Where should a pier table go?

These tables are traditionally placed against a flat wall section between two windows, frequently beneath a matching wall mirror. Their shallow depth allows them to sit neatly in hallways or reception rooms without obstructing walkways. Because many examples feature finished backs intended for wall placement, they anchor decorative displays of lamps or porcelain effectively.

Can these tables hold heavy items?

The thick marble slabs fitted to many examples provide a sturdy, weight-bearing surface suitable for heavy lamps and decorative bronze figures. The solid wooden frames underneath support the stone without bending. Care should be taken to ensure the table stands level on uneven floors to distribute the substantial weight of the marble evenly across the legs.

How do I identify a revival piece?

Revival furniture draws upon earlier historical motifs, particularly the eighteenth century Louis XV style, while utilising nineteenth century manufacturing techniques and timber preparation. Look for the combination of nineteenth century secondary woods beneath gilt or walnut surfaces. Makers of this era reinterpreted asymmetrical cartouches and C-scrolls with a distinct Victorian or continental nineteenth century heaviness.

How do I care for giltwood?

Giltwood surfaces require gentle dusting with a soft, dry brush to avoid disturbing the delicate gold leaf applied over gesso. Moisture and harsh cleaning agents can strip the metallic finish from the wooden substrate. Keeping these tables away from direct sunlight and strong heat sources protects the underlying gesso from cracking over time.