Your mom or grandmother may have had one on her dresser. Vanity mirror trays, popular in the 1950’s to the 1970’s, are making a comeback in the boudoir and as display centerpieces. They can be found at flea markets and thrift stores as well as high end antique shops. Often their complexion is marred with caked makeup and nail polish spatters. I’ll share with you here how to keep the patina and get rid of the crud.
First of all, inspect the mirror for deep scratches to the glass, or wonky bends to the metal frame. Light surface wear and loss of silvering is typical as well as wear to the backer card. Disassemble the mirror, frame and backer card or easel carefully as the mirror glass often has small edge chips. Work on a dry, protected surface. Some folks advise using a non-ammonia based glass cleaner. You may need a product to remove tough adhesive residue or even an Xacto blade to remove dried nail polish on the glass.
You do not want to get water or any cleaning agent on the back or silvered side of the mirror. Carefully clean the glass side of the mirror and set aside. If you are having a new piece of mirror cut (available at your hardware store) wrap the old mirror in several layers of newspaper before disposal. A round or oval replacement mirror will cost considerably more than a rectangle.
Mirrors are held in place with either a sliding backer card as in a picture frame, small metal flanges or small brass pins. Pry the flanges carefully and avoid bending them back and forth as they will weaken. Set aside the small pins. (I line them up on a piece of adhesive tape to keep track) You’ll want to replace any backer card that is heavily damaged or mildewed with new cardboard or cardstock. The old mirror may hold a clue to the age of the vanity tray as they sometimes have a date and manufacture stamp. For instance, this one was made in Chicago by Ronco Glass in 1970.
The metal frames are often plated with golden brass, silvertone or a wash of white or pastel paint over metal. They can usually be cleaned with just soapy water and a soft toothbrush. Small areas of rust or oxidation add vintage character. Make sure the metal frame is thoroughly dry before reassembling it with the mirror.
I enjoy hunting for these old beauties and have restored and sold dozens of them in my shop. I have supplied many to brides that have used them as centerpieces for wedding tables….rectangular, round, oval and oblong. Combined with flowers and candlelight they can set a romantic mood or make an elegant beverage tray.
Written by Barbara, IonesAttic
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Thank you for this article, Barbara. My Mom gave me an oval mirrored vanity tray when I was a teenager and that tray always sat on my dresser. Your article brought back lots of good memories for me. I know I still have that tray – packed away from our last move. I'm going to have to dig it out of storage and start using it again. 😉 I think after I clean it up, I'll use it on our center island in the kitchen so I can enjoy it even more.
thanks JayDee. I don't remember having one as a kid. Maybe that's why I'm fascinated with them. I did however adore and keep the mirrored musical jewelry box that Ione, my mom gave me as a present.
I love vintage vanity trays! I have my mom’s set in my dresser and my daughter has several passed down to her by relatives. Most are complete with all accessories. Great article! Thank you.
Thanks Pam, great to know that your family has kept the mirror trays and will continue passing them down…little reflections of our mothers.
I have always admired your vanity tray listings knowing how throughly you clean and restore them for the next owner. Great info, thanks
thank you, L
It's fun to hunt for these…and as you know, a challenge to photograph!
Good to know! What a beautiful collection!
thanks for your kind words. My radar is always up for these little gems in the rough.
These vanity trays bring back so many memories. Every female in my family and extended family had one on their dresser when I was a young girl and teenager. They were almost a requirement for womanhood. Thank you, Barbara, for this interesting and informative article…and for the memories!
Sweet Loretta, thanks for sharing the memories.
I still have and use the one given to me when I was a little girl. These vanity trays and their predecessor, the platform mirror, make wonderful displays! Thank you for the article 🙂
Love those raised beveled edge platform mirrors…so beautiful and more rare.
Good to know! Thanks for the information!
Your are welcome Linda!
What beautiful pieces. Thank you for sharing the information about how to properly clean them in this excellent article.
thanks Simone, like most things not difficult to do but take time. Restoring, collecting and selling authentic vintage is a labor of love.
Thanks for the posting. I have a few of these and they are always better when cleaned!
I have been taking apart artwork and cleaning the glass and frames and adding new cardboard backing and paper backing. Just bought a gun to apply the metal glaze staples. It will pay off in the end, framers charge a lot for the service.