Mirror, Mirror On the Wall

Regency Eagle Gilt Wood Convex Mirror

Now, there's a mouth full! This style of mirror was originally popular in America during the Federal period, 1785-1820.  It would have been carved from wood, usually using an eagle motif, gilded in gold with a convex mirror.  (Convex is when the surface of the mirror bulges forward instead of flat.) An antique convex mirror from this period could be valued at $35,000 or more!

Needless to say, this is NOT one of those!

This mirror is a Bassett Mirror Company "knock-off". A "knock-off" is when a  company takes an antique or high end piece and changes it slightly in order to legally produce it.  Usually at a much lower and more affordable price.  It happens ALL the time. In EVERY industry. My dad worked over 40 years for Bassett Furniture Industries and Bassett Mirror Co. He bought this mirror sometime around the late 60's/early 70's. I can remember it hanging in my childhood home in Virginia.  Does anyone else remember a similar mirror from your parents or grandparents home?

My Mom said she would not use it again and asked if I would like to have it. Well, YES!  Though I didn't have a clue where I would put it,I said I'll take it! So...I carefully wrapped it up and stowed it under the back seat of the car to make the trip home from North Carolina to Oklahoma. (You can imagine how delighted my husband was when I said I had something else to pack in the car! He should be used to it by now.  It happens almost every trip!)

I knew I would be happier with the mirror if the gold was toned down. I set to work painting plain black craft paint over the gold and then wiping it off to achieve the look I wanted.  Very easy! 10 minutes...tops!

Still not sure where the mirror needed to go, I carried it around the house imagining it on first this wall and then another.  I decided the alcove above my fridge was just the place! I switched around a few things and hung the mirror. This mirror is EXTREMELY heavy! So I felt safer putting it up here out of the way. 

Light plays off the mirror and really brightens up this little nook! For me, it brings a touch of sentimentality and nostalgia to my kitchen!

When we built the house, I had the electrician wire the outlet above the fridge to a switch. 

All of my above cabinet lights, along with this lamp, can easily be turned on at the switch! (I love this!) If you're like me and like to place lamps in  hard to reach places, ask your electrician if it can be wired to a switch.  Often, it can.

It's nice just to switch things up now and then.  This is a minor change, but a change of scenery is always a good thing!

Have  Blessed Day!

LINKING TO:

Power of Paint Party at Domestically Speaking

Before and After Party at DebbieDoos

Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Chic Cottage

Under $100 Party at Beyond the Picket Fence

ETBTKS at A Little Knick Knack

Frugal Friday at The Shabby Nest

Frugalicious Friday at Finding Fabulous

SNS at Funky Junk Interiors