This page lists some of our more frequently asked questions. Please feel free to contact us at info@uttermost.com if your question is not listed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the name Uttermost come from?
It comes from the Bible, Acts 1:8. This verse talks about taking the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth. Our business philosophy is similar in that we are selling our products all over the world.
Do you sell direct to consumers?
No. We only sell Uttermost product through reputable home furnishings retailers. You are encouraged to use the Retailer Locater on this website.
Are all of your items shown on this website?
Almost all are. Our product line changes very fast to keep it as fresh and up-to-date as possible, so most likely some of our newest items aren’t shown here yet but will be within a few weeks of development.
How quickly can I get one of your products?
Uttermost dealers typically have a nice selection of our products in stock for immediate purchase. If they don’t have exactly what you want, these dealers can typically get any Uttermost item shown on this website from our factory in Virginia within 4 weeks.
I already have some of your mirrors. Do your lamps coordinate with your mirrors?
In many cases, yes. While our mirrors and lamps don’t “match”, most do have complimentary items that share finishes and design motifs. See your local dealer for assistance.
Are Uttermost lamps hand finished?
Yes. We take great pride in the depth and character of our finishes. Our finishes are typically hand leafed in gold or silver, with layers of stains and glazes hand applied on top.
What are your lamp bases made of?
Typically, they are constructed of wrought iron, hammered steel, cast aluminum, cast brass, or cast resin. The iron and steel is hand forged, while the cast materials are molded from an original hand carved original. The resin material is a very dense material that has the weight of hardwood, yet is much more durable.
Are all lamps UL and CSA approved?
Absolutely. All lamps are individually tested and approved to meet the most stringent guidelines in the U.S. and Canada.
How do I know what wattage bulb I can use?
This information is given by item in our catalogs and website, and it’s also on each lamp socket.
How do I clean my lamp?
Both the base and shade can be cleaned or dusted with a clean, dry cloth. We do not recommend any cleaning solution.
Do your clocks need batteries?
Yes, almost all clocks use one AA battery, which is not included with the clock. The battery can easily be replaced when needed. All clocks are guaranteed quartz movements.
How do I choose between art or a mirror for my foyer?
It depends on what you want to accomplish. Art adds color, warmth, and personality to your home. Mirrors enlarge and open up a room, are handy to have for that last glance before a night on the town, and can make a powerful fashion statement.
I want to place a large mirror in our foyer, but how can I hang it securely?
This is not a problem if you have the right hanging hardware and a hammer. The best hanging hardware for most walls is the J-hook. It is designed to keep the nail that goes into the wall at a sharp angle, so that even in drywall, it will stay in place. It is important that the J-hook be properly weighted for the item you want to hang. On all Uttermost products, we include the proper J-hook and nails to make sure you have exactly the hardware you need for hanging each piece.
No matter how hard I try, I can’t hang my mirrors and pictures level on the first try. Any secrets?
Not really. The most common way to hang is to hold the mirror or picture against the wall where you want it to be, have someone else step back and level the item from sight, and then mark the wall with a pencil where the hangers should be. A level can be used to make sure the item is perfectly straight before the wall is marked. On the largest Uttermost mirrors, we provide a self-leveling adjustable J-hook. With this hardware, even if the item is slightly uneven, the hangers can be adjusted without moving the nails from the wall.
What is the best way to clean my mirrors?
Mirrors or glass can be cleaned with any glass cleaner on the market and a clean cloth or paper towel. For cleaning or dusting a frame, only use a clean dry cloth. We do not recommend any cleaning solution be used on the frame.
Will the humidity and changing temperatures of a bathroom damage a mirror or picture frame?
No. Good quality frame finishes are sealed with multiple coats of sealer or lacquer to withstand normal usage in a bathroom. All Uttermost frames are suitable for this type of use.
I have a mirror that has black spots. Will it continue to corrode?
Probably. Older mirrors and mirrors not properly protected on the back tend to corrode over time as they are exposed to the natural elements of pollution, salt in the air, temperature and moisture changes, etc. Uttermost mirrors however, feature the latest technology to seal the mirror backs from all the natural elements. You should see no deterioration of our mirrors.
What is the difference between a carved wood mirror frame and a moulded polyurethane frame?
Mostly the price. With today’s technology, a solid core polyurethane frame feels and looks like wood. It lasts just as long as wood and takes a finish just like wood. Most Uttermost frames are wood except for the more ornate frames which would have to be hand carved if in wood. On these ornate frames, we use the latest technology in making our polyurethane frames as well as the richest hand finishes possible. The other type of frame construction we use frequently is metal, either wrought iron or hand forged steel.
Your frame finishes seem to have layers of color rather than just one color, why is this?
We take great pride in our complex, layered finishes. Uttermost finishes typically have a base coat of one or more colors, hand-laid silver or gold leaf, and then a series of stains, glazes, and hand distressing steps. This gives our frames a warm, rich feel, much like that favorite, old leather chair.
Framed mirrors really vary in price. Why is this?
There are many obvious reasons, but one less obvious reason is the frame finish. Frames can be finished very inexpensively with sprays, paper-wraps, and foil-wraps, but the more attractive finishes have numerous steps including hand-laid metal leaf and hand-antiquing. This gives a richer, deeper metallic finish like the Old World finishes of the past.
Does the bevel on a mirror add much to the cost?
It depends. Straight bevels are cut and polished on an automatic conveyer line at a modest cost. Shaped bevels on the other hand, require much more labor because they are cut and polished one at a time by hand. The wider the bevel, the more costly it is to produce. Uttermost mirror bevels are wider than most, typically 1 1/4" wide.
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