Silver Leaf Mirrors - Are They Worth the Investment?

We all know that mirrors can play an integral part in interior design.  But when it comes to silver leaf mirrors, how do you know if they are worth the investment?  You may be on a limited budget, so you have to consider your purchase carefully.  There are lots of silver framed mirrors out there, so now the question is... do you want a true silver leaf mirror or do you just want a silver mirror?

To start, it is important to consider the type of design that you feel is personally important.  There are many homeowners who consider the elements of their home decor to be temporary, things to be changed out frequently.  There are others who simply don't see the point in spending more than a given amount for certain design pieces.  For these people, a real silver leaf mirror is probably not the best purchase for them.  

Next, there are the homeowners who put great thought and effort into the design of the home.  These people usually choose a design scheme that will continue to feel fresh and timeless and will last for years to come as a result.  They likely see that investing in higher end or better quality pieces will give them the true look and feel that they want in their space.  Now these are the people for whom a real silver leaf mirror will be a very worthwhile investment.

So why wouldn’t everyone enjoy a mirror made with real silver leaf?

To answer that, let’s consider the nature of this type of mirror.

Historically, silver and gold leaf were used exclusively for royalty and for the very wealthy.  In other words, they have been on the expensive side.  While it is more affordable than ever to buy decorative items made with real precious metal leaf, their very nature tends to make them more of a high-end element in any room.  Depending on the size and style of these types of mirror frames, the overall cost of these mirrors might not be realistic for everyone’s budget.

What are you really getting for your investment?

Mirror and picture frames that incorporate real gold and silver leaf are designed and made to last for years and even for generations to come.  And yes, the metal leaf that is used on them is real gold and silver.  These types of frames are typically made in the same fashion as fine furniture and they will age with character becoming cherished heirlooms just like quality antiques.  

Cheaper mirror frames that are gold and silver are usually plastic.  Now, while there is absolutely nothing wrong with purchasing a plastic framed mirror (some of them look really great), you have to remember that there are some limitations to plastic.  You have to be incredibly careful hanging a plastic framed mirror on a fireplace or heater wall because the heat will weaken the plastic and could result in a disastrous fall.  When this happens, there is no repair option like there is for a wood-framed mirror.  You will have to throw the frame away and buy a new one.  So consider this before you spend the money.

What does it all boil down to?

For those who enjoy decorative elements that make a strong statement and will also give them a huge return on their investment, silver leaf mirrors are a perfect choice.  Also, keep in mind that the soft tone of silver means that it will fit well in almost every design style imaginable.  So, in the end, not only do silver leaf mirrors fit well into any type of decor style but they also show that the homeowner has put great thought and effort into the design of their home - a design that will likely be enjoyed for years to come.