Verre Églomisé - Glass Gilding
At the heart of our craft lies a blend of traditional glass gilding and contemporary production. Bondar Studios is a London-based decorative glass studio specialising in bespoke verre églomisé, antique mirrors, chemical silvering and gilded glass panels for luxury interiors, hospitality, retail and private residential projects worldwide. We work on projects of all scales, from custom feature pieces to large architectural installations.
Our verre églomisé panels combine precious metal leaf, specialist coatings and hand-applied decorative techniques to create durable, characterful glass surfaces. We offer a wide range of finishes, patterns and levels of ageing, working closely with designers, architects and contractors to develop samples and deliver consistent results across large quantities.
What is Verre Églomisé?
Verre Églomisé, a term synonymous with bespoke elegance, refers to the exquisite art of gilding glass with precious metals to create mirrors that are not just reflective surfaces, but pieces of art. Our mirrors, commonly adorned with silver leaf, can also be embellished with the luxurious touch of 24ct gold leaf, the serene beauty of 22ct moon gold, or the warm tones of 19ct caplain. The characteristic grid-like pattern is not only visually striking but also a testament to the skillful process of creation. To cater to a variety of tastes, our mirrors can be custom-distressed for an antique appearance or enhanced with hand-painted elements such as ornamental designs, adding a layer of customization and charm.
Glass gilding and decorative surfaces
We work directly with glass, combining traditional verre églomisé techniques with contemporary processes to create detailed and unusual surfaces.
Our work includes sand-carved glass, etched textures, hand-painted decoration, screen printing, and gilded or silvered glass finishes, including gold leaf and silver leaf applied to glass. These can be layered to produce decorative glass panels with depth, variation, and character.
We can work from historic references, existing patterns, or develop bespoke designs to suit each project, including traditional motifs such as chinoiserie, damask, and ornamental patterns, as well as more contemporary compositions.
Alongside the glass itself, we also design layouts and decorative elements so everything feels cohesive.
Sampling, bespoke pieces, and large scale production
We support designers and architects with everything from single bespoke elements to large architectural installations. All work is produced by hand in our London studio, combining repeatable finishes with the character and detail of traditional craftsmanship.
Verre Églomisé FAQ
Is verre églomisé the same as antique mirror?
No. They are different decorative glass finishes and they are made in different ways.
Verre églomisé is a leaf finish applied by hand to the reverse side of the glass. Each individual sheet of leaf is laid onto the glass piece by piece. There are many different finishes available, but most are based on two traditional techniques: water gilding and oil gilding.
Water gilding creates a bright, mirror-like finish behind the glass, while oil gilding creates a softer, more matte effect. These techniques can also be combined with distressing, colour, hand-painted details or backing tones to create a completely bespoke finish.
Antique mirror is made using a traditional process called chemical silvering. Real silver is mixed with chemicals and poured onto the glass, causing the silver to deposit onto the surface. This creates a true mirror layer, which can then be aged, distressed or softened to imitate an old mirror.
So in simple terms: Verre églomisé is hand-applied metal leaf behind glass. Antique mirror is chemically silvered glass that is aged down to create an old mirror effect.
Where can verre églomisé be used?
Verre églomisé can be used for feature walls, bar fronts, restaurant interiors, hotel lobbies, lift areas, joinery panels, cabinet doors, screens, mirrors, signage, retail interiors and private residential projects. It works especially well where a space needs a luxury decorative glass finish with reflection, texture and depth.
Can you match a specific colour, finish or sample?
Yes, most of our verre églomisé finishes are custom made. We can work from reference images, existing samples, interior schemes, metal finishes, paint colours or design drawings. In many cases, we can create a bespoke sample first so the tone, distressing, reflection and backing colour can be reviewed before the full order is produced.
What panel sizes can you make?
Our largest in-house glass panels are 3210mm x 1550mm, but this is only the maximum sheet size we can work with. Many projects are made from smaller panels or standard tile sizes, depending on the design, access, installation method and overall layout.
For larger walls, we usually split the surface into multiple panels. This often gives a better result visually and makes transport and installation much safer.
What glass thickness do you use?
We usually use 4mm to 6mm glass for verre églomisé panels.
For smaller panels, 4mm glass is often suitable. For anything larger than around 1500mm x 1500mm, we normally advise using at least 6mm glass for extra strength and stability.
The final thickness can depend on the panel size, installation method, location and design requirements.
What information should I provide when ordering?
If you already have measurements, drawings or a panel layout, that is very helpful. Many clients come to us with approximate sizes, elevation drawings, or a surface already divided into multiple panels.
If you do not have exact measurements yet, we can also arrange a site survey.
It is useful for us to know:
the overall size of the area
whether the surface is flat, curved, joinery, wall-mounted or framed
where the panels will be installed
whether the project is domestic, commercial or hospitality
any access issues or site conditions
the finish, colour, leaf type or style you are aiming for
whether installation is required
The more information we have at the beginning, the easier it is to advise on the best panel sizes, layout and finish.
Do you offer installation?
Yes, we can offer installation as part of the project.
Depending on the site and the type of panel, verre églomisé glass can usually be fixed with mirror adhesive, mirror clips, or set into joinery or frames.
We also offer a supply-only service if your own contractor, joiner or installer is fitting the panels.
How much does verre églomisé cost?
Every project is custom made, so pricing depends on the size, panel layout, glass type, leaf type, level of distressing, design complexity and installation requirements.
The price of silver and gold leaf also changes with the market, so final pricing is always confirmed with a quotation.
As a rough guide:
Silver leaf verre églomisé starts from around £750 per sqm.
Moon gold, champagne gold and real gold leaf finishes start from around £1,650 per sqm.
Hand-painted, patterned, sandblasted or more complex decorative finishes are priced individually, as they are completely bespoke.
Can you make custom finishes?
Yes. Most of our verre églomisé work is made to order.
We can create clean mirror-like gilded finishes, soft cloudy effects, distressed antique surfaces, hand-painted details, patterned backgrounds, sandblasted decoration and more unusual bespoke finishes.
Samples can also be made when a project needs a specific colour, tone or surface effect.
Do you work internationally?
Yes, Bondar Studios works with clients worldwide.
We create bespoke verre églomisé panels, antique mirrors, gilded glass and decorative glass finishes for luxury interiors, hotels, restaurants, private residences, retail spaces and commercial projects around the world.
Depending on the project, we can offer worldwide supply, international shipping, and on-site installation. We can also work closely with interior designers, architects, contractors, joiners and local installation teams to make sure the panels are produced and fitted correctly.
For international verre églomisé projects, we usually discuss the panel sizes, site conditions, access, installation method, packing, shipping and any local requirements at an early stage. This helps us plan the project properly and make sure the finished glass is suitable for the location.
