Eglomise mirrors are a unique combination of decorative glass, precious metal leaf and traditional craftsmanship.
At Altitude Glass, we create bespoke eglomise mirrors by applying fine metal leaf to the reverse of the glass, building up the finish by hand to create a luxurious surface with depth, warmth and character.
From subtle champagne-gold finishes to intricate decorative designs, every eglomise mirror is individually made to order. The result is a piece of glass that is both functional and decorative — designed to become a feature within an interior rather than simply a reflective surface.
Our eglomise mirrors are created for interior designers, architects, furniture makers, hospitality projects, retail interiors and luxury residential schemes throughout the UK.
Eglomise is a traditional decorative technique in which metal leaf is applied to the reverse of glass.
Gold leaf is carefully applied by hand to create the desired design and finish before the glass is backed and transformed into a reflective decorative mirror.
Because the decoration is created behind the glass, the finished surface has an unusual sense of depth. The metal appears to sit within the glass rather than simply being painted onto its surface.
Light reflects through the glass and interacts with the metallic finish, creating a warmth and luminosity that is very different from a conventional silver mirror.
The technique has been used for centuries, but our approach combines this traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design and modern glass processing.
Every eglomise mirror begins with the glass.
The choice of glass has an important influence on the finished appearance. We can work with clear, low-iron and tinted glass depending on the colour, tone and character required for the project.
Low-iron glass can be particularly effective where a clean, luxurious appearance is required, allowing the colour of the metal leaf to remain clear and vibrant.
The glass can be manufactured to bespoke dimensions and processed to suit its final application, including polished or bevelled edges, holes and cut-outs.
The reverse surface of the glass is carefully prepared before the decorative process begins.
This is an important part of creating a high-quality finish. The surface needs to be exceptionally clean and carefully handled before the metal leaf is applied.
Eglomise is a meticulous process, and the preparation of the glass is just as important as the gilding itself.
The defining stage of the process is the application of the metal leaf.
Fine sheets of gold leaf are carefully applied by hand to the reverse of the glass.
Gold leaf is exceptionally delicate, so the process requires patience, precision and a controlled environment.
Depending on the specification, we can use different gold tones to achieve anything from a rich traditional gold through to softer champagne and warmer contemporary finishes.
The leaf is carefully positioned and applied to build the required coverage and pattern.
This is a genuinely handcrafted process. Every piece is individually worked rather than produced as a standard printed or manufactured finish.
Once the gilding is complete, further layers are applied to the reverse of the glass to develop the final appearance and protect the decorative surface.
The combination of glass, metal leaf and backing creates the characteristic depth of an eglomise mirror.
The finish can be developed to be clean and contemporary or given a more aged and atmospheric appearance, depending on the requirements of the project.
Subtle variations within the leaf are part of the beauty of the process.
They give the finished mirror an individuality that cannot be replicated by a mass-produced decorative coating.
An eglomise mirror behaves differently from a conventional mirror.
The metallic surface introduces warmth into the reflection, while the layers behind the glass create depth and subtle variation.
As natural or artificial light changes throughout the day, the appearance of the mirror can change with it.
This makes eglomise particularly effective in interiors where the glass is intended to contribute to the overall atmosphere of the space.
Rather than being simply reflective, it becomes part of the interior design.
Every project can be developed around the requirements of the space.
Eglomise mirrors can be created for:
We can manufacture individual panels or produce multiple pieces as part of a larger design scheme.
Gold does not have to mean a single colour.
Different gold leaf tones can dramatically change the character of an eglomise mirror.
Champagne Gold
Soft, warm and understated, ideal for contemporary luxury interiors.
Rich Gold
A stronger and more traditional metallic finish that creates a dramatic statement.
Subtle Metallic Gold
A softer interpretation where the gold is intended to complement rather than dominate the interior.
The choice of glass beneath and the backing layers can also influence the final appearance, allowing the finish to be tailored to the individual project.
One of the greatest advantages of handcrafted eglomise is that it does not have to conform to a standard size, pattern or finish.
We can work from your interior concept, architectural drawings or design ideas to create a bespoke mirror specifically for your project.
Whether you are looking for a simple gilded surface or an intricate decorative pattern, we can discuss the design, glass, dimensions, gold finish and processing requirements with you.
For furniture makers and joiners, eglomise can also be incorporated into bespoke pieces to create highly distinctive doors, panels and table surfaces.
Eglomise is not simply a decorative coating applied to glass.
It is a layered process involving glass preparation, hand-applied metal leaf and carefully developed backing layers.
Every stage contributes to the final appearance.
The slight variations created during the hand-gilding process give each panel its own character, making every finished piece individual.
For designers and clients looking for something beyond standard mirror glass, eglomise offers an opportunity to introduce genuine craftsmanship and luxury into an interior.
We create handcrafted eglomise mirrors for designers, architects, furniture makers, hospitality and luxury interiors.
From a single bespoke panel to a complete interior scheme, we can develop the glass around your design requirements.
Have a particular colour, size, pattern or finish in mind?
Contact Altitude Glass to discuss your project and create a bespoke eglomise mirror made specifically for your interior.
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