Gold Mirrors

Not all gold finishes are alike. Bright gold reflects a lot of light and stands out from a distance: it suits dark rooms and dressier interiors. Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, offers a softer, slightly rosy gold that develops a patina over time. Antique gold, with darker tones, imitates old frames and goes with moldings. Look at the photos on each product page to judge the true shade; screen lighting often makes them look brighter.

A thin gold frame is the most versatile: a simple line of gold around the glass, with no visual weight. It suits a contemporary, warm Japandi or boho chic interior. Moldings belong to another register: the overmantel above a fireplace, the antique-style mirror in a period apartment, the Art Deco fan in an entryway. The metal sunburst sits between the two, more decorative than functional.

Gold goes with medium and dark woods, marble, velvet, and sage green, navy or terracotta walls. On a pure white wall, it looks colder: a slightly off-white suits it better. Mixing metals works, as long as one dominates: a gold mirror with brass handles and a black lamp, yes; three different golds on the same wall, no. One gold mirror per wall is enough to set the tone. Think about the light too: facing a window, the frame shines by day; near a shaded lamp, it takes on a warmer, almost amber tone in the evening that softens the whole room.

A large gold mirror above a fireplace follows the width of the mantel, minus 4 to 8 in (10 to 20 cm). Above a console or sideboard, the two-thirds rule applies, with 6 to 10 in (15 to 25 cm) between the top and the bottom of the frame. The 16 in (40 cm) gold round fits in a powder room, above a small sink or in a gallery arrangement. The gold floor mirror warms a bedroom, placed near a lamp whose glow it will reflect.

Gilding dislikes water, household cleaners and rubbing. Dust the frame with a dry microfiber cloth, or a soft brush for moldings. For the glass, spray the cleaner on the cloth, never on the mirror, and stop a few millimeters short of the frame. Ban ammonia, vinegar and abrasive sponges on gold metal: they dull the finish for good. Gold aluminum frames do not rust and keep their color: a dry cloth is enough.