Windex applied lightly with lint-free paper towels or newspaper to clean mirrors.
Avoid Direct Light and Heat
Protect finishes by hanging mirrors away from intense light sources which may fade gilding or patinas over time. Similarly, prevent color-altering sunlight fading by using UV-blocking curtains or shades.
Humidity and Condensation Precautions
In bathrooms, quickly wipe down mirrors after shower steam dissipates to minimize watermarks from condensation residue. Dehumidifiers also help preserve intricate frames.
Securing to Walls Properly
Always use specified hanging hardware and anchor sufficiently in wall studs or blocking. Prevent vibrations, bumping, or jarring mirrors once mounted.
Polishing Tarnished Metal Elements
Gently rub afflicted areas with soft silver or brass polish cloths to restore luster while being careful not to damage fragile finishes or patinas.
DIY Projects to Personalize Mirrors
Want to create custom scrollwork without the designer price tags? Try these easy DIY mirror ideas for transforming affordable flea market finds.
Stenciling and Adding Paint
Cut stencils from cardstock and secure to mirror frames with painter's tape. Dab folk art acrylics over openings with cosmetic sponges to create faux carved detailing. Allow paints to fully cure before carefully removing stencils.
Incorporating Trim
Glue on new wooden beads, medallions, appliques or rope trim sourced from the hardware store using strong adhesives like E6000. For quicker drying, use hot glue then reinforce bonds with additional E6000.
Creating Molds with Clay
Sculpt air-dry polymer clays directly onto frames and build up dimensional detailing wherever desired once baked. Finish by smoothing, priming, painting and sealing sculptures.
Antiquing and Distressing
Make thrifted mirrors look like pricey antiques with finishing techniques. Try dry brushing white paint over darker frames then sanding to simulate age and wear. Tea staining, vinegar washes, or matte sealers like MinWax similarly weather woods.
Style Ideas for Every Room
Still debating how best to decorate with gold bordeaux scroll mirrors? See how designers unleash their scene-stealing potential across various spaces.
Glam Entryways
Welcome guests to chic French estates and Hollywood regency oases by flanking front doors or centering on foyers and landings with gold, black or white framed statement mirrors.
Dining Rooms with Wow
Light up moody dining spaces by mounting grand mirrors behind tables or on far walls. Their ample scale and intricacy shines against dark walls and exotic wood furnishings.
Bedroom Sanctuaries
Promote restful sleep by mounting mid-size mirrors on closet doors or behind beds. Pair with plush linens, soft lighting and zen-inducing accent palettes for ultra-relaxing results.
Expert Tips for Decorating with Mirrors
Interior designers and old-world artisans share need-to-know advice for effectively styling ornate mirrors.
On Hanging and Mounting:
"Always anchor securely into wall studs, especially for heavier mirrors. Improperly installed pieces risk catastrophic damage." - Katie D., High-End Remodeler
On Style Compatibility:
"I love juxtaposing the elegance of scroll mirrors against modern elements like lucite, steel and raw industrial woods. The mix feels fresh yet still glamorous." - Elaine S., Designer
On Placement Strategy:
"Carefully measure the mirror, proposed hanging location clearance, and any furniture you hope to reflected in the glass beforehand. Nothing's worse than after-install surprises!" - Greg W., Carpenter
FAQs
Are ornate mirrors heavy to mount?
Many boast sturdy real-wood constructed frames weighing over 50 pounds. Have helpers available, and follow hardware guidelines for sufficient support.
Can mirrors effectively expand small rooms?
Strategically hung mirrors create the illusion of depth, but very ornate styles could overwhelm tiny spaces. Opt for lean, clean lines in tighter quarters.
What's the best way to clean embellished frames?
Use dry microfiber dusters then gently wipe stubborn dirt away with barely-damp cloths. Avoid excessive moisture that may damage finishes.
Gold bordeaux ornate scroll mirrors infuse spaces with rich elegance thanks to their opulent carved frames, striking color combos, and ample presence. As focal points, they beautifully balance and reflect surrounding furnishings and decor.
Bring dimension and visual intrigue home by incorporating scroll mirrors across any room. Just mind hanging logistics, and care for these glamorous additions accordingly so they stays gracing walls for years to enjoy.