What Is a Pier Glass?

Basics

• A pier glass is simply a mirror that is sandwiched between two piers. A pier is like an arch designed to support heavy structures or the area between two windows. Old-fashioned pier glasses, or "pier mirrors," were typically tall and would be placed in the area between two windows.

Placement

• Pier mirrors would typically be placed in two places: Tall pier mirrors would sit between windows in homes, palaces, or other buildings. Other types would hang above "pier tables" -- accent tables that occupied the space between windows. They may also be referred to as "console mirrors."

Timeline

• Pier glasses have fallen out of general usage but were a staple of the Victorian era. The term was first recognized in 1703. Pier glasses could be found adorning the long galleries of many 18th and 19th century homes, particularly those of the wealthy who could afford them.

Designs

• Many pier glasses were framed with bronze, gold, copper or other metals. The frames would often have ornate designs. The piers may resemble Roman or classical arches, while the top of the mirror would feature designs as well. Pier glasses often come with a pier table. They can still be purchased from antique dealers.