Where should I place a pier table?

These tables belong against a flat wall in a hallway, drawing room, or beneath a large mirror where their decorative form can be appreciated without obstructing heavy traffic. Because their depths are generally shallow compared to dining tables, they fit comfortably in narrow spaces while providing a surface for lamps or ornaments.

Can I use it as a serving table?

Many examples listed under this category share forms with serving tables and console tables, making them suitable for displaying dishes or drinks during gatherings. However, consider the delicacy of inlaid surfaces or marble tops when planning heavy daily usage in active dining spaces.

How do I identify a Georgian pier table?

Georgian pieces typically exhibit restrained classical proportions, solid mahogany construction, and understated carved details such as paterae or fluted legs. Later revival pieces from the twentieth century often adopt these eighteenth-century motifs but can be identified through timber preparation and secondary woods.

Are marble top tables original?

Many period console tables were manufactured specifically to carry heavy marble slabs, acting as solid stone surfaces for decorative objects. Checking the rebate in the timber frame helps determine whether the stone sits correctly within the original design parameters of the cabinet maker.