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Antique (or distressed) Mirror Glass can be used for most of the applications considered for standard mirror glass, from simple frames to kitchen splashbacks and furniture to wall-cladding. Where standard mirror glass offers a fairly glitzy if predictable material, antique mirror glass offers a depth and richness which enhances any application.
As you might expect there are a variety of different antique mirror styles available, from beautifully authentic hand distressed antique mirror glass to marbled and mottled ready-made styles in a range of colours and patterns including warmer hues.
Most distressed mirror glass is offered in 4mm or 6mm thickness, but handmade antiqued mirror styles can allow for greater thicknesses.
Health and safety requirements mean that all mirror glass must be either safety-backed with safety tape/foil or toughened. Toughening antique mirror glass is definitely worth considering if the glass will be near a direct heat source, for example, a gas hob or Aga.
As with standard mirror glass, edges can be polished, chamfered, mitred or bevelled to a depth from the edge of the glass. All our glass is supplied with standard polished edges to prevent the risk of injury as this removes the sharpness of the cut edges.
Given the value of antiqued mirror glass, it's often worth thinking through the fixing options carefully. Mirror adhesive is the straightforward, permanent option for most flat walls, but if you want the flexibility of moving the panel(s) to another location then screwing them to the wall is a good alternative. This requires holes to be made in the glass when it is first being cut. Once in situ, the screws themselves can be covered with decorative screw caps.
The lead times for distressed mirror glass varies from 2 weeks for ready-made antique mirror styles to 6 weeks for hand finished antique mirror styles, depending on a number of different factors including the volume required.
The cost for antique mirror glass is considerably higher than standard mirror glass. Handmade antiqued mirror is the most expensive option due to the time and process involved in making these styles. The costs for our handmade styles start from £588 + VAT per square meter, with additional costs for toughening and processing.
Our ready-made antique mirror styles offer a more cost-effective alternative with prices ranging between £294 and £467 + VAT per square meter.
The costs of antique mirror glass mean that getting the measurements right the first time is crucial. If you're putting a number of panels together, particularly on a wall, it is worthwhile having a full, professional survey done to ensure all the measurements are accurate. Most companies that supply distressed mirror glass offer such a service.
Depending on the complexity of the project, it is well worth using the services of a professional installer to ensure the panels are carefully fitted, aligned and flush.
Click here to learn more about Antique Mirrors, or why not pop into our Antique Mirror Glass projects gallery and take a look at the different styles of antique mirror glass that we can provide.
