Welcome to Carolina Mirror! We are a family-owned business located in the beautiful state of North Carolina, dedicated to creating stunning handcrafted mirrors using centuries-old techniques passed down through generations.
Our story begins over 50 years ago, when our founder, John Smith, first learned the art of mirror making from his grandfather. As a child, John would spend hours in his grandfather’s workshop, fascinated by the intricate process of cutting and beveling glass, silvering mirrors, and crafting elegant frames. He fell in love with the craft and dreamed of one day starting his own mirror business.
In 1972, after apprenticing with his grandfather for many years, John finally opened the doors of Carolina Mirror in a small workshop in Raleigh, NC. In the beginning, it was just John and his wife Anne creating mirrors by hand for local homes and businesses. But word of their impeccable craftsmanship quickly spread, and demand for their mirrors increased rapidly.
Over the next few decades, the company grew into a thriving family business. John and Anne’s children grew up learning the techniques of mirror making, and many of them joined the business as adults. As their reputation flourished, Carolina Mirror expanded across North Carolina and began serving clients nationwide.
Today, Carolina Mirror is proudly run by John and Anne’s grandchildren, carrying on the family tradition into a third generation of master artisans. We have a 10,000 square foot workshop equipped with modern tools and technology, while still relying on traditional handcrafting methods. Our team of experienced mirror makers are devoted to their craft, putting care and skill into every mirror we produce.
Our Mirror Making Process
At Carolina Mirror, we are dedicated to creating mirrors of unparalleled quality and beauty. To achieve this, we adhere to the same meticulous mirror making process that our grandfather taught us over 50 years ago:
Cutting and Beveling the Glass
We source our glass from the finest suppliers to ensure optimal clarity and quality. Our glass is carefully cut to size using specialized tools and equipment. Next, we grind, smooth, and polish the edges of the glass by hand to achieve a clean beveled edge. Our beveled edges are a signature detail of Carolina Mirror pieces.
Silvering the Glass
The silvering process applies the reflective coating to the back of the glass. We use only the highest grade silver nitrate and follow a multi-step chemical process to evenly coat each mirror. This ensures a brilliant, distortion-free reflection.
Crafting the Frame
Our frames are handcrafted from premium American hardwoods like cherry, walnut, and maple. Our skilled woodworkers cut, join, and carve the wood to create elegant frame designs that complement each mirror’s unique style. We hand-finish every frame using artisanal techniques like staining, painting, antiquing, and gilding.
Quality Control and Inspection
Throughout every step of production, our mirrors undergo rigorous quality control checks. We carefully examine the glass, silvering, and frame at multiple stages to ensure they meet our strict quality standards. Every mirror we create passes through the hands of our expert inspectors before leaving our workshop.
Custom Design and Build
In addition to our signature mirror collection, we also offer fully customized mirrors made to order. Clients can work directly with our designers to create a one-of-a-kind mirror tailored to their unique needs and style. From concept to installation, we will oversee your custom mirror project every step of the way.
Our meticulous mirror making process results in works of art that will become cherished heirlooms. Each Carolina Mirror piece is built to last for generations.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
At Carolina Mirror, we are deeply committed to sustainability. Our goal is to reduce our environmental impact while continuing to create beautiful handcrafted mirrors. Here are some of the ways we integrate sustainability into our mirror making:
- We source recycled glass whenever possible to reduce waste.
- Our wood comes from responsibly managed forests. We never use old-growth or endangered woods.
- We use low-VOC, water-based finishes on our frames to minimize emissions.
- We closely monitor our energy use, recycling 100% of glass waste and using LED lighting.
- We offer re-silvering services to give existing mirrors new life vs. sending them to the landfill.
- We utilize sustainable packaging like recycled cardboard and paper.
As a family-run small business, we feel responsible for how our craft impacts the environment. We are committed to continuous improvement in sustainability through new innovations and partnerships with ethical suppliers.
Our Talented Team
The skilled artisans of Carolina Mirror are the heart of our company. Most of our mirror makers come from multi-generational families who have been practicing the craft for decades. Their mastery of traditional techniques is unmatched. Our team includes:
- Master Glass Cutters & Bevelers: They have a keen eye for precision and the hand-eye coordination to perfectly shape glass. Many of them learned their skills as teenagers working alongside fathers and grandfathers.
- Expert Woodworkers: These craftsmen transform raw wood into stunning frames. Their joinery, carving, and finishing skills bring each design to life. They take pride in their work and treat each piece as a work of art.
- Polishers & Platers: It takes patience and care to achieve a distortion-free mirror reflection. Our polishers and platers find zen in their meticulous work, having honed their technique over many years.
- Lead Designers: Combining outstanding creative vision with a deep respect for the craft, our designers develop stunning new collections and custom mirrors. They are always exploring ways to push our artistry forward.
In addition to their technical skills, our people are bonded by their passion for the art of mirror making. Many describe it as their true calling and couldn’t imagine doing any other work. We are truly a family, committed to upholding the Carolina Mirror legacy.
Why Choose Handcrafted Mirrors?
In an age of mass-production and disposable goods, a handcrafted Carolina Mirror is a rare find. When you choose an artisanal mirror, you bring the beauty of handmade craftsmanship into your home. Here are a few key benefits of our handcrafted mirrors versus mass-produced options:
- Heirloom Quality: Our mirrors are built to become treasured heirlooms passed down for generations. We use solid, durable materials and time-honored techniques that stand the test of time.
- Artistic Beauty: Our skilled artisans shape each mirror with care and attention to detail. Their human touch creates subtle, natural imperfections that enhance the beauty and character of each piece.
- Custom Options: We can create mirrors tailored to your unique specifications. From size, shape, and frame design to finish and detail work, we will work with you one-on-one to fulfill your vision.
- Sustainability: Our small-batch production has a lower carbon footprint than mass manufacturing. And purchasing handcrafted pieces supports local artisans.
- Connection to Heritage: Our timeless craft harkens back to bygone eras when goods were made to last. Owning a Carolina Mirror allows you to feel connected to the legacy of expert artisanship.
When you choose a Carolina Mirror, you bring a piece of living history into your life. Our mirrors will become focal points, admired for their craftsmanship and simple elegance for generations to come.
Explore Our Collections
We invite you to browse our handcrafted mirror collections showcasing our signature styles and most popular designs.
Beveled Edge Mirrors
Our beveled edge mirrors represent the essence of Carolina Mirror. Featuring our hand-cut beveled glass edges that refract light softly, these elegant mirrors coordinate beautifully with any decor. We offer a range of shapes like ovals, circles, rectangles, and more.
Antique Reproduction Mirrors
For these stunning mirrors, our artisans recreate the ornate style of antique mirrors using modern materials built to last. Elaborate frames with hand-carved detailing, gold or silver leaf finishes, and beveled glass capture the opulence of Rococo, Baroque, and other classical styles.
Rustic Farmhouse Mirrors
With clean lines, natural wood frames, and subtle distressing, our farmhouse mirrors reflect the cozy minimalism and timeworn charm of modern farmhouse style. We use reclaimed barn woods combined with our signature beveled glass to create rustic statement pieces.
Modern and Contemporary Mirrors
Our contemporary mirror collections feature bold lines, geometric shapes, and metallic accents fitting sophisticated, minimalist spaces. We enhance sleek modern designs with handcrafted detailing like mitered beveled edges.
Bathroom Mirrors
From rectangular vanity mirrors to unique statement pieces, we design mirrors suited for steamy bathroom environments. Our damp-rated mirrors resist fogging. And non-porous finishes prevent mildew buildup.
Mirrors for Every Room
In addition to mirrors for bathrooms, our artisans create stunning mirrors ideal for entryways, bedrooms, dining rooms, living spaces, offices, and more. Browse our entire catalog to find your perfect mirror!
Working with Designers and Builders
We offer exceptional wholesale opportunities for interior designers, home builders, and property owners undertaking new construction or renovation projects.
With Carolina Mirror, you gain access to:
- Volume discounts on orders of 2+ mirrors.
- Dedicated account rep to manage your project and fulfillment.
- Sample ordering to view pieces in person before purchase.
- CAD design services to create 3D models and technical drawings.
- Short lead times with rush order options.
- Tailored payment terms like progress payments.
- Direct shipping to installation sites.
Please contact us to inquire about opening a trade account to access special designer discounts. We are thrilled to collaborate with you on stunning mirror installations nationwide.
Proudly Made in North Carolina
For over 50 years, our family has called North Carolina home. We take tremendous pride in being a local small business providing jobs that support North Carolinian families. When you choose a Carolina Mirror, you help sustain generations of families devoted to the craft of mirror making.
We feel fortunate to live and work in such a beautiful place. The rich history and natural beauty of North Carolina inspire our artistry. We love being surrounded by people who truly appreciate handmade items and small-town values.
Thank you for considering Carolina Mirror. Please contact us if you would like to learn more about our story and explore our collections. We look forward to helping you find the perfect mirror!
