Trumeau Wall Mirrors

By Mer, on September 9th, 2009

bowers-swedish-0908-1_lg Louis XVI Painted and Parcel-Gilt Trumeau Seller Phyllis Washington Antiques The trumeau mirror originated in France during the 18th century and are as popular today as they were then. Trumeau mirrors were intended to hang on the wall between windows providing a decorative element to the wall as well as serve a purpose of bringing in more light. Most antique trumeau mirrors are found painted, as the style of most homes during the 18th century homes were painted in rich faux work with ornate plaster frieze that ornamented the walls.

{Louis XVI Painted and Parcel-Gilt Trumeau Seller Phyllis Washington Antiques}

19th Century French Trumeau Mirror with Painting of Boys Fishing Seller Franya Waide The trumeau mirror is quite easy to identify, as it is most often rectangular in design. The size of the mirror was dependant on the size of the mantle or the width of the wall on which the trumeau hung. Trumeau mirrors are designed where the bottom portion is the mirror itself, while the top is generally decorative. The lower portion of a trumeau is always a mirror, and placed behind a candle and served the purpose of bringing in more light in dimly lit homes. Homes were not wired for electricity, so any way of bringing in light which extended the hours of daylight was a necessity. The upper portion of a trumeau contains a relief carved design, a painting, or a second mirror.

{19th Century French Trumeau Mirror with Painting of Boys Fishing Seller Franya Waide}

Pair of painted pier trumeau mirrors Seller Kantelberg Reproductions were made during the regency period as well during the 50's when french furniture gained popularity again. You can pick up a inexpensive reproduction from the 50's and paint it to look like an antique. A genuine antique trumeau can fetch from $2,000.00 to more than $20,000.00, depending on the age, size, complexity, and style. Today trumeaux mirrors are often featured in magazines over vanities and mantels, on walls in entry ways,and halls.