The witch’s eye mirror: what is it?
The witch’s mirror is a curved mirror that has had different names over time. It became popular in the 15the century. We then know it under the name “banker’s mirror”. Indeed, bankers commonly used it to monitor their clients, whom they could keep an eye on without having to leave their office.
In other words, the convex mirror is the ancestor of our modern security systems! The banker’s mirror is even found on many Flemish paintings of the period. It is notably the central element of a famous work: The Arnolfini Spouses, by Jan Van Eyck (1434).
Only, here it is: since Antiquity, the mirror has had a bad reputation. Associated with witchcraft, it is suspected of being able to imprison the soul of the person who contemplates it, or even to open a door to the afterlife.
Is it because of this sulphurous reputation, or his way of distorting the things he reflects? Difficult to say! But the curved mirror came to be called a “witch’s eye,” or “witch’s mirror.” It must be said that the bourgeois claim to use it to monitor their servants.
The witch’s eye mirror takes on a warmer look in 17e century: it is then decorated with a golden frame imitating rays of sunlight. It is then renamed “sun mirror”. It is also in this solar form that the witch’s eye mirror came back into fashion in the 1940s.
The witch’s eye mirror is still popular today because it boosts brightness, even in the darkest spaces. The ideal is then to install it near the window, of course! Also think about artificial light, for example by placing a table lamp or candles near it.
How to adopt the witch mirror at home?
The witch’s eye mirror is one of the essential pieces for adopting a vintage or baroque decoration. However, it comes in a contemporary minimalist version, very in line with 2024 trends!
All shrouded in mystery, the traditional witch’s mirror finds its natural place in a cabinet-of-curiosity style decoration. In recent years, we have seen it regularly in interiors with a Dark Academia look. It must be said that this type of atmosphere with gothic accents favors deep colors, and the witch’s eye mirror nicely circulates the light.
The wall of mirrors is a perfect alternative to the wall of frames to decorate the house, because it accentuates the brightness and enlarges the room. The challenge, however, is to bring together sufficiently varied pieces to create a harmonious and original composition. Here is the perfect opportunity to adopt the witch’s eye mirror! It is particularly associated with vintage mirrors in a shabby chic decoration.
The original witch mirror comes in a wide variety of formats and designs. It is always smart to collect them to create an asymmetrical composition. The ideal is to combine different sizes. Depending on the style of your interior, you can opt for a uniform look, or combine frames in black wood and gold colors.
Round and domed, the witch’s eye mirror naturally evokes a bubble. In large format or in a trio, it constitutes a beautiful alternative to the classic gilded mirror to decorate the fireplace, which then gains in lightness.
The model that has been gaining ground in recent years is the large to very large witch’s eye mirror. Set in a wooden or gilded frame, it advantageously replaces the large round mirror in a classic chic interior.
From now on, the witch mirror is not afraid to make an impact. The antique mirror effect is great in an industrial atmosphere. It also offers a great opportunity to add a twist to an Arty or retro decoration.
Able to adapt perfectly to its times, the contemporary witch’s eye mirror not only displays XL dimensions, but also a minimalist design. It frees itself from the frame, and it is part of the current trend of colored mirrors. Modernized, it attracts more attention than ever, and it can be made the focal point of the living room, bedroom or dining room, by installing it on the wall opposite the door.
Adopt baroque decoration? Nothing could be simpler with the sun mirror – which we choose in a gold version, of course! To achieve your effect, simply opt for a large model: let it attract all eyes by installing it above the chest of drawers, fireplace or sideboard. In a maximalist interior, we integrate it into a wall decoration in mix and match with frames.
The minimalist and colorful witch’s eye mirror perfectly enhances the ultra-contemporary interior. This type of piece is also great in combination with the console to create a stylish entrance, as well as above the bed in the bedroom.