Adding a Little Sparkle: Mercury Glass << Interior Design

In the spirit of doing more with less, I introduce to you (again) Mercury Glass. Ok probably not. When I started this post, I hadn't realized how very well-documented Mercury Glass is in the blogosphere. Ah well.

Mercury Glass has been called "poor man's silver," particularly in England. It's made by blowing glass into a double-walled mold and inserting silver in between. Rather than containing mercury (toxic and expensive) the solution is actually a silver nitrate that is poured between the two layers of glass.

via Southern Living

Mercury glass began in Europe- first Germany in the early 19th Century, then moved to France, England and finally the United States. Pieces made generally were candlesticks, vases, tumblers, goblets and the like. It was (and is!) a great tarnish-free alternative to silver.

For a bit of time (I believe in the late 1800s), it fell out of favor, being criticized as too shiny and much like a mirror. Many of the pieces were tossed or destroyed, making older pieces more rare. In the early 1900s, however, mercury glass started being used in ornaments as well as tabletop pieces. Apparently, little girls working in assembly lines (the industrial revolution wasn't always pretty!) used to paint little flowers and other decor on their pieces.

Pottery Barn

Mercury Glass is having a bit of resurgence and I've found it fascinating how the bright/shiny/silver Mercury Glass was popular first but we're now seeing more and more of the "antiqued" version. One of the things I love about Mercury Glass is how it can add easily add a bit of festivity to your decor without screaming Merry Merry like some red and green. Additionally, Mercury Glass doesn't have to be packed backed up in January. Less to store! And may I say again- no tarnishing! Most of my holiday decor is of the silver-plated variety and requires polishing before setting out.

Much of the new "antiqued" Mercury Glass is available as candleholders- votives, candlesticks, etc. or vessels - compotes, vases, etc.

Used here in Design Style from Ballard Designs. 6 votives, $55 (on sale!) And I LOVE that deer!

Get a whole mix and match set of votives....

at Jayson Home and Garden, $12 each

For a bit more value, check out Luna Bazaar- great selection of votives and ornaments.

Ballard Designs has quite a selection available...

Ballard Designs

as does Wisteria

Wisteria

Even Orvis sells Mercury Glass

via Orvis

And because it's "holiday-related" all are on sale! Of course, it would be more fun to discover mercury glass at your local vintage market or boutiques.

Mercury glass serves as a great backdrop to reds and doesn't require a lot of extra dressing up. Just take your everyday mercury glass, add candy canes, cranberries, and some red flowers and voila. Holiday.

via Country Living

via Southern Living

or doing the silver and blue thing for a cool-toned look...

via Urban Farmhouse (she has a super-cute online store and blog and I just cheered for her when she talks about the finials appearing in Country Living!)