What Makes a Mirror a Mirror?

We take them for granted, but there is more to mirrors than meets the eye. Here’s why Custom Antique Mirror loves mirrors, and you should too!

History of Mirrors

A mirror is typically made of glass with a flat or curvy surface, and has a reflective covering over it. Mirrors aren’t only for appearance; they are also used in many technological and scientific components.

Before mirrors were manufactured, pools of water were often used to see a reflection. Mirrors date back to completely raw products, as polished stones, metals and black volcanic glass obsidian were used for this purpose.  

How Mirrors Are Made

There’s just a few components needed to make a mirror, including pure silver nitrate, distilled water and ammonia. Some differences occur during the production of commercial mirrors.

First, a small amount of silver nitrate is dissolved in distilled water, with the addition of diluted ammonia until the mixture visibly changes. A different mixture of Rochelle salts and silver nitrate is boiled and filtered. The mixtures are then poured onto a properly heated piece of glass and ready to dry. To preserve the silver, a coat of paint is often added to the back of the glass.

Benefits of Mirrors

Mirrors serve many different purposes, and that’s why we think they are so great! Here are some reasons why mirrors should be incorporated into your home or business:

• Mirrors make the room appear larger.
• Mirrors make a statement. The styles, sizes and designs are extensive, which makes it easy to incorporate into just about any space.
• Mirrors attract more lighting from surrounding windows. The light reflects off of the mirror with brightens the rest of the room.
• Mirrors near the door or hallway are helpful when rushing out the door. If you have a meeting or heading to lunch, it can’t hurt to make sure you’re looking your best!

Custom Mirrors

Custom Antique Mirror professionals have years of experience when it comes to custom glass solutions! Our experts can cut just about any size and shape of glass you need. Mirrored walls, backsplashes and statement mirrors are popular items our customers enjoy.

For expert assistance in glass-related items, contact Custom Antique Mirror today! We offer in-home consultations to find out the best locations to place mirrors.

Clear Wire Glass

Anyone involved in even the simplest restoration, often finds themselves in search of original vintage glass perhaps for a broken glass door panel, or even an upgrade to a farmhouse chic look for their kitchen cabinetry and finds themselves searching for sources of this hard to find commodity. 

Olde Good Things has been reclaiming  wire glass for years from many old factories and buildings and has become a reliable source for various styles of this unique architectural element.

Reclaimed Clear Wire Glass




Rescued from the dark depths of famous, industrial sites throughout the United States, our vintage  wire glass has character and history.


With durability that doubles in comparison to regular glass,  wire glass, also known as safety glass, is also shatterproof, making it perfect for those notorious cabinet slammers in your house.



Wire glass works especially well when used for wine cabinets and china cabinets. 
This glass intercepts over 99% of ultraviolet rays, protecting wine from rancidity and family heirlooms and pictures from discoloration caused by exposure to direct sunlight.


From a thesis entitled: 

WIRE GLASS: HISTORY OF TECHNOLOGY & DEVELOPMENT by KONSTANDENA KEFALLINOS

“The Industrial Revolution was a period of amazing evolution in the history of glass manufacture.  Plate glass technology allowed for new design and building construction concepts, but this was an imperfect technology.

 As the brilliant minds of the Revolution struggled to grapple with the obstacles posed by plate glass, wire glass was eventually developed. 

This new glass type spread across the United States in subsequent years, and eventually wire glass was associated with safety given its fire retardant and shatterproof qualities.  

Wire glass was technically incredibly difficult to produce, especially in mass production, and although inventors experimented with various treatments and patterns, wire glass remained and was comparatively expensive (though people generally believed the safety benefits outweighed the costs). Wire glass fell into disfavor during the World Wars as it was replaced by newer types of glass that were more economical, but recent trends have sparked renewed interest in the use and hence preservation of wire glass. 

Original methods of wire glass manufacture using early wire netting patterns no longer exist…”

Thus we have made it one of the top salvage priorities to reclaim this glass and make it available once again for public use.

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