Vintage Pier Mirrors

Real talk - if your Realtor® doesn’t stop to selfie in the vintage pier mirror, do they even get it ?!

I learned recently that not everyone knows the story behind the pier mirror. So, for starters, we call it that because originally they were made of pier glass. Pier glass grew in popularity between 1840 and the late 1880s (it had become more affordable to make these large mirror - and c’mon who doesn’t want a huge mirror?!) 

Initially, they were designed to fill the wall space between two windows to thoughtfully reflect light and bounce it within a dark room - like the parlor or dinning room where one might entertain into the darker evening hours. Many antique designs include decorative candelabra platforms meant for holding candles and aiding as a light source. Reminder: electricity was not commonplace yet! But, as advancements in electricity progressed, the pier mirror seemed to stay in the home and adopted its usage through the decade. Some times seen hanging above a console table —or pier tables — or simply kept as an impressive statement piece!

I mostly find antique pier mirrors in the stairways of turn of the century multi-unit homes — or as we say in Chicago, two and three-flats! Strategically placed in the stairways and perched atop the landing of each floor. Meant to help guide residents up the stairs while reflecting light in the most practical sense.

Finding an antique pier mirror in a home can help shed light on the true age of the property. This mirror in particular dates back to approximately 1898 and was found on Crystal Street, just East of Humboldt Park.