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.

(646) 781-7979 Call us

Antique Mirror Glass

Antique mirror glass has been an effective weapon in the interior designer’s arsenal for years now, and it shows no signs of becoming unfashionable. A contrast to some of the clean cut modern designs you’ll see in recent architecture and home magazines, these decorative frames and distressed mirror panels can add a rustic feel to any room.

Antique mirror glass is a vintage style of mirror that often looks rusty or decaying. They’re great for adding that homespun feel to an office, bar or restaurant and their versatility means they can be used as a feature piece on a wall, cut into tiles or even just as a more conventional mirror.






Antiqued mirror tiles are incredibly versatile and as a result of this, there isn’t just one place where they should be used exclusively. In our experience, an antique mirror backsplash looks great in kitchens and bathrooms, but they can also look fitting in a hallway or stairwell. Similar to any other piece of furniture, the surrounding environment will have a major impact on the success of the mirror, desk, chair; whatever item it is you wish to add.

It would be great to hear your thoughts on the matter and we’d be more than happy to answer any questions you have. We can be reached on our email address and also on (646) 781-7979.

Shower Glass Doors: Stay in Control and Get the Bathroom of Your Dreams

Is a bathroom remodel on your list of 2018 spring renovations?

 According to various cost vs. value reports, it is common for homeowners to boost the resale value of their homes by 60% or more by completing bathroom remodels and bathroom additions.
 So, you’re obviously on the right track. However, in order to stay there it's best to take 2018 bathroom trends into account as well. They indicate that shower glass doors are really hot right now.


Why are shower glass doors hot this year? 
For starters, they work perfectly in infinity bath schemes. Infinity bath schemes tend to make use of glass doors, overflowing bath tubs and specialty lighting to give the illusion of an endless, serene, watery escape. Glass shower doors also fit in with other trends. Among them are salvaged décor, expanded shower spas, Japanese soaking tubs, high-tech AV systems, seated and steam shower setups.

We particularly like the high-tech shower trend. It makes it possible to include HD televisions, built-in stereos, side-tub refrigeration, chromatherapy and smart water control systems and other cool amenities into personal care experiences. However, to truly have a high-tech bathroom, it is important to find a company willing and able to customize glass enclosures. At CUSTOM ANTIQUE MIRROR NEW YORK, we can do that and more.

Our team can fabricate glass shower doors, medicine cabinet mirrors or glass, glass countertops, glass shelving, glass cabinetry and stylish backsplashes. Consequently, when it comes to glass and mirrors, you’ll be able to control every detail of your bathroom model or addition. We can work from photos of your favorite design elements or sketches that you may have created to help plan your bathroom’s new look. Plus, we can show you our gallery of previous bathroom projects that may just spark a new idea or two for you.

To learn more about having shower glass doors and other items customized for your upcoming remodel or addition, please contact us today
(646) 781-7979

Glass wall panelling

No end of different ideas: printed glass elements bring colour and pictures to bathrooms and toilets. The dimensions up to 1 500 x 3 000 mm mean that there are plenty of design alternatives. The elements can be attached directly to old tiles and brickwork. Quickly, cleanly and almost invisibly – thanks to the patented profile system. Ideal for any renovation or modernisation project. The perfect choice when a fast solution is needed for new building projects.

The large surfaces are hygienic and easy to clean. The screen printing is UV-resistant, insensitive to solvents and abrasion-resistant to DIN standards. There is a choice of any colour. Or you bring us the motif you would like – as a slide, a photo or a digital file. We turn it into photorealistic pictures in your bathroom, guest toilet, kitchen or wherever you want your ideas implemented. Mirrors, lights, back lighting combine harmoniously with WALL GLASS.

STRUCTURAL GLASS BRIDGESS

Frameless Glass Bridges

Structural walk on glass panels can be spanned across open space to create a minimal, transparent glass bridge. These structural glass bridges can be supported by minimal steel supports or high specification structural glass beams to allow these glass constructions to span large distances.

Frameless glass balustrades can be integrated into the glass bridge construction with minimal detailing to maintain the clear glass bridge construction.
If glass beams are used in the support of the glass bridge the laminated glass panels can be elongated upwards to act as the balustrade to the bridge achieving a clear finish with no visible fixings

Low Iron Glass can be used to minimise the ‘greening’ effect that can occur when installing thick layers of glass as would be used on a high specification structural glass assembly such as a glass bridge.

Glass Bridge Design

The surfaces of these walk on glass surfaces can be finished with various anti-slip coatings to create a safer structural glass assembly which is especially useful on larger external glass bridges.

Anti-slip resistance can be achieved through the use of a sandblasted finish to the external surface of the glass bridge. This will add anti-slip and will also create a translucent glass finish perfect for maintaining privacy through the walk on glass surface.

Other anti-slip finishes can be applied that maintain transparency through the structural glass installation if required.
These include specialised ceramic printing techniques to the external surface of the glass or a textured glass surface.

Phone: +1 (347) 448-5454 call away.