Sunburst mirrors are one of my favorite decorative accents. I have one hung proudly over my mantle and it is one of my most adored pieces. Above is a picture of my beloved sunburst.
The sunburst has been used as a decorative motif for hundreds of years. According to an article from House Beautiful, “Some have speculated that Louis XIV of France, The Sun King, whose 72-year reign is the longest of any European monarch, invented the sunburst mirror. This seems logical, given the King’s love of the sun motif and mirrors—seen most dramatically in the celebrated Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. The King used the head of Apollo surrounded by rays of light as his personal logo. During his reign, many pieces of furniture and architectural elements were adorned with this motif. Certainly, the Sun King’s style inspired artisans throughout Europe and helped make the sunburst mirror popular.”
Here is the entire fascinating article from House Beautiful:
https://www.housebeautiful.com/shopping/a33926563/sunburst-mirror/
Sunburst mirrors have remained extremely popular throughout history and can be found at many price points. I would love to obtain a rare antique sunburst mirror but that is nowhere in my budget. That is why I began searching for unique finds under $150. I searched for small, unique details to differentiate the mirror from the norm. I also looked for larger sizes that make more of an impact over beds, sofas, buffets, and mantels. I hunted for mirrors that looked the most like the higher-end, or rare antique finds yet at a budget of under $150. Here are my top 8 unique favorite sunburst mirror finds:
This gorgeous sunburst from Amazon is probably one of my favorites because it truly favors an antique sunburst. The many varying-size rays resemble the older styles. The beautiful patina gold finishes the look. It is a perfect size of 35.5″L x 35.5″W. I would love to see this mirror over a fireplace in a study or living room setting.
Glamorous is the best word to describe this piece. It seems to truly “burst” out with the varying depths and differentiating lengths of the rays. The charming detail around the mirror completes the glam look. This mirror would be stunning in a dining room setting.
This sunburst mirror from Walmart is stunning, especially for the price point. The thick rays with a variation of gold color give the mirror depth and a delightful high-end appearance. The charming detail around the mirror adds to the appeal. I would love to see this piece over a mantel or in the dining room.
Zola carries this sleek mirror for a low cost of $140. It is the perfect dimension of 35′ x 36′. The glamorous triple cord detail around the mirror is stunning. The mirror would look phenomenal in a foyer or living room. It is light, airy and sophisticated.
I love the details and size of this Safavieh Home Naya Gold Sunburst 36-inch mirror from Amazon. I love the variation in sizes and depth of the rays. This would be a perfect piece in a foyer or over the bed.
Wayfair’s modern starburst mirror doesn’t have a true antique look but is a fun, modern twist to traditional sunburst. It is the perfect size at 36″ for any room. This piece would be wonderful in any modern space or room.
I love that this mirror still has that antiqued look but with some flair. I like the slight twisted movement in the rays and the mass of the rays combined. It is a few inches smaller with a diameter of 33″ but would still make a fabulous piece over a mantle or in any grouping.
This is my only choice of a smaller sunburst mirror. I chose it because the finish is so magnificent and the shape is incredibly unique. The single beautiful cording around the mirror is stunning. This mirror would be wonderful above a grand painting or as an accent in a small room. The mirror was designed by the great Suzanne Kassler.
Webster defines sunburst as “a burst of sunlight; a sudden shining of the sun through rifted clouds”. What a great description! The sunburst mirror truly fills like a burst of sunshine in one’s home. It is a great addition to any room and space. I hope you enjoyed my top eight selections for under $150.