The Show-Stopping Vintage Mirror That's Making A Major Comeback

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Mirrors have long reigned as a popular element in interiors, from the lavishness of the famed Versailles Hall of Mirrors to smaller versions in homes that fill a variety of needs from simple wall decor to wardrobe staple. Decorative mirrors, in particular, with their interesting and elaborate frames, are always a beautiful element to add to your decor. This includes stylish vintage sunburst or starburst models, which have remained a popular design element throughout the past several centuries. These unique accents are once again having a moment among designers and homemakers, filtering into homes with a variety of aesthetics. The distinctive mirrors can be identified by their center circular mirror panel and their wide radiating rays that resemble a starburst or sunburst moving outward from the perimeter.

The roots of these popular mirrors likely goes all the way back to the French "Sun King," Louis XIV, whose reign was associated with a sunburst motif that dominated French design and the royal residences. Even before that, radiating lines had been a popular element in religious art, where saints and other figures could be spotted with radiating halos. The first starburst mirrors for homes began appearing in the mid-19th century, when increased manufacturing meant that decor items, like mirrors, were more accessible and affordable. These starbursts later became a popular Art Deco motif that remained abundant through the mid-century modern era of design, where they could often be found hanging above sleek and modern couches.

Their sheer endurance over the centuries means it's not too terribly difficult to find antique and vintage versions of these mirrors in secondhand marketplaces. While rare Victorian and Art Deco starburst mirrors may only be available via auction and antique dealers for several thousand dollars, more plentiful and budget-friendly 20th-century versions can sometimes be found via thrift stores, estate sales, and flea markets. You can also find recently manufactured reproductions at various price points, like this luxe Howard Elliot Antique Starburst Mirror or the more budget-friendly Cityelf Sunburst Mirror. You can also DIY a stunning starburst mirror using an inexpensive round mirror and wooden skewers or dowels. Or, make a thicker, denser sunburst mirror from clothespins and pistachio shells. 

While these mirrors come in a variety of sizes and finishes, gold or gilt is one of the most popular, making them a stunning addition whether your space is more vintage or contemporary-inspired. Some are spikier and more modern-feeling, others involve a lot of gilded details and curves that read as more elaborately traditional and vintage.

Starburst and sunburst mirrors can be a beautiful way to decorate with mirrors in your home. Larger versions of these mirrors can be used on the walls to add interest and dimension in big blank spaces like over a sofa, bed, or entertainment console. Smaller mirrors look lovely when used alone or in groupings, either as part of a gallery wall with other frames or when assembled with an array of starburst mirrors in various sizes and styles. You can also mix them with other style mirrors with similar finishes for a more eclectic look.

They're also a beautiful way to add texture and depth on a table surface, mantel, or shelf when propped up alone or with other décor in an arrangement. Very large versions can be a stunning sculptural element for an entryway console. A starburst or sunburst mirror could even make a very unique statement above a bathroom vanity as an alternative to a traditional round mirror.