Mirrors might seem simple at first glance, but their creation is a fascinating mix of science and craftsmanship. Before they find their way into our homes—brightening spaces and adding depth—they start as raw panes of glass. Here's a closer look at how mirrors are made, and how Frametolia transforms them into framed works of art.
Step 1: It All Starts With Float Glass
Before a mirror can reflect anything, it must begin with optically flawless glass. The most common type used is float glass—named after the innovative method used to create it.
How float glass is made:
- Raw materials—mostly silica sand, soda ash, limestone, and dolomite—are melted at extremely high temperatures in a furnace.
- The molten glass is then floated over a bath of molten tin. Because the tin is heavier, the glass spreads out smoothly on top, forming an even, perfectly flat sheet.
- As it moves down a controlled cooling path (called the annealing lehr), the glass solidifies without warping or imperfections.
- Once cooled, the sheets are cut to standard or custom sizes and checked for clarity and uniform thickness.
This method ensures the glass is crystal-clear, distortion-free, and ready for its transformation into a mirror.
Step 2: Turning Glass Into a Mirror
Now that we have the float glass, the mirror-making process can begin.
The silvering process:
- The back of the glass is cleaned meticulously to remove dust or residue.
- A thin layer of silver is chemically applied to create reflectivity.
- Next, a protective layer of copper is added to shield the silver from corrosion.
- Finally, the back is coated with multiple layers of special paint, locking everything in place and preventing damage.
Silver-backed mirrors are known for their exceptional clarity, giving you a true, bright reflection every time.
Step 3: Turning Mirrors Into a Work of Art
Once the completed mirror panes arrive at our workshop, we elevate them from raw utility to luxury decor pieces with our signature handcrafted frames.
Why Frametolia mirrors stand out:
- Luxury Italian Moulding: We frame each mirror using solid wood mouldings made by artisans in Italy, known for their heritage-quality craftsmanship
- Eco-Conscious Craftsmanship: Our frames use sustainably harvested wood, with water-based finishes that are safer for your home and the planet. You won't find any plastic fillers or poly in our mirror frames.
- Custom Cuts, Flawless Joints: Each frame is cut and assembled in-house locally by our team with precision and care.
- Aesthetic Versatility: Choose from a curated range of finishes—from soft matte whites to deep charcoals and warm walnut browns—to suit any interior style.
Mirrors Made with Precision, Framed with Passion
At Frametolia, every mirror tells a story—of precision, craftsmanship, and timeless design. From the careful creation of float glass to the hand-finishing of our Italian wood frames, we’re committed to offering mirrors that are as functional as they are beautiful. Whether you're decorating a modern loft, a cozy cottage, or a minimalist studio, our luxury wood framed mirrors bring refined elegance and lasting quality to any room. Explore our Mirror collection and discover how a thoughtfully crafted mirror can transform your space. Happy Decorating!
