Of course. Finding a refurbished mirror in Edinburgh is a fantastic idea, combining unique character with sustainability. The city is full of great places to look, from dedicated architectural salvage yards to charity shops that often hold hidden gems.

Here is a comprehensive guide to finding a refurbished mirror in Edinburgh, broken down by the type of place to look.

1. Architectural Salvage & Reclamation Yards (Best for Character)

These are your best bet for larger, more statement pieces with genuine age and history. Mirrors here might need a clean or could be already beautifully restored, but they will have the most character.

• Adamson & Low Ltd: A Edinburgh institution. They are a top-tier architectural salvage company with a constantly changing stock. You’ll find everything from large giltwood overmantel mirrors to simpler Victorian pier glasses. Prices can be high, but the quality and authenticity are guaranteed.

  • Location: 6 W Crosscauseway, Edinburgh EH8 9JP

  • Tip: Even if you don’t buy, it’s worth a visit just to browse their incredible collection of doors, fireplaces, and stained glass.

• The Reclaimery: Focuses on beautiful, curated salvaged items. They often have a selection of mirrors, from rustic to more elegant styles, and sometimes they will have already given them a light refurbishment.

  • Location: 20-22 Causewayside, Edinburgh EH9 1PY

• Ramsay’s Reclaimed: Located just outside Edinburgh in Bonnyrigg, this is a huge warehouse packed with salvage. It’s less curated than Adamson & Low, so you’ll need to dig a bit more, but you can find real bargains and unusual pieces.

  • Location: 80-82 High St, Bonnyrigg EH19 2AE

2. Antique Shops & Centres (Best for Ready-to-Hang Pieces)

Antique shops often sell items that have already been cleaned, polished, and are ready to go. You’ll pay for that service, but it saves you the work. Edinburgh has a high concentration of these shops on the Southside and in stock-brick lanes like St. Stephen Street.

• Great Western Antique Centre: A large centre with multiple dealers under one roof. This is a great place to look as there’s a huge variety of stock, including many mirrors of different styles, sizes, and prices.

  • Location: 32-38 W Coates, Edinburgh EH12 5LT

• Stockbridge and St. Stephen Street: Spend an afternoon browsing the numerous small antique and vintage shops in this area. You’ll find a mix of higher-end and more affordable pieces.

• Cobwebs Antiques (on Raeburn Place in Stockbridge) and The Old Town Antiques (on St. Stephen Street) are good starting points.

3. Charity Shops (Best for Bargains & Hidden Gems)

This is where you might find a real diamond in the rough. You’ll need patience and to visit regularly, but the prices will be much lower. Mirrors here will likely need proper cleaning and perhaps a new backing or wire.

• The Bethany Christian Trust Shop (on Morningside Road): Morningside is famous for its charity shops, and this is one of the best. They often get high-quality donations.

• The British Heart Foundation Furniture & Electrical Store (Dalry Road): This is a specific furniture store, not just a clothing charity shop. It’s a prime spot for finding large mirrors, often with interesting frames.

• Stockbridge and Bruntsfield: These affluent areas also have excellent charity shops where high-quality items are often donated.

Pro Tip for Charity Shops: Don’t be put off by a dirty glass or an ugly frame. The glass can be cleaned with vinegar or proper glass cleaner, and a wooden frame can be easily repainted or stripped and waxed.

4. Online Marketplaces (Largest Selection)

Don’t forget to search online for local pick-ups. This combines the convenience of online shopping with the “hunt” for a second-hand item.

• Facebook Marketplace: Arguably the best platform for this. Use search terms like “vintage mirror Edinburgh”, “antique mirror”, “old mirror”, “pier mirror”, “gilt mirror”. You can set your location to Edinburgh and filter for local items.

• Gumtree: Similar to Facebook Marketplace. Check both the “For Sale” and “Antiques” categories.

• eBay: Use the search filters to show only items located within a certain distance (e.g., 10 miles) of Edinburgh so you can collect them.

What to Look For & Tips:

• Check the Glass: Look for dark spots or a flaky backing (known as “foxing”) which is a sign of age and moisture damage. Some people love this patina, others don’t. Deep scratches cannot be easily fixed.

• Inspect the Frame: Is it sturdy? Are the joints tight? Loose joints can be reglued, but major structural repairs are best left to experts.

• Negotiate: In reclamation yards, antique centres, and even some charity shops, there is often room for negotiation, especially on items that have been in stock for a while.

• Think About Style: Is it a rustic, farmhouse-style mirror? An ornate gilt Baroque revival piece? An elegant Art Deco design? Have a rough idea of what would suit your space before you go hunting.

Enjoy the hunt! Finding a refurbished mirror is not just about buying an object; it’s about finding a piece with a past and giving it a new home.