Brief History of Vanity Mirrors

Vanity mirrors, whether attached to ornately decorated vanity tables or standing alone, have played an interesting role in helping people look their best for centuries. The simplest definition is a small (or large) mirror used for applying makeup. But that definition belies the level of inventiveness and craftsmanship that people have used over the years in crafting vanity mirrors as part of vanity tables or dressing room sets that embody luxury and sophistication.

Before Vanity Mirrors

While vanity mirrors have only been around for a few hundred years, vanity itself is as old as humanity. The earliest manufactured mirrors date to around 6,000 B.C. Found in modern-day Turkey, these mirrors were made of obsidian (volcanic glass) that reflected enough light to provide a person with a clear, though dim, reflection. Over time, different cultures such as the Greeks and early Chinese civilizations developed metal mirrors made of polished bronze and copper. The Venetians perfected the modern glass mirror by coating molten glass in an amalgam of tin and mercury while it cooled. From there, it spread across Europe like wildfire during the Age of Enlightenment.

The First Vanity Mirrors

Physical beauty has always been a way for elites to distinguish themselves from the masses, but this delineation took on its most extravagant dimensions in the courts of European monarchs starting in the 1600s. Aristocrats began commissioning highly decorative vanity tables, also known as toilette tables, with expensive mirrored glass built in. As these vanity tables became more in-demand, different designs proliferated. Some vanity mirrors from this period were built into tables also had wash basins, drawers, and concave mirrors that created magnification.

Modern Vanity Mirrors

In the 1920s and '30s, vanity mirrors and tables held on to their role as status symbols for the uniquely American aristocracy of film starlets. Rita Hayworth, Audrey Hepburn, Lana Turner, and others filmed scenes that showed them posing before vanities. While the ornate antiques from Europe never went away, they were overtaken by more affordable and simpler styles in the United States as vanity mirrors became commonplace in middle-class homes.

Whether you are looking to restore a 17th-century vanity table to its regal glory or build an art deco vanity that harks back to the Golden Age of Hollywood, Victorville Glass Company Inc. can help. We can cut and install mirrors from stock sheets or custom-make a pattern or curvature to fit your needs. We also provide residential window services and commercial glass services throughout the Victor Valley area. Call us today at 760-245-3456 for a free estimate on your project.

Choosing Table Top Glass: Three Factors to Consider

From classic end tables to modern dining sets, glass embodies a sleek look that complements any design style. Many types of glass can be used for table tops, but considering a few specific details can help determine the best choice.

The Intended Style 

Before deciding on a type of glass, buyers should have an idea of the overall look they want for the table as well as the room it will be in. Cut glass can be made in different shapes, sizes, and patterns to match any buyer's preferences.

The Importance of Strength

While not a necessity, tempered glass is a popular option for glass table tops because of its strength. The tempering process subjects glass to thermal and chemical treatments, making it up to seven times harder than regular glass without changing its weight or appearance. Additionally, tempered glass shatters into pebbles instead of jagged shards, making it a safer choice. Most glass table tops over 1/2 inch thick aren't tempered because their thickness provides additional strength.

The Purpose of the Table

The type of table and what it will be used for are determining factors when choosing the thickness of glass table tops. They often come in the following thicknesses:

• 1/2 inch: The thickest cut for the heaviest loads, this option is ideal for tables that are expected to hold a significant amount of weight.
• 3/8 inch: A step thinner than the 1/2-inch option, this choice can maintain a substantial amount of weight.
• 1/4 inch: This thickness is best for small or infrequently used tables, tables with an outside frame, or as a table top cover (cut glass that rests on top of an existing table top).
• 3/16 inch: The thinnest option, this cut is recommended only for table top covers or small, light tables with supporting frames.

At Victorville Glass Company Inc., we have decades of experience providing residential and commercial customers across San Bernardino County with exceptional glass products and services. If you're considering a glass table top, give us a call today at 760-245-3456.

How to Maintain an Automatic Sliding Glass Door

An automatic sliding glass door is a common feature at offices, retail stores, and hospitals. The best sliding glass door is one that people barely notice as it efficiently and silently opens on approach. For that reason, maintaining an automatic sliding glass door to ensure that it continues to operate smoothly is essential for customer satisfaction. Here are three things any business owner or facility manager can do to keep their sliding glass doors working well.

Regular Maintenance 

While an automatic glass door shouldn't demand attention every day, there are a few things to check regularly. The safety device, either a laser sensor or a rubber leaf that will retract if it contacts something, must always be working properly. Any cracks or breaks in the glass itself should be repaired immediately. Owners and managers should also ensure that the door area is free of any obstacles.

Full Inspection and Maintenance

Aside from the regular checks, the door should be inspected and maintained at least twice a year by a qualified technician. This includes checking the door sensors to make sure they are working properly, oiling the gears and drive belts in the mechanism, and ensuring that the guide rails have not been damaged.

Keep a Record

Whether regular repair services are done by an outside team of professionals or by an experienced in-house facilities manager, it is important to keep a log book of all maintenance done. This will help identify and correct any recurring problems and provide important information for future maintenance technicians.

At Victorville Glass Company Inc., we have over 55 years of experience of glass services and sales for both residential and commercial customers. We offer 24-hour emergency repair services to get your doors open for business as soon as possible. Call us at 760-245-3456 today to learn more.

Image by Mike Kalasnik from Wikimedia Commons.