The Antique Style Mirror You'd Be Thrilled To Find At The Thrift Store

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Is there anything quite like the thrill of finding something at your local thrift store that you just know will be perfect in your home? Whether you're looking for something practical or purely decorative, keeping desired objects top of mind while shopping is key. That way, you can keep your eyes peeled for specific colors, materials, styles, or textures and not miss something on the cluttered shelves. For example, let's say you want to decorate with mirrors. Thrifting is the best way to snap up unique, high-quality decor items at affordable prices, like a replica cast iron mirror or, if you're really lucky, a genuine antique.

Cast iron is an ideal material for home use for many reasons. First, it is highly durable. Unlike wood, which can warp or get eaten by pests, cast iron is nearly unbreakable and boasts high heat tolerance. You can expect it to last a lifetime — and potentially far longer than that. Genuine antique cast iron pieces have a charming orange patina of iron oxide (or rust) that only gets better with age, bringing unique character to modern homes. It's limited to the surface of the piece and can help protect against further corrosion. Plus, mirrors with cast iron frames and bases aren't simply decorative — they're practical decor pieces you can use daily if you wish. If you find an old cast iron mirror while thrifting, don't pass it up. Take the sturdy, aesthetically pleasing piece home and style it in pretty much any room.

Before you can display your thrifted cast iron tabletop mirror, you need to clean it. Gently scrub the cast iron with a soft brush and fresh water, focusing on the areas with built-up grime. If that signature rust-like patina is present and you're not a fan, spread a layer of ketchup on the metal frame. The acid will break down the rust, making it easy to remove. Let the ketchup-covered mirror sit untouched for a few hours, and then gently scrub the surface with the same soft brush you used earlier. Afterwards, allow the cast iron to dry completely.  Use a cloth to coat the surface with cooking oil or a finishing wax, like Trewax Clear Paste Wax with Carnauba, to prevent rusting.

When styling this thrift-store find, make a list of the best spots to install a mirror in your home that are practical and pretty. Mirrors are inherently functional decor — placing them somewhere simply for aesthetics alone is a bit of a waste. For example, place your cast iron mirror on your bathroom vanity for shaving or doing your makeup. To make the piece stand out on a living room credenza, pair it with a mirrored tray and some Art Deco bronze figurines. Situate the mirror on your entryway console table to show it off to guests, check your appearance as you leave the house, and brighten a dark space with reflected light. Add a catch-all for your keys and coins to make your entryway more functional.