Mirrors from all eras can be items of great beauty, but salvage mirrors can offer a sense of history and personality that new pieces simply cannot recreate.

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Salvage mirrors can have great value because they are unique, collectible or of high-quality, but they can also be appreciated for factors that price tags cannot measure, such as their aesthetic appeal or history.

Choosing a Salvage Mirror

Browsing what’s on offer from dedicated mirror suppliers or architectural salvage specialists can be a mind-boggling affair if you don’t have a clear idea of the type of mirror you want and need. Think about size, shape, material, period and the function you want it to perform.

A degree of flexibility may also be required, however, as by their nature suppliers of architectural antiques such as http://www.periodhomesni.com/products/architectural-antiques.html do not specialise in mass-produced collections. Instead, you may have to wait some time to source the ideal item or be prepared to compromise on your requirements.

There is also the possibility that you will be enticed into buying something that you didn’t even realise you couldn’t live without just because you love its history, look, craftsmanship or uniqueness.

Some damage on salvage mirrors can add to their appeal, but it is important to buy from a reputable dealer if you want to know as much as possible about your chosen item. A good supplier will want to tell you as much as possible about the mirror you are interested in and will be honest about any damage and whether it has been re-silvered or re-gilded, for example.

Care and Restoration

It is very important to clean salvage mirrors with care, especially expensive items, to ensure that you do not diminish either their value or their beauty.

You should also ensure that they are sited in locations where they are unlikely to be damaged accidentally. You certainly don’t want to find yourself in a position similar to that of a handyman accused of damaging the Earl of Dudley’s antique mirror, as described in the Mail Online at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3435821/Earl-Dudley-claims-handyman-employed-bleed-radiator-ended-shattering-valuable-5ft-tall-antique-mirror.html and the Mirror newspaper at http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/real-life-del-boy-drama-7325609.

Natural cleaning options can often be the best choice when caring for older mirrors, which can be damaged by harsher products and modern chemicals. Another way to prevent damage is to ensure that any restorations are carried out by professionals only.