What is a pier glass?

A pier glass is a tall mirror specifically proportioned to hang on the wall space between windows. These mirrors reflect natural light deeper into period rooms. Over time, the term also came to describe tall, narrow cabinets placed beneath or near these wall spaces.

How do I tell an 18th century mirror from a later copy?

Eighteenth-century mirrors typically exhibit hand-cut fretwork, older mirror plates with slight distortion or foxing, and construction using period pine or oak secondary woods. Later revival pieces from the Victorian and Edwardian eras often use machine precision and newer glass. Examining the backboards, fixings, and timber shrinkage helps clarify the actual period of manufacture.

Where should I place a walnut pier glass?

These pieces suit narrow wall spaces, hallways, or narrow expanses between doorways where wider furniture does not fit. Wall-hung versions benefit from natural light sources. Cabinet versions work well in sitting rooms to display small collections behind glass doors.

Burr walnut is a timber veneer sourced from the deformed growths on walnut trees. It creates complex, swirling grain patterns full of small knots. Cabinet makers used these dramatic veneers on prominent surfaces like door fronts and tabletops.

Home > Walnut Pier Glass > Page 7

Walnut Pier Glass

102 items · page 7 of 7

← Page 7 of 7 →

A walnut pier glass brings warm timber tones and reflected light into a room, spanning wall mirrors and glazed display cabinets from Georgian to Victorian eras.