The pilasters form the two enclosing edges of a traditional shopfront, providing a visual closure to the frontage. Their detailing varies but for timber shopfronts they are typically decorated with reeded panels or elegant recessed/embossed panels. Pilasters can also be provided in a variety of other materials including marble, stone, render and brick.

Pilasters are comprised of the footing at the base, the main column and a capital to terminate at the top or a decorative bracket where the pilasters are designed to support the fascia rather than enclose it.

Pilasters have often been removed where the enlargement of the shop window has occurred (usually in combination with the removal of the stall riser). Pilasters can also often suffer from wear and tear, particularly at ground level, which may lead to their removal. A regular programme of repair and maintenance should ensure their longevity. Removal of this element of the shopfront can have a significantly detrimental effect on the overall appearance.

New shopfronts are not considered appropriate without pilasters or associated capitals and/or brackets and where they are incorporated they should maintain a traditional fluted / reeded / panelled appearance, together with a footing and a capital / bracket. Poor quality modern materials such as plywood should be avoided.