Design by the Details: Eglomise

1. A Panel by Jean Dunand 2.Bow-front Chest 3.Art Deco Screen 4.Lamp 5.Mirror

Pronounce: A-glo-mees-A (hard "A" sounds)

What: Back-painted glass so design show through on front using gold- & silver-leaf.

History: There is a long tradition of this technique in Italy, examples as far back as pre-Roman times.  It was revived in Italy in the 13th century and then again by Jean-Baptiste Glomy, a French art dealer and decorator to which the technique received it's name.


Use: Used to gussy-up furniture, mirrors, frames, and other decorative objects.  Since it is made with gold & silver-leaf it is not inexpensive. But it adds dimension and layers to an object that nothing else can. Great for adding a bit of glam to a space or introducing furniture that is not visually heavy.  Light bounces around and is softer than plain mirror or glass.

Eglomise mirror featured in Michelle Smith home.

Miriam Ellner Eglomise Entry

Celerie Kemble Kips Bay Showhouse 2011 featuring eglomise ceiling by Miriam Ellner.

Geoffrey Bradfield designed home in Palm Beach with intricate eglomise bedside table.

Eglomise closet doors by Darren Henault

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Learn more of Design by the Details:

Cloisonne | Chintz | Faux Bois | Tree of Life | Passementerie

I'd love to hear from you in the comments below if this elegant technique could find a place in your home.