Dolphin Convex Mirror

As a decorative piece, an antique or vintage convex mirror draws the eye, thanks to its rounded surface.

Like other kinds of mirrors, a convex mirror can act as a focal point for a room, spicing up a traditional accent wall, for example, or as an art piece hung above a sofa in your living room. The appearance of convex mirrors has changed significantly throughout time, ranging from those in the neoclassical style with a decorative border to futurist convex mirrors with ultrasmooth or rounded shapes.

Convex mirrors were developed in 14th-century Venice and gained popularity across Europe in the following centuries. They were regularly included in portrait paintings from the time, such as Jan van Eyck’s famed Giovanni (?) Arnolfini and his Wife (1434), cementing their status as luxury objects.

The establishment of glassblowing workshops in Europe led to the availability of the dome form for convex mirrors, with the inside often coated with molten lead or tin to create a reflective surface. Even though mirrors have become easier to produce over time, the convex mirror — like any attractive Art Deco mirror, Hollywood Regency–style mirror or dramatic wall mirror — remains a sought-after item.

Find the perfect antique and vintage convex mirror for your home on 1stDibs.