One of my favorite things to decorate with during the holidays is mercury glass, a common term for silvered glass. This is glass that was blown double walled, then silvered between the layers with a liquid silvering solution and sealed.
"Mercury" silvered glass was produced originally from around 1840 until at least 1930 and often decorated with a variety of techniques including painting, enameling, etching, and engraving. Martha Stewart has some really nice information on the history of the glass at their website.
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| Image: Martha Stewart Living |
True antique mercury glass is very collectible and can get expensive, but to be honest, I have plenty of the knockoffs that are widely available today at Pottery Barn, West Elm, Crate & Barrel, etc. I know, it's not the real thing, but when you're displaying in large groups like I do it helps to save a few dollars where you can! And I absolutely mix the new with the old.
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| A lovely collection on an antique pine sideboard. Image: Southern Living |
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| Image: Country Living |
The beautiful warm glow of mercury glass works so well in many room settings and is a great contrast with woods and painted surfaces. I keep my collection out year round.
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