Where should I place a pier table?

These tables find their traditional home against the wall space situated between two tall windows, often beneath a matching wall mirror. Their shallow depth allows them to sit comfortably in narrow hallways or drawing rooms without obstructing movement. Modern interiors often use them as focal points in entrance halls or living spaces to display decorative objects or lamps. The inclusion of a flat marble or timber top provides a practical surface while maintaining a slender profile.

Are marble tops original to these tables?

Many console and pier tables were designed specifically to carry heavy marble slabs, particularly those originating from French Empire and Regency workshops. Carrara and other fine stones provide a durable and cool surface that contrasts with the timber frame. Inspect the underside of the top and the supporting rails to see how the stone rests within the structure. Original marble usually shows appropriate signs of age and fits the rebate of the frame precisely.

What is the difference between a pier table and a console table?

A pier table is strictly designed to stand against the pier, which is the solid wall space between two windows. A console table is a broader category that includes tables fixed to a wall with brackets or resting on front legs. In practice, historical cabinetmakers used the terms interchangeably as console forms evolved to suit pier spaces during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Both types prioritize a flat front and a shallow depth to hug the wall.